| To get started with creating your own great candles, | | | | of oil. So instead of throwing away a component of |
| there are at least three types of wax that you want | | | | crude oil, you are actually helping out by using it for |
| to be familiar with. They are paraffin, soy, and gel | | | | your candles. |
| wax. Let's take a look at the characteristics and | | | | Using soy wax |
| benefits of each of these types of wax so you can | | | | Since a lot of people dislike the idea of using anything |
| decide for yourself. | | | | related to petroleum, the idea of creating "natural |
| Using paraffin wax | | | | candles" took hold of many candle makers some |
| Paraffin wax is one of the oldest kind of wax used | | | | years ago. |
| for candle making. It's relatively cheap, easy to | | | | At the forefront of the 'green movement' in candle |
| manufacture, and even easier to use for DIY candle | | | | making was soy wax. People like soy wax because |
| projects. | | | | it's easy to use, it's not made from crude oil, and it's |
| You can also use it for a variety of different candle | | | | not as pricey as beeswax. |
| making projects. So, whether you plan on making | | | | Soy wax is manufactured with soybean oil - so it's |
| votive candles or container candles, paraffin wax will | | | | basically derived from food. Most waxes are not |
| be an ideal choice for your project. | | | | 100% soy wax; these combinations are called soy |
| Depending on what brand you use, this type of wax | | | | blends. |
| has different melting points. Melting points are | | | | Using gel wax |
| important to note, because the melting point of a | | | | If you have been to a specialty candle store, you |
| particular wax determines the longevity of the wax | | | | have probably seen newer, colorful candles that have |
| when they are being used. | | | | a soft, gel-like feel to them. These candles are |
| How are paraffin wax produced? | | | | crafted with gel wax. Gel wax is not a kind of wax. |
| After crude oil is extracted from the earth, it gets | | | | It's a synthetic product manufactured from mineral oil. |
| refined into different kinds of fuel, such as gas, diesel | | | | Resin is added to the oil to make base material |
| fuel, aviation fuel, etc. The process of refining crude | | | | firmer. Firmer gel waxes can be used for |
| oil produces paraffin wax as waste... or by-product. | | | | freestanding, pillar candles. |
| Does this mean that it's bad to use paraffin wax | | | | Learn more about the different types of candle wax, |
| because it's derived from crude oil? Not really. | | | | their characteristics, and how to choose the right |
| Paraffin is harmless and it's basically just a component | | | | type of wax for your DIY candle projects. |