Posted on March 25, 2020November 16, 2022 by Customer Service — 104 CommentsChoosing the Right Candle Wax For Making Candles So, you want to make candles! There are some decisions you’ll need to make to get started, but one of the first involves the type of wax you want to use. How do you know which type of candle wax to choose? Things You’ll Need to Consider Your choice will depend on several factors, including the form of candles you would like to make, the kind of wax you would prefer to use (for example, is using an all-natural wax important to you?), the amount of scent throw you’d like the candle to have, the level of difficulty that you want the project to offer, and even the type of finish you would like to see on your candles. Taking the time to consider all of these factors will help you decide which wax is right for your specific application. Types of Candles What form do you want your candles to take? Candlewic can help you make: Pillar Candles Pillars are candles that stand on their own, without any type of container. The best waxes to create pillar candles are paraffin, beeswax and palm wax. However, you can also use wax blends to make pillar candles. Container Candles Container candles are candles that you create to sit inside of a glass jar (with or without a lid), metal tin or other type of container. Because these candles do not have to stand on their own, you can use a variety of waxes to make container candles, including soy wax, soy/paraffin blends, paraffin, palm wax, and beeswax. Votive Candles Votive candles are small candles about 2 ½” high that are designed to sit in small, glass containers. Because they are not freestanding, you can use a variety of waxes to make votives, including soft, natural waxes like soy and palm as well as beeswax, wax blends, and paraffin. Tealight Candles Tealights are small candles, about 1 ½” in diameter and about ¾” high, that are designed to sit inside a small, cylindrical metal or clear plastic container. You can make tealights using most waxes, including soy, palm, and beeswax, paraffin, and soy/paraffin blends Taper Candles Tapered candles are long, narrow candles that sit in candlesticks. The best waxes for making tapered candles are paraffin and beeswax. Tarts Did you know that you can make candles without a wick? When melted in a potpourri or tart burner, wax tarts, also known as wax melts, offer another way to enjoy the aroma of candles. You can use both paraffin and natural waxes such as soy wax to make tarts. Gel Candles Gel candles are soft, gelatin-like candles that you create inside a container. They’re made from a mineral-oil based gel instead of wax. Types of Wax Candlewic offers high-quality candle waxes in a number of forms, including: Paraffin Wax Paraffin wax, also known as straight wax, is wax that doesn’t have any additives in it. The most commonly used and least-expensive candle wax, paraffin can be used to make many types of candles, including pillars, containers, votives, tealights, tapers and tarts. Soy Wax and Soy Wax Flakes Soy wax is a 100% all-natural wax made from hydrogenated soybean oil that is available in several forms, including soy wax flakes. It is ideal for use in making container candles, including jarred candles, tins, votives, tealights, and tarts. Because there’s a difference between paraffin wax candles and soy wax candles in terms of their appearance and performance, you’ll want to learn the properties of each to help you decide which type of wax you want to use. Learn More. Palm Wax Another type of 100% all-natural wax, palm wax is produced by hydrogenating palm oils. Palm waxes allow you to create candles with unique textures, since, in most cases, there is a crystallizing pattern (on pillars or containers) or feathering pattern (available on pillars) that forms on the candle’s surface. Palm wax is excellent for use with pillars, votives and tarts. Beeswax and Beeswax Sheets Beeswax is another 100% all-natural wax. One of the best candle waxes on the market, beeswax can be used to make all types of candles, including pillars, tapers, votives and containers. It is also available in beeswax sheets. Candlewic Custom Blends Using Candlewic’s Custom Blend Waxes eliminates the need to test blends and additives on your own and allows you to create better candles faster. All are Candlewic proprietary blends that are fully formulated to require no additional additives except for UV light stabilizers, which prevent fading. Various blends for container, pillar and mottling waxes are available on our website. Granulated Wax Granulated wax is often used for crafting, because of its ease of use. There’s no need to melt the wax! It’s made from 140⁰ melt-point paraffin that has been formed into little beads, so you can just pour granulated wax into a container and insert a wick! Gel Candle Wax Offering the translucent quality of gelatin, gel candle wax isn’t actually wax at all. Instead, it’s made from mineral oil and a polymer resin. With gel candle wax and a clear glass container, you can make container candles you can see through and into! For added interest, you can make embedded-object gel candles, where you insert decorative, nonflammable items into the gel. Each type of wax offers specific benefits, and not all waxes can be used to make all types of candles. Need more help deciding? You can always Ask Chandler! He’s just a click away! Post navigationPrevious post: How to Make Votive CandlesNext post: How to Make Candles, Candlemaking Instructions, and Product Recommendations 104 thoughts on “Choosing the Right Candle Wax For Making Candles” Roderick Andrews November 6, 2020 I’m making fire starters for my 82 year old mother. I’m using sawdust mixed with wax and poured into empty Copenhagen cans. just remove the metal lids, Take the entire can which is made from cardboard and lined with wax, put your small pieces of wood on top of your can ,either criss crossed or tee-pee style, light the Copenhagen can on fire with a match nd they flame right up. I’m wondering if a low melting point , or low flash point wax might be better for what I’m doing? Reply William Binder November 8, 2020 You actually should use a large cotton wick to get them to burn. The “kindling” is not enough to keep the wax lit. Reply Jannelle February 6, 2022 What kind of wax do you use for molds? Reply William Binder February 6, 2022 The best wax to use when making molded candles and adding fragrance is the CBL-141. https://candlewic.com/p/candle-making/wax/candlewic-custom-blends/votive-pillar-blend-wax-cbl-141/ Reply Peggy Sanker July 14, 2022 Hi Chandler, Quick question for you- Can I use inverwax for candle making of any kind of candles ? Thank you, Peggy Sanker Reply William Binder July 18, 2022 Unfortunately I am not familiar with inverwax. Reply Wangobo Ali August 11, 2022 What’s the best combination of bees wax and soy wax for taper candles Reply Jadis November 12, 2020 Hi! I’m wanting to start making candles and selling them as my own company and was wondering if beeswax would be okay to use? I like the all naturel approach but I want to make sure it would work with all types of molds and dyes that I’ll be using 🙂 Reply William Binder November 12, 2020 Beeswax is a great product and yes is very versatile. The one drawback is the pricing which does keep many from using it on a regular basis. Reply Leona & Jim Brescher January 23, 2021 I use beeswax. It burns brighter, longer and can be used for any candles. I also use 3/4 paraffin wax and 1/4 beeswax if I don’t want them to be so costly. Reply KAREN M WATKINS March 12, 2021 What is the best wax to make wine glass candles? Reply William Binder March 15, 2021 We would recommend using the CBL-130 for that application. This wax is a soy/paraffin blend. Reply Michele November 22, 2020 I have GB 464 soy wax and Coconut Sox wax blend. I want to use tumbler 9oz and 12 oz glasses because I like the look of thick look of glass at the bottom of each. Anyway, Can you make some wick suggestions for both sizes? I want a good wax pooling and good scent throw. Thank you. Reply William Binder November 22, 2020 The 9 ounce would recommend ECO-6 or ECO-8 for the 12 oz either ECO-8 or ECO-10. Reply Laurie November 23, 2020 I am new to candlemaking (and love your site!). Can you tell me the pouring temperature for the Soy 125 wax with use in the Libbey glass tumblers? Reply William Binder November 23, 2020 For best results we recommend preheating container and pouring wax at around 115-120F Reply Kate November 24, 2020 A while back I bought the 50lb box of paraffin from Candlewic – Thanks!! I want to use it to make tea light candles. When using the straight wax (with a variety of wicks), the flame is very small. What other wax and ratio added to the paraffin would yield a larger flame and shorter burning time? Is there a wick you would recommend as well? P.S. The link for “ask Chandler” on the page goes to “403 Forbidden” Reply William Binder November 24, 2020 Have you tried the CD-5? Sorry for the trouble with Ask Chandler. We can always be contact at [email protected] Reply Lori June 26, 2021 Hello which wax is best for making different kinds of figures (curvy women figure, David head figure, Medusa head figure) out of silicone molds. I am using soy wax right now and idk if I’m pouring when it’s to hot (130•) but they keep breaking apart when I unmold them. Reply William Binder June 28, 2021 Soy wax will not work in that application. For best results you should use beeswax or paraffin wax. Reply Irene November 25, 2020 Hello, I am planning to start my own candles business but I don’t want to use paraffin because of the petroleum thing… Do you think is possible to use silicon figure molds with soy wax? if not, do you have any advise on what type of wax I can use for this? Amazing website, thank you!! Reply William Binder November 25, 2020 Thank you for the kind words. Unfortunately soy will not work with silicon figure molds. The best wax to use with that type of mold would be Beeswax. Reply Shannon Carradine February 9, 2021 What if we used a beeswax/coconut wax blend? Would that work in the silicone molds? Reply William Binder February 9, 2021 If the majority of the blend was beeswax it might. Coconut tends to be extremely brittle and very low melt point. Reply Willow April 9, 2021 I have been making molded candles using pure soy wax blends the last few months and they have been working pretty well. They are not perfect (as they are handmade and I am still learning), but I’ve had some success using pure soy wax. The only issue I’ve had is trying to find fragrances that will not change the texture of the wax itself because some will make it softer, I’ve noticed. Reply William Binder April 12, 2021 Unfortunately when adding fragrance there is not much you can do about the texture. In most instances the 7-8% fragrance you are adding is changing the properties of the wax. Reply lil December 4, 2020 whats the best candle wax for making scented candles.? Reply William Binder December 4, 2020 Will depend on jars or pillars. If jars would recommend the CBL-125 and if pillars the CBL-141. Reply Mws December 7, 2020 Thank you for your article. It was very helpful. I’m using soy wax in small glass jars. The wick keeps sputtering out after a couple hours of burn. At first I thought it was the mica powder I was using for color but then I had the same trouble using crayons for color. What do you recommend in terms of wicks and coloring agents? Reply William Binder December 7, 2020 You should only use color blocks or liquid dyes for coloring candles. Color blocks are easier to work with. Crayons have pigments which will clog the wick and same holds true for mica. Reply Wickless December 16, 2020 Great site….I’m a new to this, but I’ve got a concept and needing advice. I’ve a several empty 22 oz Yankee Candle Jars, sheets of bees wax and a ton cool small pine cones. Thinking about placing a roll of fitted bees wax in the jar, with the pine cones placed between the jar wall and the bee wax sheets. Wondering if you might recommend specific wicks and waxs for the fill? Rather nervous this might all make for a huge mess, So thinking a lower temp fill wax would be ideal as I don’t wish to melt or deform the bees wax sheets too much (so below 144 °F)? And ideally, the fill wax would be fairly transparent, so are to permit seeing the cones and wax sheet? Kind of thinking it might be best to build the inner candle, wrap with a beeswax sheet, place in jar with cones and then backfill the outer section? Don’t know…. help! Reply Kelly Anne January 2, 2021 Does CBL-141 work well with unique candle molds? I am going to attempt candle molds next, but so far I’ve only worked with jar candles. Any tips or tricks will help immensely. Reply William Binder January 3, 2021 Yes it works well especially if adding fragrances. Reply Alisa Karr January 3, 2021 Hi, very new at this. Looking at making tarts for the first time. Want to use soy. What kind is best? And which one holds fragrance best? Thanks. Reply William Binder January 4, 2021 Alisa Any of the soy waxes could function to make tarts. However, soy can be a bit brittle and to low of a melt point for the application. Reply Juan January 4, 2021 I want to start mAking candles. I’m thinking molds and cubed wax burners and add scent. Any suggestions on what wax and wick to use. Reply William Binder January 4, 2021 For the Molds we would recommend using the CBL-141 and for the cubed wax burners we would recommend the CBL-129. In terms of wicks for the molds it will really depend on the diameter. If you email us at [email protected] and let us know the diameter we can provide you with some recommendations on which wicks to test. Reply Farida January 8, 2021 Hi, thank you for information. I’m starting doing my own pillar candles female and male torso 10 cm and I’m using kerasoy wax pillar blend. The thing is the body of candle burns in 10 mins and after burns about 30 mins on the base. Don’t you know the reason? Why it burns so fast? Reply William Binder January 10, 2021 To big of a wick and probably to low of a melt point wax. A soy wax is not effective at all with free standing candles. Reply Stephanie January 9, 2021 Hi, I bought a silicone mold to make those body shaped candles. What wax would you recommend. I was told to get a harder soy wax in order to peel the mold off and have the candle still in one piece. What wax would you recommend? Reply William Binder January 10, 2021 Soy will not work at all to be honest. You will need to use a paraffin wax and ideally the 4144 is going to be the best. Reply Michelle Klug January 10, 2021 What kind of wax should you use for making candlesticks that will drip? Seems like most modern wax is for “dripless”. Reply William Binder January 12, 2021 The dripping is caused more by the size of the wick. For any taper you will want to use a melt point wax of at least 140F. Reply DC January 13, 2021 How many wicks should I use in a glass jar with a diameter of 5″? Reply William Binder January 13, 2021 We would recommend trying to smaller wicks first. The fewer wicks you can use the better it will be. The more wicks used the more issues with placement, oxygen and performance. Reply Jacqulin Singer January 13, 2021 I recently purchased 200 tealight candles and they won’t burn. The top wick burns and when it is gone, end of story. I have some paraffin and wanted to remake them so as not to be a total waste. What size wick would you recommend. Is the wick size the problem or could it be the wax? Reply William Binder January 13, 2021 Unfortunately it is hard to recommend a wick without knowing more about the wax. The reason these didn’t burn was they didn’t use the right wick with the wax they used. If you go to big on the wick then it might burn to fast and hot. We generally recommend the S-330 cotton when making paraffin wax candles but if they used a different wax, to high of melt point then this wick will not be sufficient. Wick sizing is always the biggest challenge in candle making. Reply Kate Hansen January 15, 2021 It’s good to know that paraffin is the least expensive wax to get! My sister’s birthday is coming up in a couple of weeks, and I want to look into making her a candle since she loves them, and I wanted to make sure that I get the right supplies. I’ll make sure to keep these tips in mind as I search for candle wax to use for her gift! Reply Shaniqua Robinson January 19, 2021 Hi I want to make candles molds instead of candles in jars. I wanted to use a coconut/apricot blend for my candles because its clean. Please let me know if this is a good idea. I do not see any suggestions for candle molds. Reply William Binder January 19, 2021 Unfortunately the Coconut/Apricot is only suitable for use in jars and cannot be used to make pillars. The best natural waxes to use for Pillars would be Beeswax, Palm-2 or Palm-3 and the Elite-300 Reply Richard Leas March 2, 2022 I’ve only made one candle by melting 6 tarts in a double boiler and pouring the wax over jute string. It worked better than I expected. I’m wanting to make long tapered candles for the most light and longest burning. I’d like to use bees wax and wondering what type of wick I would need. Thank you Reply William Binder March 3, 2022 The square braided are the best and start by testing the 6/0. Reply chelsea taylor January 23, 2021 What wick do you guys recommend for CBL 129 in a 3″ tumbler jar? What is the best wick for this wax? Thanks so much! Reply William Binder January 25, 2021 Will depend on the color/fragrance load but would recommend testing RRD-40 or RRD-47. Reply Charles January 31, 2021 I’m using bottom of champagne bottles for candles. 464 soy was. Any ideas which wicks to test? Diameter 3-3 1/2 “ Thanks. Reply William Binder February 1, 2021 Would recommend testing the ECO-10 or the ECO-12. Reply Christin Mahony February 2, 2021 I’m starting to make candles again and I would like to use paraffin wax, however I see that there are many different types of paraffin wax. I was wondering which type Is best? I plan on making pillar candles and container candles to start. Reply William Binder February 3, 2021 Would recommend the CBL-141 for the pillars and the CBL-125 for containers. Reply Monica February 8, 2021 I want to make pillar candle with palm and paraffin wax blend, do you know best ratio for it? Reply William Binder February 8, 2021 Will depend on the reason adding Palm. Both are very good waxes onto themselves. The Palm will loose the patterns when any percentage of paraffin is added. Reply Jan February 8, 2021 In the 70’s when I started making candles I had a book that had ideas such as artificial flowers & sand candles. I lost that book. What is the best way to add artificial flowers? Reply William Binder February 9, 2021 Unfortunately we do not recommend adding dried flowers to any candle intended to be burned. Reply Wakita February 10, 2021 I’m starting up a new candle business and I use a candle maker and was wondering what is the best wax to use? Reply William Binder February 11, 2021 Will depend on the type of desired marking. Performance wise the CBL-125 is going to be the best for containers/jars. Reply Jamie February 19, 2021 I bought some beeswax candles that were poured into a screw top can. 1.5 inch diameter, .75 inch height, so pretty much tea light size. I set one on the counter, lit it and it tunneled to the bottom in about 90 minutes with over half the wax unused. Tried another one, same results. My first guess is they were made with “standard” (or cheapest) tea light wicks which were not up to the task. I would like to redo these and make them work. I am assuming I will need to buy larger, longer wicks and cut to length after the wax cools. Can you suggest a wick type and size to start with? Thanks for your time! Reply William Binder February 19, 2021 Will depend on how filtered the beeswax is but would recommend testing the 1/0 or the #1. Reply Jenny February 20, 2021 Hi there, I am so fed up with spending a fortune on candles that when lit have no smell at all. I would like to make my own in jars but as I have no experience but lots of enthusiasm would like some info on getting started, what do I use for a great aroma etc. Love your site and thanks in advance. Reply Sharareh May 5, 2021 Thanks for the information, it’s really useful. I just want to know about the differences between granule wax and crystalline wax. Are they same or there is a huge difference? I want to know which of them is better for carving candle? Thanks in advance for your replying… Reply William Binder May 6, 2021 Yes they are different products. Granulate wax is a paraffin which is not a micro crystalline wax. For carving we would recommend using the 4045EP. Reply small business owner June 27, 2021 I am new to candle making. I am interested in making homemade candles; vitiove and Pillar candles but they will be graphic; 3d and 2d designed shapes, figures, objects etc. I will use jars maybe a tray for use as candle holder/base some most of pillar candles base will be sturdy enough to stand-alone without a jar. I am interested in stronger fragrances because the design of the candles will wow the audience as a interior decorative item. Reply William Binder June 28, 2021 Would definitely recommend using the CBL-141 for that application. Reply William Binder July 15, 2021 It generally would be a paraffin wax just may not have used the proper one. Reply Dannielle August 10, 2021 Hi, wanting to start making pillar silicone mould candles, can you mix soy wax and beeswax for pillars or best to use only the beeswax? If you can mix what ratio would work? Thanks Reply William Binder August 11, 2021 It is possible but will need a heavy percentage of beeswax would have to say starting at around 70-80% Reply ashleigh August 15, 2021 Hi! I am looking to make candles from molds I bought online. I have heard that soy wax is too soft to use in these, but I see online that people are selling molded candles saying they are made from soy wax. Does this mean I could use soy wax? Or are they using some sort of blend? Or are they blending two types of waxes together? Please let me know! Reply William Binder August 16, 2021 More than likely some type of blend. Soy in itself has a very low melt point and pretty brittle. Reply Ashleigh White August 16, 2021 Okay, thank you! If I use a blend of soy and something else, could I still promote it to be eco friendly? A lot of places say to use paraffin with soy, but then that makes it no longer eco friendly. Reply William Binder August 15, 2022 There is not a definitive answer to that. There is no guidelines as to what is ECO friendly so it is very subjective. Most people seem to be comfortable calling a candle that has 50% soy in it natural. Reply Ashleigh White August 17, 2021 Okay thank you! My wonder is that if I use a paraffin blend with soy, can I still market myself as eco friendly? Reply William Binder August 17, 2021 Can’t call it all natural. But something like Soy blend or natural blend are normally ok to use. Reply Lisa Jackson August 16, 2021 I use molds to make hurricane candles with fresh flowers in them. I have been using paraffin wax but I wanted to know if there was a way to make it more clear? I have special ordered some wax and have also used gulf wax, is there something better that would stay more clear? Reply William Binder August 15, 2022 The wax which would have the most clarity is the 5055 but to be honest it is better but to many eyes may not be a remarkable improvement Reply Kelley September 14, 2021 Which type of wick and wax should I use to generate the most drip in a taper candle? Reply William Binder September 15, 2021 Depends on the wax you are using. For mid melt point paraffins would recommend testing the 12 Ply and for beeswax testing the 5/0 Reply Elaiza October 18, 2021 Hi what wax is great for scented molded and jar candles? I am new into making candles and would want to know which wax is great to use. Reply William Binder October 19, 2021 For containers we would recommend the CBL-125 and for Pillars we would recommend CBL-141. Unfortunately to make the best candles you should always have 1 wax for the jars and 1 for pillars Reply Luna November 18, 2021 hi!! i am making pillar candles with silicone molds and i use naturewax C3 soy wax and i always have sink holes and air bubbles 🙁 then i bought paraffin wax and i have the same problem and i dont know what to do 🙁 Reply William Binder November 19, 2021 Unfortunately Soy wax is not suitable with silicone mold. Paraffin is best but you will need to pour much hotter something in the 200F range. Reply Shabeena December 11, 2021 Hi! Which wax is safer to use in a normal jam jar….ie: it won’t cause the glass to crack. Have some beautiful glass jars which I want to upcycle as gifts Reply William Binder December 13, 2021 Would recommend either the CBL-125 or the CBL-130 both are pretty easy waxes to work with. Reply Valerie December 13, 2021 I’m curious as to what radio of of paraffin to soy I can use in a blend. Any help please? Reply William Binder December 13, 2021 It can be any percentage you like. Most like to be in the 50/50 range. The more paraffin the better the candle will deliver on fragrance throw. Reply Sophie January 17, 2022 Hi, im making some tall cylinder gkass candles for a driends wedding. The tallest would be approx 70cm tall and 20cm wide. I was thinking a pure sot wax would be best or would you reccoment a blend? Also hiw many wicks would i need, I was considering wodden wicks also, im just concerned on the oxygen and if the candle would burn down without suffocating. Do you have any suggestions or reccomendations? Thanks Reply William Binder January 17, 2022 That diameter is very difficult not to have smoking. Definitely would not recommend using wood wicks. Reply Olivia January 17, 2022 Hi, I’m looking at starting candle making. I am looking at starting with container candles – glass jars. Which wax would you recommend to start with? Thank you. Reply William Binder January 17, 2022 Would highly recommend using the CBL-130. https://candlewic.com/p/candle-making/wax/candlewic-custom-blends/cbl-130/ Reply William February 24, 2022 I am looking to start a candle making business. I purchased the country lane wax melt kit from hobby lobby and it worked wonderful. I would like to make candles in jars as well as wax melts. What wax is in the country lane kit? Is there a wax that can be used for jars as well as wax melts? Reply William Binder February 28, 2022 The Soy wax in this kit is the 494. Ideally you should use specific wax for the application. However you could use the 464 in Tarts and jars. Reply Leslie March 7, 2022 Hello! We are wanting to make candles in antique, or vintage teacups. What type of wax would you recommend using for this? We also plan to add our own essential oils. Reply William Binder March 7, 2022 Would definitely recommend the CBL-130. https://candlewic.com/p/candle-making/wax/candlewic-custom-blends/cbl-130/ Reply Rocky May 28, 2022 I am new to making candles. I want to make unscented chime candles, 4-10oz tin candles, tea light candles with natural scent, can you recommend wax with clean burn and good scent throw? Reply William Binder May 31, 2022 We would recommend the CBL-125 for best performance. Reply Erin December 14, 2022 I am looking to make my own drip candles, that you put on top on a wine glass and they drip down. What wax would I use to make an extremely drippable candle? Reply William Binder December 16, 2022 Would recommend using the 4144 wax. Reply Leave a Reply Cancel replyYour email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *Comment * Name * Email * Website Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.