Intro to Candlemaking

An Introduction to Candle Dyes
by Doneen St.John
Copyright © 1997 - Present. All rights reserved.

Candle dyes are available in many forms and many colors. Learning how to choose the right type of dye for your applications is very important. Here we will explain the various types of dye in detail, and what they are best used for.

Order Black/Grey Liquid Candle Dye NOW! LIQUID DYES:
Liquids are a popular choice for many candlemakers. They are easy to make small batches and easy to measure when using drops, so colors are easily reproduced. Liquid dyes contain a chemical solvent that can tend to increase frosting in soy, so they are not the best choice for soy wax candles. They also have a strong chemical smell in the bottle, but this goes away once added to the wax, so you don't smell this in the finished candles. Liquids will thicken with age, but can be thinned out by adding mineral oil and shaking well. Liquids can be used in Paraffin, Gel, Beeswax, and also in Aroma Beads and Liquid Potpourri. One oz. of liquid dye should color approx. 125 lbs of wax (one lb.of dye per 2,000 lbs) to a medium shade. An average of 7 to 14 drops per pound is used in paraffin wax. Very little dye is needed in gel, so a toothpick is recommended to stir in less than a drop.

Order Lime Green Dye Flakes (oz) NOW! DYE FLAKES:
Dye Flakes are very concentrated and are resistant to color fading. They offer the best color selection. Flakes are more difficult to measure, so an accurate gram scale is needed. Because the flake sizes vary by color, it is difficult to use a spoon to measure. Dye Flakes must be melted to a higher temperature to fully blend, so they are not necessarily the best choice for soy wax. They work great in paraffin wax, but they may inhibit mottling so are best used in non mottled candles. Flakes also work well in beeswax. Recommended usage is .1 to .3% (or approx. 1/2 gram per pound of wax). One ounce of flakes will dye approx. 45 - 65lbs of wax. This will vary depending on the type of wax and additives used.

Order Gold Dye Chips 20pk NOW! DYE CHIPS:
Dye Chips are perfect for beginners. They are easy to measure and to reproduce colors from batch to batch. Generally 1 chip per pound is used in paraffin, 2 or more chips per pound in soy. Different colored chips can easily be mixed to make other colors. They do not increase frosting in soy and will not inhibit mottling in paraffin, so they work great in soy & palm waxes, and also in paraffin & beeswax.

COLOR BLOCKS:
Blocks are more difficult to measure unless you make large enough batches to use a full block at a time. One block can color approx. 15 to 20 lbs of wax on average. Otherwise the blocks must be shaved, or chunks can be cut off the block and weighed or measured. This makes it a little more difficult to reproduce colors each time. Blocks work well in paraffin, soy, palm and beeswax. Small shavings can be used in Gel, but be careful not to use too much as it can cloud the gel.

Order Bright Yellow Powdered Candle Dye NOW! POWDER DYE:
Powders are the most concentrated form of dye available. These are what all other dyes are made from. They work great in soy, paraffin, palm, beeswax and gel. Powders are more difficult to blend without leaving tiny specks in the bottom of your jars, so they may need to be melted with a little stearic acid before adding to the wax. A very accurate gram scale, or else very small scoops or spoons are needed to measure powders. Color selection is more limited than other dyes, but powders can be mixed to make an endless array of colors. A color wheel is helpful in mixing various shades. Powders are very fine powder and can be messy. It is recommended you wear a mask over the nose and mouth when using powders. Usage can vary from as little as .01% for a light shade, to .05% for a dark shade.

Order Lipstick R Pigment Block 1 Lb. NOW! PIGMENTS:
Pigments come in large blocks or some in chips. These are for over-dipping pillars and for Cut & Curl candles only. Pigments will clog the wick so they are not for use in containers, votives or core candles. Suggested usage is from 1 to 5% in paraffin wax, dip at approx. 160 degrees F, allow to cool between dips. Pigments resist bleeding and can be mixed to create a variety of other colors and shades. Each 1 pound slab will color approx. 300 lbs of wax.

Best wishes and happy candlemaking!