The Different Kinds of Candle Making Wax

Today, with the growing popularity of candle making, candle making wax has made strides to become better, more available, and with more diversity than before. Changes have been made to candle making wax, in order to keep up with the changing demands of people.

Most of the wax used in candles today is refined from petroleum like paraffin wax. This is the type of candle making wax that is in most candles. Paraffin wax is readily available and inexpensive. Other types of waxes are natural and refined from vegetable or plant materials like soy, palm, or bayberry.

Soy based wax is a popular natural candle making wax. It is processed by hydrogenating soybeans which makes them suitable for candles. Soy wax is a renewable resource that is eco-friendly. The states of Illinois, Iowa and Indiana in the United States are the major producers of soybeans and hence, it is a positive aspect.

Another renewable resource for candle making wax and a byproduct of nature is palm wax. Unfortunately with the growing popularity of palm wax, countries like Indonesia and Malaysia are clearing out vast areas of rainforest in order to plant palm plantations. This is devastating to ecosystems and compromises the populations of endangered animals like orangutans, rhinoceroses and the Sumatran tiger.

Thankfully, the WWF (World Wide Fund for Nature) stepped in and founded RSPO. Developing and defining sustainable palm cultivation is the major objective of this organization. They assist in implementing and verifying the procedures for member organizations as well. Make sure, that the palm candle making wax you purchase is eco-friendly.

Animal based materials like bees wax are used for making some candles. In the past, candles made out of beeswax, palm and bayberry were offered by companies. Making candles out of natural products is gaining popularity recently. Beeswax is one of the more popular natural candle making waxes. It is offered in white and yellow. Because of its flavor, burning characteristics and rigidity, candle makers are finding it more attractive, although it can be expensive.

A new way of making candles are gel candles. There are three different densities in which gel candle making wax available. The amount of fragrance to be used and the type of the candle decides the density of the gel.

For a fragrance load of 0-3%, low density gel wax is preferable. Even at a lower temperature, the low density wax can be used. The medium density gel wax works well with candles that have a 3-5% fragrance load. It is probably the most popular gel candle making wax to work with. If the fragrance load is heavy, high density gel wax can be used.

Candle makers have plenty of different choices for candle making wax. When a candle maker is able to understand each kind of wax, they are able to fully experience every inch of the candle making market and get double, triple or even quadruple the fulfillment.