How to Color Paraffin Wax

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Things You'll Need

  • Can

  • Wax melter

  • Candy thermometer

  • Dye (color blocks, color buttons, liquid dye or pigment dye)

  • Paraffin wax

  • Old spoon or wooden dowel for stirring

Image Credit: Visage/Stockbyte/Getty Images

Due to the large number of colors available and the different methods of coloring, it takes some time and practice to learn how to attain your desired color when coloring wax. Candlemaking is a popular way to use colored wax, and paraffin wax is the most widely used material for candlemaking. If you are using paraffin wax for candlemaking or any other craft projects, a bit of experimentation will allow you to choose the coloring methold with which you're the most comfortable.

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Step 1

Choose the type of dye with which you will work. Color blocks, color buttons, liquid dyes and pigment dyes are used for coloring wax. If you are a beginner, colored buttons are a good choice, as they do not require much measuring when coloring paraffin wax. More experienced crafters may choose to use liquid dye instead.

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Step 2

Determine how much wax you would like to color, as the amount of paraffin wax and the desired shade will determine the amount of color dye you will need. For example, one color button can color about 15-20 lbs. of wax, while one color block is recommended to color 20 lbs. of wax to a medium shade.

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Step 3

Melt your paraffin wax using a melter or pan specifically used for melting wax. Bring the temperature of the wax to between 160 and 180 degrees F, using a candy thermometer to measure the temperature of the wax.

Step 4

Place a can in a saucepan of boiling water, then put the color dye in the can to melt. If you're using a color block or color button, start with a small piece to control the color. It is better for your wax to be too light initially, as you can melt and add more dye to the wax. If it is too dark, you will not be able to make the color lighter.

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Step 5

Stir the dye into the wax completely, watching for any small chips or specks of dye in the paraffin wax.

Step 6

Add more dye if necessary to reach the desired shade you are looking for.

Tip

Keep in mind that when your wax dries, oftentimes the color will be slightly lighter than the color of the melted wax. If making candles, pour the wax while it is still hot into your mold(s) to allow the wax to cool.

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