The Art Of Scented Candles: Dye And Fragrance Effects

Adding dye and fragrance to wax can alter its appearance and physical properties. Candle wax is often coloured using dye chips, blocks, or liquid dye. The type of wax used will determine the vibrancy of the colour, with paraffin wax producing the boldest results and soy wax resulting in more pastel shades. Dye should be added when the wax is fully melted, at around 170-185°F, and stirred thoroughly to ensure even distribution.

Fragrance oil is added to the wax to create a homogenous mixture. The fragrance oil should be warmed slightly and added to cooler wax, then stirred well. The type of wax and fragrance oil used, as well as the temperature and mixing technique, can impact the success of the mixture. Adding too much fragrance oil can result in syneresis, where the excess oil separates from the wax.

Therefore, adding dye and fragrance to wax can alter its colour, consistency, and distribution of fragrance.

What is the best temperature to add dye to wax?

Adding dye to wax does alter it, and the best temperature to do so is a subject of some debate.

The wax must be fully melted in order to fully incorporate any colourant. Depending on the wax you are using, it will have fully melted at around 175°-185° F. You want to add your colourant during this state in order to receive the best results. Adding candle colourant while the wax is still in a solid state or when the wax is too hot will result in the colourant underperforming.

Dye chips/blocks for candles melt smoothly around 160°-180° F, so it is recommended to test different temperatures to find the best result. Liquid dyes can be added any time after the wax has fully melted into its liquid state, although be aware of going too low or too high a temperature.

Some sources suggest adding the dye at 185° F when you add any fragrance. If making non-fragranced candles or wax melts, add the dye when the wax gets up to your pouring temperature.

One source suggests adding dye to melted wax when it reaches around 170°-180° F (76-82° C) to ensure even colour distribution without burning the dye.

What types of dye can be used in wax?

When it comes to adding dye to wax, there are a variety of options available. It's important to select the right type of dye for the specific wax and wick you'll be using, as different dyes will appear differently in various waxes. For instance, soy wax often produces lighter, pastel colours, while paraffin wax tends to yield more vibrant shades.

There are three main types of candle dyes: solid dyes, liquid dyes, and pigments. Solid dyes typically come in the form of dye blocks or chips, which can be shaved down and added to the melted wax. Liquid dyes, on the other hand, are simply stirred into the wax. Both types of dyes are available in a wide range of colours and can be mixed to create custom shades. It's important to note that when using solid or liquid dyes, you should always test the dye in a small sample of wax before committing to a larger batch, as the colour may vary depending on the wax and fragrance combinations.

Another option for colouring wax is to use natural, botanical colouring agents such as herbs, spices, flowers, fruits, and vegetables. For example, sunflower seeds give a purple hue, elder gives a blue shade, dandelions yield a red colour, and cinnamon and cloves result in a golden-yellow hue. When using these natural dyes, an oil infusion method is recommended to prevent clogging of the candle wick.

It's worth noting that some dyes, especially pigments, may affect the way the wick burns. Therefore, it's crucial to test your candles after adding dye to ensure they burn properly. Additionally, when adding fragrance to your dyed wax, be cautious as certain fragrance oils may cause a strange chemical reaction. Always choose dyes and fragrances that are safe for your intended use.

Does fragrance oil affect the colour of candles?

Yes, fragrance oils can affect the colour of candles. Some fragrance oils contain natural components like vanillin, citrus oils, and cinnamon, which can cause candle wax to discolour and turn a tan colour. The colour of the fragrance oil can also impact the colour of the candle. For example, adding a yellow fragrance to a white candle can turn it a light shade of yellow, which can darken over time. Similarly, adding a yellow fragrance to a blue candle can create a slight green shade.

The impact of fragrance oil on the colour of candles can be mitigated by using heavier dyes for darker candles. However, lighter-coloured candles may require a different fragrance if maintaining a particular colour is important. Additionally, lowering the fragrance load can help reduce the chance of discolouration. It is also important to note that the type of wax used can impact the colour of the candle, with paraffin waxes being easier to get bold, vibrant colours with, while soy or soy wax blends may look lighter or more pastel.

Furthermore, candle discolouration can be caused by exposure to light, especially direct sunlight, which can cause fading or yellowing over time. To prevent this, candles should be stored away from areas with excessive heat and light, and a wax additive called a UV inhibitor can be used to lessen the degree of discolouration.

What is the best type of wax to use for dye?

Adding dye and fragrance to wax does alter it. The type of wax you use will determine the vibrancy of the colour, and the type of dye will determine the depth of colour.

Paraffin wax is better for achieving bold, vibrant colours, whereas soy wax tends to produce lighter, pastel shades.

There are three types of candle dye: dye chips, dye blocks, and liquid dye.

Dye chips are easy to use and can be mixed to create new colours, but they are not as colour-fast and a lot are needed to create intense colours.

Dye blocks are similar to dye chips but are much more concentrated. They are also very easy to use, but it is hard to get the exact amount each time to ensure consistency across batches.

Liquid dye is the most concentrated form of candle dye. Only a few drops are needed to achieve intense colour, and it is easy to keep track of how many drops are used for each batch to ensure consistency. Liquid dye can be added at the start or end of the process, but it can cause the wax to cool faster than normal, and adding too much can cause texturing issues. It is also very messy and has a strong smell.

The best type of wax to use for dye depends on the desired colour. If you are aiming for a pastel shade, soy wax is the best option. If you want a bolder, more vibrant colour, paraffin wax is the better choice.

It is important to note that the colour of melted wax will always appear darker than when it has cooled, so it is recommended to start with a small amount of dye and adjust as needed. Testing different temperatures is also critical to achieving the desired colour, as the wax must be fully melted in order to fully incorporate the dye.

How does adding dye affect the way candles burn?

Adding dye to candle wax is a great way to make your candles unique and add a pop of colour. Dye is a special kind of colourant that dissolves in wax. While adding dye to candles is a simple process, it can affect the way candles burn.

Firstly, it is important to note that the type of wax you are using will determine how much dye you need to achieve your desired colour. Paraffin wax, for example, will result in bright, bold colours and requires less dye. On the other hand, soy wax tends to produce more pastel shades, no matter how much dye is used.

The temperature of the wax is also crucial when adding dye. Your wax must be fully melted at around 175°-185° F to fully incorporate any colourant. Adding dye to wax that is too hot or too cold can cause issues with the colour consistency.

The amount of dye added to the wax will impact the burn. Overloading the wax with liquid dye, for example, can alter the burn and/or smell of the candle. Similarly, dye blocks and chips should be used sparingly, as too much can alter the burn of the candle.

The type of dye used can also affect the way the candle burns. Powdered pigments such as mica and glow powder, for instance, do not dissolve like candle dye and can leave particles that do not fully mix with the wax. This can affect the appearance of the candle and may prevent it from burning effectively by clogging the wick.

Therefore, it is important to test each wick/wax/colour/fragrance combination thoroughly when making candles with dye, as each colour of dye may have a different effect on the burn.

Frequently asked questions