Candles have been the primary source of light from the ancient times and even today after all the technological advancements in electricity, when power goes off we turn to candles for light. When Joseph Morgan invented mass-production candle making machines in 1834, the time required to create these reduced along with the labour involved. The process of candle making became easier which also resulted in its reduction of cost for consumers. This helped the common people the most as they didn’t have to spend a lot of money to buy candles, which was a basic necessity back then.
You can create simple candles using gel wax or palm wax but to create decorative candles you have to use beeswax and paraffin wax. If you want to use embellishments for decorating your candle you can use non-burning wax.
People tend to mix a variety of waxes while the candle making process to create mid-range candles. These candles are aromatic as Burberry wax is used in their creation. Most of the wax, however, used in these types of candle making contain high quantities of beeswax or paraffin wax.
The material used in the creation wick is also an important part of candle making as without a wick, you cannot burn a candle. A high-quality cotton or linen should be used to create a wick. This keeps the candle lit for a longer time than usual as the wick won’t burn fast. Also, the brightness of a candle depends on the quality of the wick used during the candle making process.
Apart from wicks, other candle making raw materials have been changing since the creation of the first candle. There was a time when animal skin was used and then paraffin wax came into existence.
Types of Candle Making Waxes
There are many kinds of candle making waxes used today. These different kinds of waxes are used in the creation of various kinds of candles. For example, gel wax is used to make pillar candles. These types of candles are container-based and very easy to use.
Here are various kinds of candle making waxes used:
1. Palm Wax in Candle Making Max
Palm wax is considered very unique and it can be found only in and around Brazil. Due to its place of production, it is also called Brazil wax and Carnauba wax. It is extracted from the leaves of the Carnauba palm. The oil extracted from these leaves is then turned into wax. Palm wax is brittle and firm. It is best for creating pillar and votive structures.
2. Paraffin Wax
It is one of the most common and versatile types of waxes used today. It is a by-product of crude oil and is used in the creation of commercial candles. These commercial candles can be found at stores near your home. The melting point of paraffin wax is between 110 degrees F to 150 degrees F due to which it also burns amazingly well. You can find candles made using this wax in the shape of colourless slabs and blocks.
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3. Beeswax
Beeswax is one of the oldest waxes used in the candle making process and therefore it is the most expensive type of wax. It is because it is a by-product of the honey-making process by real bees. This makes beeswax one of the purest and natural types of waxes used in the candle making process. The process from extraction to obtaining final beeswax is long. After the extraction of beeswax from the beehive, it is melted many times to get pure wax.
The final product of beeswax to use in candle making can be found in various forms like blocks, slabs and pre-rolled sheets among others. This wax is expensive but is used a lot for its natural scent and has the ability to burn slowly.
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4. Tallow Wax
This is an age-old and soft wax which was used many centuries ago. This wax is extracted from the fat of various kinds of animals like cows, pigs and sheep. The odour of a tallow wax is not very pleasant because of which these candles are used for closed containers.
5. Soy Wax
Soya bean oil is used in the creation of soy wax. Some people also use different kinds of vegetable oils to create wax using them and then candles are made. Candles made using soy wax are natural candles and because of that, soy wax candles are a good substitute for beeswax and paraffin wax. While making candles using soy wax, they shrink very little and are not very expensive, which is a good sign for candle makers and buyers.
6. Gel Wax
It is a mixture of resins and mineral oil. Gel wax is used to make transparent candles which look beautiful as you can add various embellishments and customise them. The material is not really considered to be a wax but candles made using gel wax look elegant. This is the only reason why people use gel wax in candle making.
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Now that you have a clear idea about candle making you can also create customised candles for yourself from your home. You can join our Home Decor Course and learn these techniques easily from home. You will be certified by the Govt. of India and Hunar Online. It has easy video classes which are accessible every time and you can learn from anywhere. You also get 24/7 faculty support which will help you clear your doubts.
So, what are you waiting for? Join Hunar Online Courses and start paving a new path to your career.
