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When to add candle colorant to your wax

candle making kit wicks candle colorant candle jars

When to add candle colorant to your wax

Many new candle makers often wonder how to get the best results when attempting to color their wax. While candle makers may be familiar with the process of adding different types of colorant to their wax in order to create a beautiful-looking candle, the majority of beginners struggle with when they should be adding their colorant to their wax blend. Adding colorant to your wax while it is too hot can cause the color to not consistently incorporate with the wax, while adding it to your wax when too cold can cause the colorant to not dissolve completely, leaving behind annoying dye particles.

 

pouring candle dye into the wax

 

The process of adding colorant to your candle

Adding colorant to your wax blend is a very easy and simple process, the hardest part may be cleaning up! The first thing to note would be the amount that should be added to each pound of wax, which would depend on the type of colorant being used. If you are using liquid dye, one drop of dye should be enough to color a whole pound of wax. If you are using candle dye chips, one whole chip would be enough to color one pound of wax. As for dye blocks, shaving pieces off of the block would change the shade of the color you are looking to add. On average, a dye block would be able to color 5-50 lbs. of wax per block, so use very sparingly for a lighter shade. Please note that testing should always be done in order to ensure you receive your preferred color shade. Putting a couple of drops of wax on a white piece of paper will show the current color at which your wax will cool at.

 

melting wax in the double boiler

 

When to add your colorant

The most important thing to remember before adding your candle colorant is the state your wax must be at in order to begin adding. Your wax must be fully melted in order to fully incorporate any colorant. Depending on the wax you are using, most times the wax would have fully melted at around 175°- 185° F. You want to add your colorant during this state in order to receive the best results. Adding candle colorant while the wax is still in a solid state or when the wax is too hot will result in the colorant underperforming. Dye chips/blocks for candles melt smoothly around 160°-180° F, so it is recommended to once again test different temperatures around that range in order to find which gives you 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 a temperature or too high.

 

cutting candle colorant chips for adding to wax adding red candle colorant to the wax

 

How does fragrance oil affect the process of when colorant should be added?

One final factor that can affect the timing of when the candle colorant should be added to your wax is the addition of candle fragrance oil. Fragrance oil can affect the chemical makeup of any colorant, so it is important to know the steps to take in order to incorporate both into your wax blend. The first thing to note is that your fragrance oil should always be added first. Adding your fragrance oil after the colorant can cause major color changes and will result in the wax undergoing discoloration. In order to have a wax blend that works with both fragrance oil and colorant, you must use products that will be compatible with one another. For example, a fragrance oil with a flash point between 130°-180° can be compatible with any candle colorant due to the lesser hazard this fragrance oil will cause due to its flash point. For fragrance oils that have flash points at 130° F or lower, it would be best to use liquid dye due to the fact that liquid dye will leave less dye particles once your wax has cooled and reverted back to a solid state. It is important to always do extensive research on the products you are using in order to receive the best, and safest results for your candles.

 

    CANDLE DYE Block (12 Pack)

    As Low As $8.99
    Candle dye block 12 pack

    Our new candle dye block 12 pack will increase color clarity, color more wax and save money!

    Available in 27 colors, these Candle dye block 12 pack work the same way as the chips. Dye blocks are intended to mix with candle making wax (both soy and paraffin). The dye blocks can be shaved into smaller pieces to create lighter shades. The more dye that you add, the darker the color shade will become. Mix multiple dyes and achieve various colors.

    A 12 piece block of dye will color 5-50 lbs. of wax, depending on the color shade you are trying to achieve.

    Each pack contains 12 blocks of dye. Also available in single packs here!


    Recommendations:

    Once the candle dye chip has been added to the melted wax, stir thoroughly to ensure the dye chip fully disperses in the wax.

    It’s always best to add your fragrance oil first because some fragrance oils can change the color of your soy wax.

    Add the dye chips and dye blocks to your wax at 185 F so that they fully dissolve. The hotter the wax the more easily they dissolve.

    Colors usually look darker when they’re mixed in hot wax. When you think you’ve reached your desired color take a couple of drops of hot wax and drip onto a white piece of paper. Once it cools it gives you a more accurate idea of what your candle will look like once cooled.

    Always take detailed notes how much color you used per pound of wax. This way you can multiply this amount by the number of pounds of soy wax you’re using.

  • Candle dye block 12 pack

    CANDLE DYE Block (12 Pack)

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    As Low As $8.99

    DIAMOND CANDLE DYE CHIPS

    As Low As $1.99
    DIAMOND CANDLE DYE CHIPS Yellow

    Our easy-to-use diamond candle dye chips dye 1 lb. of candle wax up to a medium shade. Each pack contains 20 color chips of 14 grams and will color approximately 10 to 11 lbs. of wax.

    Diamond candle dye chips are an easy way to create many different shades. Our easy-to-use color chips dye 1 lb. of candle wax up to a medium shade. Each pack contains 20 color chips of 14 grams and will color approximately 10 to 11 lbs. of wax. This diamond candle dye chips are cost effective, as one chip will be enough to color approximately 1 lb. of wax. When using these dye chips, you don’t have to worry about spills or accidentally dripping too much dye into your melted wax. Candle dye chips come in many unique pre-made colors, allowing you to create the same color each time without blending. Candle dye chips give your candle more pastel colors.


    Recommendations:

    Once the candle dye chip has been added to the melted wax, stir thoroughly to ensure the dye chip fully disperses in the wax.

    It’s always best to add your fragrance oil first because some fragrance oils can change the color of your soy wax.

    Add the dye chips and dye blocks to your wax at 185 F so that they fully dissolve. The hotter the wax the more easily they dissolve.

    Colors usually look darker when they’re mixed in hot wax. When you think you’ve reached your desired color take a couple of drops of hot wax and drip onto a white piece of paper. Once it cools it gives you a more accurate idea of what your candle will look like once cooled.

    Always take detailed notes how much color you used per pound of wax. This way you can multiply this amount by the number of pounds of soy wax you’re using.

    – – – – – – – – –

    NOTICE: The following 9 chips contain a pigment that makes for brighter colors but may be hard to consume. Pigments may clog your wick and cause the flame to become smaller. Test as needed.

  • DIAMOND CANDLE DYE CHIPS Yellow

    DIAMOND CANDLE DYE CHIPS

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    As Low As $1.99

    CANDLE DYE Block (Single Pack)

    As Low As $0.99
    Candle Making Dye Block Pack Of 2

    Our new Candle dye blocks are formulated to increase color clarity. They color more wax than the dye chips. These blocks can be mixed with both soy and paraffin candle making wax. The dye blocks can be shaved into smaller pieces to create lighter shades. The more dye that you add, the darker the color shade will become. Dye colors can be mixed in order to make different colors.

    Use the candle dye blocks the same way you use dye chips.

    A 1 piece block of dye colors 5-50 lbs. of wax, depending on the color shade you are trying to achieve.

    Also available in 12 packs here!


    Recommendations:

    Once the candle dye chip has been added to the melted wax, stir thoroughly to ensure the dye chip fully disperses in the wax.

    It’s always best to add your fragrance oil first because some fragrance oils can change the color of your soy wax.

    Add the dye chips and dye blocks to your wax at 185 F so that they fully dissolve. The hotter the wax the more easily they dissolve.

    Colors usually look darker when they’re mixed in hot wax. When you think you’ve reached your desired color take a couple of drops of hot wax and drip onto a white piece of paper. Once it cools it gives you a more accurate idea of what your candle will look like once cooled.

    Always take detailed notes how much color you used per pound of wax. This way you can multiply this amount by the number of pounds of soy wax you’re using.


  • Candle Making Dye Block Pack Of 2

    CANDLE DYE Block (Single Pack)

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    As Low As $0.99

    LIQUID CANDLE DYE (1 Ounce)

    As Low As $5.24
    Small Liquid Dye For Candle Making Our 1 oz. concentrated liquid candle dye works great with paraffin, soy, coconut, beeswax and palm wax. Liquid candle dyes are a great way for coloring wax and achieving different shades of the desired color. Using liquid dyes reduces the chance of color shifting after a candle is made because of their superior solubility characteristics.

    Colors may vary with different wax/fragrance/additive combinations. One ounce dye will color approximately 125 lbs. of wax. It is very easy to use – just add the desired amount and stir lightly. Liquid candle dyes are less prone to leaving dye particles in wax from not fully dissolving. Liquid candle dyes can be blended with other colors to create unique, custom colors. Due to the wax consistencies, it is common for paraffin waxes to produce vibrant colors and soy waxes to produce pastel colors.

    Also available in bulk size of 1 pound containers here!

    As with all candle making projects, we always recommend testing to achieve desired results. Colors usually look darker when they’re mixed in hot wax. When you think you’ve reached your desired color take a couple of drops of hot wax and drip onto a white piece of paper. Once it cools it gives you a more accurate idea of what your candle will look like once cooled.

    Always take detailed notes how much color you used per pound of wax. This way you can multiply this amount by the number of pounds of soy wax you’re using.

  • Small Liquid Dye For Candle Making

    LIQUID CANDLE DYE (1 Ounce)

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    As Low As $5.24

Red Candles: How to dye candles

Red Candles How to dye candles

Red Candles: How to dye candles

Making your own candles is already a fun and exciting accomplishment to start, but how can you take it to the next level? Plain white candles can be often boring and dull, but adding color to your candles can spice things up, especially for the holiday season of Christmas. A color that stands out during the Christmas season is the color red. Red reminds us of the many icons we think of during Christmas which include, Red Stockings, candy canes, and of course Santa Claus!

 

adding dyes to your candles

THE PROCESS OF ADDING COLOR TO RED CANDLES

The idea of adding color to your candles may seem like a difficult task, but this process can be completed within a few easy steps. First, you must melt the wax you are using to make the candles, make sure it is completely melted before proceeding. Next, add the colorants of the specific color you are looking to make, in this case, we would be using red. Finally, pour the wax into your mold, and you’ll have yourself a beautiful colored candle!

 

red dye blocks for red candles

 

THE BEST COLORANT TO USE

The best colorant to use in order to make your candles red would be candle dye. There are three dyes in particular that are used for coloring wax, they include, liquid candle dye, dye blocks, and food coloring. It would be your personal preference based on which colorant gives you the best look for your candle, but all three work great with wax.

 

liquid dye for candles

 

HOW MUCH COLORANT SHOULD BE ADDED

If you are using liquid dye, about 1 ounce of dye should be enough color for 125 lbs. of wax. So it is safe to say that one drop should do the trick for coloring your wax red. If you are using dye blocks or dye chips, it is recommended to shave off a couple of flakes in order to have a lighter shade of red, or if you are looking for a darker shade, you may add half a block or the whole dye block to receive a darker shade of red.

 

red candle dyes

 

WHEN SHOULD YOU ADD COLORANT TO YOUR WAX

Depending on which colorant you will be using to color your wax, you would have to add them based on the temperature. For dye blocks, the recommended temperature at which you should be adding them is 185 F. For liquid dye, you may add one drop during the melting point in order to see the best results. We always recommend testing the results first in order to know how much should be added and at what temperature point the colorant should be added in order to best fit the candle you envisioned making.

 

candle fragrance oils for red candle

 

CAN FRAGRANCE BE USED WITH COLORED WAX

Now that you have made your very own red-colored candles, it may feel like something more could be added to make them even more special. Adding some fragrance oil could help elevate the creativity of your candle. It is recommended to add the fragrance oil to the melted wax before adding the colorant to your mixture. Depending on the wax, we would recommend adding 1 ounce per pound of wax to get the best results.

 

red, yellow and pink candles in jars

 

DO THESE STEPS APPLY TO ALL COLORS

These steps go beyond more than just red holiday candles; it applies to whatever colors your imagination is set on. You can create multi-color candles that represent a multitude of holidays. You can create a blue and pink candle to represent the new baby at a gender reveal party, the possibilities are limited only by your imagination and creativity. So go on and create some beautiful Christmas-themed candles, or create whatever your imagination envisioned.

 

    CANDLE DYES – 60 PIECES/COLOR

    As Low As $49.80
    Candle Color Dye Blocks Pack of 60 Bulk Red

    Our candle dyes 60 pieces are available in a multitude of colors and have been formulated to increase color clarity.

    These block of dye can color more wax than regular dye chips and are cost-effective. Use blocks as you would use the chips.

    Dye blocks are intended to mix with candle making wax (both soy and paraffin). The dye blocks can be shaved into smaller pieces to create lighter shades. The more dye that you add, the darker the color shade will become. Dye colors can be mixed in order to make different colors.

    A block of dye will color 5-50 lbs. of wax, depending on the color shade you are trying to achieve.

    When placing your order, please make sure to order 60 pieces per color in order to receive our price special.


    Recommendations:

    Once the candle dye chip has been added to the melted wax, stir thoroughly to ensure the dye chip fully disperses in the wax.

    It’s always best to add your fragrance oil first because some fragrance oils can change the color of your soy wax.

    Add the dye chips and dye blocks to your wax at 185 F so that they fully dissolve. The hotter the wax the more easily they dissolve.

    Colors usually look darker when they’re mixed in hot wax. When you think you’ve reached your desired color take a couple of drops of hot wax and drip onto a white piece of paper. Once it cools it gives you a more accurate idea of what your candle will look like once cooled.

    Always take detailed notes how much color you used per pound of wax. This way you can multiply this amount by the number of pounds of soy wax you’re using.

  • Candle Color Dye Blocks Pack of 60 Bulk Red

    CANDLE DYES – 60 PIECES/COLOR

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    As Low As $49.80

    Apple Cinnamon – Candle Fragrance oil

    As Low As $6.99
    Apple cinnamon candle fragrance oil

    Apple cinnamon candle fragrance oil – Do you want to create a home smell like you have been baking all day? This scent of crisp red apples, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg gives a genuinely warm and comforting scent to your candles.

    Scent Throw: 4 / 5 Flash Point: 212 F° Recommended usage: 1 oz. of scent per lb. of wax


    At Candle Making Supplies, you can find an extensive range of high-quality candle fragrance oils. There are hundreds of options for candle fragrance oils. You could start with some of the most popular scents: vanilla, lavender, coconut, and sandalwood (and all their subtle and bold variations), or try something fruity, like currant, fig, green melon, or blood orange. For warm smells try fragrance oils like cinnamon rolls and Envy Me.

    We love our line of the finest fragrance oils! All of our scents are great for soy, paraffin, and palm wax candles. These oils are a critical part of your candle making projects. Get started today and use the best ingredients to create the best products.

    * All fragrance oils are highly concentrated and for manufacturing use only. Usage amounts are recommendations only. Individual usage amounts can vary based on your desired fragrance strength, wax type, soap base, or lotion base. Usage in natural waxes for candles may be 10%, while skincare product usage may be 2%.


     
  • Apple cinnamon candle fragrance oil

    Apple Cinnamon – Candle Fragrance oil

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    As Low As $6.99

    Blood Orange – Candle Fragrance Oil

    As Low As $9.79
    Blood orange candle fragrance oil

    Are you looking to make a real fragrant orange candle? Our Blood Orange candle fragrance oil has a clean refreshing citrus aroma with notes of pineapple, blood orange, apples, and a hint of sweet vanilla that is invigorating as if you were taking a bite of juicy blood orange!


    At Candle Making Supplies, you can find an extensive range of high-quality candle fragrance oils. There are hundreds of options for candle fragrance oils. You could start with some of the most popular scents: vanilla, lavender, coconut, and sandalwood (and all their subtle and bold variations), or try something fruity, like currant, fig, green melon, or blood orange. For warm smells try fragrance oils like cinnamon rolls and Envy Me.

    We love our line of the finest fragrance oils! All of our scents are great for soy, paraffin, and palm wax candles. These oils are a critical part of your candle making projects. Get started today and use the best ingredients to create the best products.

    * All fragrance oils are highly concentrated and for manufacturing use only. Usage amounts are recommendations only. Individual usage amounts can vary based on your desired fragrance strength, wax type, soap base, or lotion base. Usage in natural waxes for candles may be 10%, while skincare product usage may be 2%.


     
  • Blood orange candle fragrance oil

    Blood Orange – Candle Fragrance Oil

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    As Low As $9.79

    LIQUID CANDLE DYE (1 Pound)

    As Low As $39.99
    Large Liquid Dye For Candle Making

    Our 1 oz. concentrated liquid candle dye works great with paraffin, soy, coconut, beeswax and palm wax. Liquid candle dyes are a great way for coloring wax and achieving different shades of the desired color. Using liquid dyes reduces the chance of color shifting after a candle is made because of their superior solubility characteristics.

    Colors may vary with different wax/fragrance/additive combinations. One ounce dye will color approximately 125 lbs. of wax. It is very easy to use – just add the desired amount and stir lightly. Liquid candle dyes are less prone to leaving dye particles in wax from not fully dissolving. Liquid candle dyes can be blended with other colors to create unique, custom colors. Due to the wax consistencies, it is common for paraffin waxes to produce vibrant colors and soy waxes to produce pastel colors.

    Also available in 1 Oz. bottles here!


    As with all candle making projects, we always recommend testing to achieve desired results. Colors usually look darker when they’re mixed in hot wax. When you think you’ve reached your desired color take a couple of drops of hot wax and drip onto a white piece of paper. Once it cools it gives you a more accurate idea of what your candle will look like once cooled.

    Always take detailed notes how much color you used per pound of wax. This way you can multiply this amount by the number of pounds of soy wax you’re using.


  • Large Liquid Dye For Candle Making

    LIQUID CANDLE DYE (1 Pound)

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    As Low As $39.99

Everything candle makers need to know about Dyes

Everything candle makers need to know about candle Dyes

Everything candle makers need to know about Dyes

Once you’ve successfully made your first batch of candles you may want to add a personal touch by switching up it’s appearance. For most candle makers that means adding some color to your wax but it’s not always easy picking which types of candle dyes to use when making candles.

Our candle making expert is here to help! Here’s everything you need to know about the types of candle dyes from our candle-making expert!

          1. What type of dye should I use?

Here at General Wax & Candle Co. we carry four different types of dye all of which can be used for candle making projects. It’s important when you begin candle making that you pick not only the right dye that will suit your needs but the correct dye for the type of wax and wick you will be crafting with.

Pay close attention to which dyes mix better with which wax and which dyes will affect the way your wick will burn when going through dye types, to avoid any issues with your candles.

          2. Dye Types

Block Dyes
 

Candle Making Dye Block Pack Of 2Candle Making Dye BlocksCandle Color Dye Blocks Pack of 60 Bulk Red

Available in 27 colors, these dye blocks are intended to mix with soy and paraffin wax. These dye blocks can be shaved down into smaller pieces to create lighter shades. The more dye you add the darker the color shade will become. You may also mix multiple dyes to achieve different  colors.

A 12 piece block of dye will color 5-50 lbs. of wax, depending on the color shade you are trying to achieve. Available in single packs, 12 packs and 60 packs.

Diamond Candle Chip Dyes
 

DIAMOND CANDLE DYE CHIPS Yellow

Our dye chips are easy to use and are available in 53 vivid colors. These color chips dye 1 lb. of candle wax creating a medium shade. Each pack contains 20 color chips of 14 grams and will color approximately 10 to 11 lbs. of wax.

It is important to note that the following 9 chips contain a pigment that makes for brighter colors but may be hard to consume. Pigments may clog your wick and cause the flame to become smaller. Be sure to test as needed to ensure your candle will burn properly.

White Candle Dye Flakes
 

Small White Dye Flakes For Candle MakingWhite Dye Flakes for Candle Making 1 LB

These dye flakes are considered to be superior to our dye blocks as you will get whiter results using these flakes. Unlike the old dye block, these flakes will not clog your wick and  burn easily. 1 pack (1-oz / 30 grams) will color approximately 10-11 pounds of wax.

These dye flakes are available in 1 ounce pack bags as well as in bulk of 1 lb. bags.

Liquid Candle Dye
 

Liquid Dye For Candle Making SmallLiquid Dye For Candle Making Large

Our concentrated Liquid Dye works great with paraffin, soy, coconut, beeswax and palm wax. When adding this liquid to your wax it is important that you thoroughly stir this dye into your wax to ensure that your candle will burn correctly.

It is recommended to add this dye to your wax at around 185 – 165 F. Colors may vary with different wax/fragrance/additive combinations.

Available in 1 ounce containers as well as in bulk size of 1 pound containers.