Shopping for candle wax is probably one of the most enjoyable parts of candle making process.
You are by no means limited to paraffin, beeswax, gel wax, or palm wax - because recent innovations in 'wax science' has allowed manufacturers to produce even more varieties of candle waxes to suit different types of projects.
Wax crystals: perfect for the kids! If you want small kids to take part in your candle making adventures, you do not have to worry anymore about kids handling double boilers or heating cans.
If you want them to practice their creativity through candle making, you could go for wax crystals.
As the name implies, wax crystals are made in such a way that they have a predominantly crystalline form.
All the kids have to do when making their own candles is pour and install the pre-packed wicks that come with the wax crystals.
If you like the color of the wax crystals but don't like the form, you just have to pour the crystals into a heating can and melt it.
This variety of wax is manufactured from paraffin wax.
Bayberry wax If you want to go for plant-based candle wax, then bayberry wax is ideal.
Bayberry wax was used by the first wave of colonists in the American region who wanted to use something other than tallow or animal fat (tallow generally gave off a noxious smell and was also sooty).
The wax itself is derived from the berries of Bayberry shrubs.
Do you even need to add fragrance to this type of wax? No - because bayberry wax is naturally fragrant (there is natural essential oil in the wax).
The only disadvantage perhaps when opting for bayberry wax is its price tag - it is usually more expensive than other kinds of candle wax because it takes at least three pounds of fresh berries to produce just one pound of wax for candle making.
Jelly wax Here is another kind that kids can use.
As the name implies, this type of wax looks exactly like jelly.
If you have used hair gel in plastic tubes before, then you will have little trouble spotting this type of wax on the shelves of your local craft stores.
Like hair gel, it can easily be squeezed out whenever you want to use it for your candle making projects.
Star-burst coating Candle making is all about creativity - and what better way to practice your creativity than by coating your cured candles? Star-burst coating wax is a bit more expensive than your regular kind but it can be used to decorate special candles.
All you have to do is dip your cooled candle into a preparation and voila! Star-like patterns will emerge when the star-burst coating wax has dried.