What Type of Wax Is Best for Candle Making?

One of the most common questions for candle makers, especially beginners, is: What type of wax is best for candle making? The answer depends on the type of mold you’re using and the characteristics you want in your finished candle.

For silicone molds, which are highly popular due to their ability to capture intricate details, soft and pliable waxes are ideal. These waxes release easily from molds and maintain the intricate designs. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the best wax options for candle molds, along with a comprehensive comparison table that includes prices, melting points, and other key properties.

1. Soy Wax

• Melting Point: 43°C - 54°C
• Price Range: €6.50–€12 per kilogram
• Why it’s great:
• Soy wax is soft and pliable, making it perfect for intricate silicone molds.
• It’s eco-friendly, clean-burning, and produces minimal soot.
• Affordable and beginner-friendly.
• Best Use: Container candles, molded candles with simpler shapes.

2. Coconut Wax

• Melting Point: 38°C - 49°C
• Price Range: €14–€28 per kilogram
• Why it’s great:
• Coconut wax is creamy and luxurious, offering exceptional mold release.
• It excels at holding fragrances and colors, giving your candles a premium feel.
• Its low melting point prevents cracking in intricate designs.
• Best Use: Detailed and luxury molded candles.

3. Beeswax

• Melting Point: 63°C - 66°C
• Price Range: €20–€40 per kilogram
• Why it’s great:
• Beeswax produces durable candles with a natural honey scent.
• Works well for simpler molds, like pillars or votives.
• It burns longer and cleaner than other waxes.
• Limitations: Its harder texture makes it less suitable for intricate silicone molds, as it may not capture fine details effectively.

4. Palm Wax

• Melting Point: 54°C - 60°C
• Price Range: €8–€15 per kilogram
• Why it’s great:
• Palm wax creates unique crystalline textures, adding an artistic touch to candles.
• It burns cleanly with minimal soot and holds fragrance well.
• Limitations: Ethical concerns surrounding deforestation and habitat destruction affect its sustainability.

5. Blended Waxes

• Melting Point: Varies depending on the blend (43°C - 71°C)
• Price Range: €8–€24 per kilogram
• Why it’s great:
• Blends combine the strengths of multiple waxes, offering customized performance.
• Soy-coconut blends, for example, provide the pliability of soy with the fragrance retention of coconut.
• Best Use: Tailored for specific applications, including molded and scented candles.

Comparison Table: Best Wax for Candle Molds

Tips for Molded Candle Success

1. Choose the Right Wax for Your Mold: Soft waxes like soy or coconut are better for detailed molds, while harder waxes like beeswax or palm wax are ideal for sturdy shapes like pillars.
2. Use a Mold Release Agent: To ensure smooth demolding, apply a light coating of mold release spray or vegetable oil.
3. Mind Your Pour Temperature: Pouring too hot can warp silicone molds, while pouring too cool can create cracks or uneven surfaces in your candle.

Which Wax Should You Use for Candle Molds?

For most applications, soy wax and coconut wax are the best choices for candle molds. These waxes excel in flexibility, ease of demolding, and clean-burning properties, making them ideal for intricate silicone molds and luxury candles. Blended waxes can also provide tailored solutions for specific needs, combining the strengths of different wax types.

At MUYMOI, we believe in providing detailed, reliable information to help you make informed decisions. Explore our scientifically curated DIY Candle-Making Kits and start your journey to crafting beautiful, high-quality candles today!

Create, explore, and enjoy—let’s get melting!