Starting a candle business can be an exciting venture, but it's important to acknowledge the naivety that often accompanies the journey. I, too, once believed that candle making was as simple as mixing oil together with melted wax and adding a wick. However, I soon discovered that there was much more to it than meets the eye. In this blog post, we'll explore the science behind candle making, including melting temperatures and the misconceptions surrounding different wax options.

The Science Behind Candle Making:

Candle making is an art that combines creativity with scientific precision. Understanding the science behind it is crucial for producing high-quality candles. One key aspect is melting temperatures. Different waxes have different melting points, which affects the candle's burn time and overall performance. For instance, soy wax has a lower melting point, resulting in a slower and longer-lasting burn, while paraffin wax has a higher melting point, providing a brighter flame but a shorter burn time. Beeswax falls in between, offering a balance of qualities.

Choosing the Right Wax:

Selecting the appropriate wax for your candles is essential for achieving the desired results. There are several misconceptions surrounding popular wax options, such as beeswax, paraffin, and soy wax. Let's start by debunking some of these misconceptions:

1. Beeswax: Often hailed as the most natural and eco-friendly option, beeswax is indeed a sustainable choice. It offers a warm, honey-like scent and a beautiful natural color. However, it can be more expensive compared to other waxes, making it less accessible for some businesses. Beeswax is often hailed as being able to "purify the air", I recommend doing some research on this before using this as a sales point, because it isn't really true. It is so easy to get sucked into buying more expensive materials because they are deemed as being sustainable, natural etc.

2. Paraffin Wax: Despite its negative reputation, paraffin wax has many merits. It is affordable, readily available, and offers excellent scent throw and vibrant colors. Because it is derived from petroleum, people raise concerns about its environmental impact and sustainability. As it is a byproduct of the petrol industry that is being used rather than discarded, can we really knock it? Until we all switch to electric vehicles, I don't think so.

3. Soy Wax: Soy wax has gained popularity as a renewable and eco-friendly alternative. It burns cleanly and is often blended with other natural waxes. However, it's important to note that not all soy wax is created equal. Because of the unstable nature of pure soy wax ( it gives an ugly appearance to the candle) many chandlers use additives (eg stearic acid) or blend with paraffin. All Cuimhne Candles are a blend of soy and paraffin wax, because when I began experimenting I loved the creamy appearance of soy and the stability and hot/cold throw that paraffin offered.

Conclusion:

Starting a candle business is a journey that goes beyond the initial perception of simplicity. It requires a deep understanding of the science behind candle making, including melting temperatures and the characteristics of different waxes. By debunking misconceptions surrounding beeswax, paraffin, and soy wax, you can make informed decisions for your candle business. Remember, the key to success lies in continuous learning, experimentation, and a passion for creating beautiful, fragrant candles.

We hope this blog post has shed light on the intricacies of starting a candle business and provided valuable insights into the science and wax choices. May your entrepreneurial journey be filled with creativity, success, and the warm glow of beautifully crafted candles.

If you have a topic or question you would like to see on our blog, reach out on Instagram, Facebook or by email cuimhnecandles@gmail.com

Le meas

Laura