Solid animal fats and natural waxes were the very first candle fuels. Animal tallow, bayberry wax and beeswax were among the early raw materials for candles that filled the requirement of being solid at room temperatures.

With the discovery of petroleum and the refining processes that followed, candle makers soon shifted their production to the more plentiful, less expensive, and more consistent petroleum wax, which became their raw material of choice. 

Today, with petroleum wax prices increasing and talk of depleting oil sources, candle makers seem ready once again to return to natural fats and waxes as a source of solid fuels for candle making. We continue to see a trend in our industry to manufacture candles using renewable, biodegradable, all-natural products. Soy and palm based waxes along with beeswax are just a few of the ever increasing natural wax products used in making "all-natural" candles. 

Natural oils and fats are routinely hydrogenated using today's modern processes to create many grades of natural wax products, which equal and exceed the consistency of petroleum waxes. The resulting products burn cleanly and efficiently when a proper wicking system is used. In many instances, burn times can be increased using all-natural wax products.

Highly crystalline products offer different and interesting structures and textures which make it possible to create many new products for the ever-changing retail candle market.

Since there are so many new materials available on the market today it is important to move slowly and test thoroughly before introducing your "all natural" wax candles. 

For more information about pouring temperatures, colorants or fragrances to use with natural waxes, or to order natural waxes, go to 
http://www.candlewic.com/natural_waxes.htm

Soy Wax
Using beeswax
Candle making basics
Candle making vocabulary
Candle making safety
What's new in candle making
Importance of temperature
Mold techniques
Polycarbonate molds
Choosing colors
All about waxes
Wax 101
Blended versus non-blended waxes
Palm Wax
Natural wax
Whipped wax
All about wicks
Protecting your candles from the sun
Using UV absorbers
Making a chunk candle
Making double pour candles
Making white candles white
Making crackled candles
Selecting the proper sustaining base

Click here for great links to other candle making and craft sites.

More questions? Contact us:
info@letsmakecandles.com

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