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Wax Waxing
Wax Wax Wax — Candle Making Wax
What’s the most important thing about a candle? I would say wax–wouldn’t you? Once upon a time you didn’t get many choices, but now there are several options available. Most wax today is a form of refined petroleum like paraffin. Paraffin wax is the most common type of wax.
Paraffin wax is readily available and inexpensive. Soy, palm and bay berry wax are some of the natural ingredients that you can get for your candle making hobby. Soybeans are another type of natural ingredient that is growing in popularity — especially with the “green movement”. Soybeans are mostly cultivated and harvested in the states of Iowa, Indiana and Illinois. Palm trees also produce palm which is another natural and renewable resource. Unfortunately though, in southeast asia, vast areas of rain forests are being destroyed in order to harvest palm trees. If you happen to purchase palm wax try to check for eco-friendly harvesting techniques and you’ll be doing the environment a favor!
If you’ve gone to Catholic Church lately, you’ll notice that sweet smelling wax in candles by the altar. That wax is beeswax. Beeswax comes in white or yellow and it has a nice pleasant odor. However, it isn’t the cheapest type of wax but it does have long lasting qualities and many candle makers love to use it.
If you want to get creative, you might want to try gel wax. It is a clear, rubbery texture but works the same as wax. Gel wax is sold in different types of densities. Depending on the type of candle you’ll want to make, your density will depend on that. So for instance, if you want a light smelling candle you’ll go with a low density –which can be poured at a lower temperature and high density if you want to put alot of fragrance. However, medium density is the most commonly used wax to work with. Gel wax is also great for decorating. As you can see, so many varieties are available that there could be no end to the types of projects you could come up with!
About the Author
Ariel Bella is a candle making enthusiast. For more great information on Candle Making Wax , visit www.candle-wonders.com.
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