Candle Wax

The type of wax from which a candle is made can make a big difference to its characteristics and the way it performs.

As customers become more aware of the ecological credentials of many of their purchases, so has more attention become focused on the materials from which we make our candles.

While Randall’s Candles started out as, and remains, a family business, our success is down to our focus  on crafting candles around your exact needs, and the surroundings in which you will display and use them.

Of course, that includes the wax from which the candle itself is made, and you can choose from natural or man-made materials, or a mixture of the two. You’ll find that each of which have their own characteristics and advantages, which we outline in more detail below.

What Are The Main Types of Candle Wax Available?

Beeswax: Known for its naturally sweet fragrance, beeswax which is suitable for making candles can be bought in a number of shapes, the best for your needs depending on the amount of candles that you want to make.

As a totally natural product, however, it can be comparatively difficult to source, and as a result more expensive than its man-made alternatives. The original candle material is these days supplied in several formats, including slabs, blocks, smaller pastilles, or pre-rolled sheets from which you can cut and mould any shape you require.

Soy wax: Another 100% natural product, soy wax is a more economical and affordable option than beeswax. Developed in the 1990s as demand grew for a more eco-friendly alternative to paraffin wax, it is often blended with other substances, but can be sold as a soy wax blend provided this constitutes at least 51% of the mixture.

Gel wax: This is a more recent innovation, which involves burning a transparent mix of substances to produce a flame. You will usually find that this performs just as well as most other wax types, and because it has proved successful, it is becoming increasingly widely available, including in the largest, pillar candles.

Paraffin wax: This is another long-standing material used for candle-making, and is proven to be the most versatile. The candles are made as a by-product of the refining of crude oil, so although this can mean they can emit a distinctive smell, it isn’t necessarily harmful.

Candles can be made of any of these natural or synthetic materials, or even from a mixture of two or more. You’ll find that most candle-makers will use a mix of these different types, depending on where and how the candles are to be used. Don’t forget that successful candle-making also requires a supply of quality candle containers, in which to display and store your handiwork - and we’ve more than got you covered there too.

Randall’s Candles is your one-stop shop for everything to do with candles. We’re happy to pass on to you the benefit of our many years’ knowledge and experience to help you choose the ideal wick as the finishing touch to a candle that’s as unique and eye-catching as you want it to be!

If you need any more advice, we’re happy to help - just contact our helpline on 01945 880247, or take a look at our FAQs page, where we answer many of the most common general questions we get asked by our customers.

Candle Wax FAQs

What is the best kind of wax to use for candles?

You have a number of factors to balance when choosing your preferred type of candle wax, and earlier on this page, we summarised the main benefits and drawbacks of each type of wax available.

The type of wax you choose is ultimately down to your own preference, depending on what type of candle you're making, how much you want to spend, how strong you want your candle fragrance to be, and the importance you put on them being eco-friendly. 

What are the main differences between the kinds of wax you sell?

While many people still consider beeswax to be the ultimate candle-making material, it is the most expensive, and as a result, better-value alternatives have become available. We outlined the characteristics of the most common varieties of candle wax available earlier on this page.

What is curdling in candle wax and how can I avoid it?

The 'curdling' effect that you might experience is not actually curdling at all. It is actually a temporary phase change that occurs when a small amount of wax changes from liquid to solid.

It happens when the fragrance oil in the candle is cooler than the liquid wax. When you then add oil to the wax it cools the wax around it, causing the wax to change from liquid to solid.

However, because most of the wax is still very hot, the small lump of wax will melt again very quickly. To dissolve any remaining lumps, simply give the wax a good stir.