What Are The Various Types Of Candles And Also What Are They Made Of?
Candles are for sure made mainly of wax, but there are several different types of wax available. Each wax type has its own qualities 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 product. However when paraffin candles are burned they give off hazardous toxins. Today a new candle wax is becoming common and that is soy candles. Scented soy candles when used do not emit harmful 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. Many candles fall somewhere in between, with a mid-density paraffin that can be utilized in molded candles of all kinds. It can also be applied for taper candles, while there is also an unique formula particularly for tapers.
Other forms of wax include soy wax, as stated earlier, bees wax and also a new unique palm wax. All of these types are celebrated as being more natural, and are superior 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 formed into sheets with a honeycomb model. Someone purchasing these sheets can then make a quick taper candle by wrapping the flexible sheet around a wick and pressing it strongly. One drawback of beeswax however is that it is very costly. As you can find, soy candles are your best choice to paraffin wax candles.
Candle wicks come in different sizes that stand for the diameter of the candle. Bigger candles, often candles more than six inches in size, need more than one wick. Wicks are made of cotton treated with chemicals that slows down their burn rate. A wick may consist of only the treated cotton, or it may have a stiff core to allow it to stay straighter as it burns. The cores are usually made of either a stiffened piece of cotton, a tightly rolled strip of paper, or zinc. Lead candle wicks are no longer made because of the health hazards with lead.
Candle wax is treated with different chemicals to give it the color, stiffness and smell desired. Color usually comes in pigment blocks that can be liquefied into the wax. Fragrance is available in either liquid or solid block form. To produce firmer candles, Stearine or Vybar is often mixed to increase the burning time of the candle. Additional effects can be produced 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, giving candles the wide range of colors and effects that found on the market today.