Paraffin Candle Making Tips
Paraffin wax is a natural product derived from the molecular components of decayed vegetable and animal material. It is a petroleum based product that comes from crude oil. Paraffin wax is non-renewable, as it has a finite source beneath the earth’s surface. There are lots of candle waxes made from paraffin. Manufacturers will list the melt point and intended purpose of their products.
Always burn a candle for one hour for every inch in diameter for a proper burn.
Making Paraffin Candles
Paraffin wax comes from the plant matter of aquatic life thousand of centuries old. It is part of crude oil.
It can be processed to a food grade paraffin. Many varieties of paraffin exist with different melt points and characteristics. Some are one pour, some require a top up. Choose the wax that will match the application you are looking for.
Paraffin wax comes in slab form, which can be broken with a hammer into smaller pieces.
Paraffin will hold up to 60 ml or 2 oz of fragrance oil per pound of wax, depending on the wax type. It also holds colour well.
Zinc core wicking is suggested for container and votive candles, and cotton braid for pillars.