What Are The Different Kinds Of Candles Plus What Are They Prepared From?

Candles are for sure made mainly of wax, but there are several different types of wax available. Each wax type contains its own features and advantages, and each has a very slightly different look and stability. Most candles on the market at present are made of paraffin, which is a petroleum byproduct. However when paraffin candles are burnt they give off hazardous toxins. These days a new candle wax is becoming well-known and that is soy candles. Scented soy candles when used do not discharge hazardous toxins. Soy wax and paraffin wax can be made in many distinct consistencies, including a soft wax for container candles and harder waxes for hurricane candles. Most candles fall somewhere in the middle, with a mid-density paraffin that can be used in molded candles of all varieties. It can also be applied for taper candles, while there is also a distinctive formula particularly for tapers.

Other forms of wax include soy wax, as pointed out earlier, bees wax as well as a new unique palm wax. All of these kinds are celebrated as being more natural, and are better for the environment. Soy wax, made from soy beans, is a clean-burning wax with the same consistency to the mid-range paraffin waxes. Bees wax is a softer wax, and is prized for its pliability. Beeswax is often shaped into sheets with a honeycomb design. Someone purchasing these sheets can then make a quick taper candle by wrapping the soft sheet around a wick and pressing it strongly. One disadvantage of beeswax however is that it is very costly. As you can notice, soy candles are your best option to paraffin wax candles.

Candle wicks come in different sizes that correspond to the diameter of the candle. Bigger candles, often candles more than six inches in diameter, need more than one wick. Wicks are made of cotton treated with chemicals that delays their burn rate. A wick may comprise only the treated cotton, or it may have a stiff core to enable it to stay straighter as it burns. The cores are usually made of either a hardened piece of cotton, a tightly rolled strip of paper, or zinc. Lead candle wicks are not any longer made because of the health hazards associated with lead.

Candle wax is treated with several chemicals to give it the color, stiffness and smell desired. Color usually is available in pigment blocks that can be dissolved into the wax. Fragrance is available in either liquid or solid block form. To produce more solid candles, Stearine or Vybar is often included to increase the burning spell of the candle. Additional effects can be created with other additives that can make the wax mottled, translucent or give it a snowflake design. Changing the wax's additive recipe can greatly change the look of the wax, presenting candles the wide range of colors and effects that are there on the market now.