Candle Ingredients Part 2
In Candle ingredients Part I we described the absolutely basic 2 elements of a candle: wax and wick.
So let’s add now the next 2 elements: color and scent.
Soon after making your first set of candles, you will notice that white candles are pretty boring and why should you limit yourself to making white candles only?
Dyes for candle making come in a wide variety of forms: powders, flakes, chips and liquids. And almost by definition, you can find them in just about any color you want. Of course you can blend colors to generate even more beautiful shades only limited by your creativity and imagination.
Here are some tips about handling dyes.
You should handle all dyes very carefully as most things that come in contact with even minute amounts of dyes may become permanently stained (think clothing for example). Read all pertaining and available instructions and advices for both safety and staining.
Don’t use too much of the dye. It will not improve the appearance of your candles and it can actually negatively affect the burning quality of your candles.
Most dyes have a delicate and sensitive chemical composition. Be careful not to overheat the dye when mixing it with the hot wax, as it can cause discoloration. Sometimes the discoloration will only show up after some days.
in addition to the color, fragrances can have a special effect on you as well as others. Nothing smells sweeter than the scent of a candle. Once a candle has filled the room with that special fragrance, it changes the entire atmosphere of the room and of your own mood as well.
Candle fragrances come in several forms: perfume chips, natural herbs and liquids. There is and infinite assortment of fragrances you can choose from. Liquid scents are stronger and will last longer, but are somewhat more difficult to handle and dose properly.
Again as for the dye, don’t add too much scent. This is a classical newbie mistake. This may cause mottling or pitting to the wax. Also to keep evaporation to the minimum, add your scent the last minute when ready to pour the melted wax.
