Adding colour to candles can transform them from simple light sources to stunning works of art. Whether you’re using colour chips, dye blocks, or liquid dyes, achieving the perfect hue requires understanding the science, timing, and techniques behind each method. Let’s explore the options for colouring candles, how to make the elusive black candle, and the role of additives in candle-making.
Types of Candle Dyes and Their Applications
1. Colour Chips
Colour chips are small, pre-measured pieces of dye that dissolve easily in melted wax.
Best for: Container candles, pillar candles, and wax melts.
How to Add: Melt the chips in wax at 70°C–80°C (158°F–176°F) and stir until fully dissolved.
Pros: Easy to use, available in a wide range of colours, stable in most wax types.
Cons: Limited control over intensity; may require multiple chips for deep colours.
2. Dye Blocks
Dye blocks are larger and more concentrated than chips, offering vibrant colours for large batches.
Best for: Pillar candles and sculptural designs requiring strong pigmentation.
How to Add: Shave off small pieces and dissolve at 70°C–80°C (158°F–176°F).
Pros: Long-lasting colour, economical for large quantities.
Cons: Harder to measure for small batches; requires thorough stirring to avoid uneven distribution.
3. Liquid Dyes
Liquid dyes are concentrated solutions that mix effortlessly into wax, offering precise control over colour.
Best for: Container candles, sculptural designs, and intricate colour blends.
How to Add: Add drops to melted wax at 60°C–70°C (140°F–158°F), adjusting intensity drop by drop.
Pros: Highly customizable, easy to mix for unique shades.
Cons: May affect wax consistency if overused; some liquids can fade over time.
Timing Matters: When to Add Colour to Wax
Adding dye at the right temperature ensures even dispersion and vibrant colour.
Soy Wax: Add dye between 70°C and 80°C (158°F–176°F) for best results.
Paraffin Wax: Ideal range is 75°C–85°C (167°F–185°F).
Beeswax: Add at 65°C–70°C (149°F–158°F) to avoid scorching.
Apricot Wax: Add dye at 60°C–70°C (140°F–158°F) for optimal blending.
Palm Wax: Add at 85°C–90°C (185°F–194°F) to ensure thorough incorporation.
Coconut Wax: Ideal temperature is 70°C–75°C (158°F–167°F).
Overheating can degrade the dye, leading to dull or uneven colour, while adding it too early may result in poor incorporation.
The Colour Wheel: Blending Basics
Understanding the colour wheel is essential for creating custom hues:
Primary Colours: Cyan, magenta, yellow.
Secondary Colours: Orange, green, purple (formed by mixing primary colours).
Tertiary Colours: Combine primary and secondary colours for more complexity.
Achieving Specific Effects
Pastel Shades: Use minimal dye with white wax or add a small amount of white dye.
Deep, Vibrant Colours: Use concentrated dye blocks or chips, ensuring thorough mixing.
Neutral Tones: Blend complementary colours (e.g., cyan and orange) for softer hues.
Making a Black Candle: The Ultimate Challenge
Creating a true black candle without compromising scent or burn quality is a tricky task. Black dye often requires higher concentrations, which can:
Affect Fragrance: Overuse of dye may interfere with the fragrance throw.
Impact Burn Performance: Excess dye can clog the wick, causing uneven burning.
Tips for Achieving True Black
Use a combination of liquid black dye and a small amount of dark blue or green for depth.
Avoid overloading with dye; it’s better to build intensity gradually.
Test small batches to balance colour with fragrance and burn quality.
Additives: Enhancing Candle Performance
Additives can improve a candle’s appearance, burn quality, and durability. Here’s a look at some common options available in Australia:
1. Vybar
Use: Enhances fragrance retention and improves surface finish.
Best for: Container candles and wax melts.
Pros: Increases scent throw and reduces frosting in soy wax.
Cons: May reduce natural wax aesthetics.
Measurement Example: Use 0.5%–2% of the total wax weight (e.g., 5–20g per kilogram of wax).
2. Stearic Acid
Use: Hardens wax and boosts opacity.
Best for: Pillar candles and sculptural designs.
Pros: Enhances rigidity and colour vibrancy.
Cons: Can reduce burn time if overused.
Measurement Example: Add 10%–15% of the total wax weight (e.g., 100–150g per kilogram of wax).
3. UV Stabilizers
Use: Prevents colour fading due to sunlight exposure.
Best for: Candles displayed in bright areas.
Pros: Prolongs colour vibrancy.
Cons: Adds cost to production.
Measurement Example: Use as per the manufacturer’s guidelines (typically less than 1% of wax weight).
4. Beeswax Pellets (as an additive)
Use: Blends with other waxes for improved texture and burn quality.
Best for: Natural blends.
Pros: Increases burn time and provides a natural aesthetic.
Cons: Expensive and may affect colour consistency.
Measurement Example: Add up to 10% to your wax blend (e.g., 100g per kilogram of wax).
Troubleshooting Candle Colours
Even experienced candle makers encounter challenges when adding colour. Here are common issues and solutions:
Colour Bleeding
Cause: Insufficient stirring after adding dye or using low-quality dye blocks.
Solution: Stir thoroughly for 30–120 seconds until fully combined. Ensure dyes are "oil-soluble" or specifically labeled for candle making.
Dulls Over Time
Cause: Exposure to sunlight or improper storage.
Solution: Store candles in a cool, dark place and use UV stabilizers to preserve colour vibrancy.
Not Vibrant Enough
Cause: Underuse of dye or poor wax compatibility.
Solution: Increase dye concentration gradually and test with your specific wax.
Colour Spots or Streaks
Cause: Uneven mixing or undissolved dye particles.
Solution: Heat wax to the correct temperature and stir until fully dissolved. For larger batches, use a thermometer to ensure consistent temperature.
Black Candle Challenges
Cause: Overloading with dye or using incompatible wax.
Solution: Use high-quality black dye in moderation and balance it with complementary colours like dark blue or green.
Balancing Art and Science
Colouring candles is a blend of creativity and precision. By understanding the properties of dyes, the importance of timing, and the role of additives, you can create candles that are both visually stunning and high-performing. Experiment with small batches, document your process, and don’t be afraid to innovate. With practice, you’ll master the art of colouring candles while maintaining their fragrance and burn quality.