Whether you are looking for decorative, or more functional candles, there are a variety of options to choose from. You can find candles with metal cored wicks, wood wicks, and beeswax. And if you want to be environmentally friendly, you can purchase candles that use soy wax or paraffin wax.
Soy wax
Compared to paraffin, soy wax is healthier, renewable, and eco-friendly. The fragrance is also stronger, and burns much longer.
Soy wax is also safer than paraffin, since it does not contain carcinogenic chemicals. It is also a vegan product, meaning it does not contain animal products.
Soy candles do not produce black soot, and are safer for the elderly. Soy candles are also eco-friendly, since they are carbon neutral.
Soy candles burn at a lower temperature, which makes them easier to burn in cooler temperatures. Typically, soy candles are used for tealights and container candles. They also tend to burn more slowly.
Soy wax is made of soybean oil, and is not derived from living animals. However, some candles contain additives to increase fragrance, or add color. The additives are usually noted on the label.
Paraffin wax
Regardless of what kind of candle you are making, it’s important to know which wax to use. Paraffin wax candles are widely used in the candle making industry. However, it is a petroleum based product that is not environmentally friendly.
Paraffin wax is a byproduct of crude oil production. It’s also used in the manufacturing of gasoline and other petroleum products. When it’s burned, it emits alkenes, benzene, toluene, and petro-carbon soot.
Whether you’re making candles for home decor or for retail sales, selecting the best wax for the job can make a difference. However, it’s important to remember that not all waxes are created equal.
If you’re looking for a wax that will burn cleanly, look for natural waxes. You can also use vegetable waxes.
Beeswax
Whether you are trying to light a room or simply want to add a special touch to your home, beeswax candles are a great way to do so. Unlike paraffin candles, beeswax is naturally biodegradable and doesn’t produce toxic chemicals when burned. In addition, beeswax produces negative ions, which are nature’s air purifiers. This is good for people with allergies or asthma, as toxins that are in the air are drawn to the negative ions.
Beeswax is one of the most popular types of candles on the market. They are often more expensive than paraffin candles. However, they can be made at home, and are a fun family project.
To make a beeswax candle, you will need a large pot with a lid, clamps, and beeswax. You will also need a wick. The diameter of the wick will determine the size of the flame. A shorter wick will make a smaller flame, while a larger wick will allow the wax to melt more completely.
Wood wick
Unlike cotton wick candles, wood wicks are a lot more natural and easier to make. They are also more versatile. They can be used with many different types of waxes, including paraffin wax.
Wood wicks are also easier to find and cheaper in craft stores. The best wooden wicks are made from birch, maple, cherry, and oak. These types are renowned for their burn rate, efficiency, and natural burning qualities.
Wood wicks are also known to create a very smoky aroma. This is why they are often used for scented candles. They also help with air quality.
When you buy a wood wick candle, you should make sure to get one that is the right size. You should also trim it before each use to avoid soot from falling into the wax.
Metal-cored wicks
Despite the widespread use of metal-cored candle wicks, the Commission has not declared them to be a hazard. Nonetheless, in a recent non-statistical survey of candles for sale, 30 percent of the products tested contained metal-cored wicks. During the survey, 10 percent of the metal-cored wicks tested contained trace amounts of lead.
Candles with metal-cored wicks may emit lead and other chemicals in unpredictable quantities. This presents a significant health risk to consumers. In addition, children may be exposed to lead through hand-to-mouth activity and the lead that may deposit on surfaces.
The Commission has identified 55 wholesale candle-making material suppliers. These suppliers are located in the U.S. and in foreign countries. Some wholesale wick suppliers purchase wicks supplied by large producers and repackage them.
