Candle making has grown tremendously in the past few decades and this exponential growth has led to the further improvement in quality, availability and sheer diversity of wax, which as we all know, is one of the main ingredients of candle making. Wax is now made from a number of different materials, some from natural sources and others from manufactured materials.

One of the most abundantly manufactured wax used in making candles today is paraffin wax It is a by-product of petroluem. Most candles are now made from paraffin wax which is readily available everywhere and is cheap to buy. In various parts of the world, plant materials like soybeans and palm oil are extensively used also to make candle wax. Naturally produced wax are refined from such plant materials like soy beans and palm. United States is noted for massive production of soybeans from which natural soy wax is extracted. Soy wax has swiftly grown in popularity as it is commonly available, cheap to make, renewable and eco-friendly.

Another plant-based wax that is rapidly growing in popularity is Palm wax. Palm wax is a natural and renewable resource which is refined or extracted from palm trees. Acres of virgin forests in many countries around the world are now regularly being cleared to make way for palm tree plantations just because of the ever growing popularity of palm oil and palm wax in the world market.

This forest clearing has in many ways contributed to the global warming phenomenon affecting our planet today. it has displaced vast numbers of endangered species like tigers, rhinos, gorrillas and orangutans living in these forests. Try and keep in mind this negative effect on our planet when you are buying palm wax,  and make your own little contribution towards the sustainance of our ecosystem by buying wax that is eco-friendly.

People have been making candles from animal products for centuries. The Egyptians made candles from beeswax as early as 3000 BC, and the Chinese made theirs from whale fat between 221 and 206 BC during the Qin Dynasty. Candles made from natural beeswax is available in white and yellow and it is as popular as ever. Although it is more expensive than paraffin wax or palm wax, candle makers are drawn to this wax by its natural fragrance and its burning characteristics.

A new kind of material people are using to make candles now is Gel. Gel candles are clear and have a rubbery texture but it works much the same way as candles made from any other kind of wax. Gel wax is available in three different densities – low, medium and high. The type of candle you want to make and the amount of scent you want to add will dictate the gel density you need to use. Low density gel works best for candles that contain 0-3% scent, and it is poured at low temperatures. Medium density gel is probably the most popular gel for making gel candles and it is best with candles that contain 3-5% of fragrance. High density gel wax works best for candles that holds a higher amount of fragrance and it is usually poured at much higher temperatures than the low and medium density wax.

Candle makers today are spoilt for choice with the wide varieties of wax available on the market for the candle making enthusiast. You can pick and choose the type of wax that works best for you and the type of candle you are planning to make. A complete understanding of the characteristics and quality of the different types of wax will allow every budding candle entrepreneur to use each one to its fullest potential in crafting the candle of their dreams.