Using Bees Wax in Candle Making
Bees wax candles are a natural alternative to the more popular paraffin wax candles, and some people prefer bees wax for its cleaner burning qualities as well as the organic factor. Bees wax is produced by bees from nectar. Bees must consume about ten pounds of honey to produce one pound of bees wax. The color can be anywhere from white to black, but is usually amber-gold.
It has a high resistance to heat, but if it is cooled too quickly, it will become pale, brittle, and prone to cracking due to rapid contraction. So, this naturally fragile wax should be cooled as slowly as possible for the best texture and color.
You can preserve the scent of fresh beeswax by making sure not to raise the temperature of the wax more than a few degrees above melting point - and then only for a short period. Storing the wax in low temperatures will help preserve the natural scent.
When melting this, as well as other waxes, it is best to use stainless steel, plastic, or tin plated containers or wax melters, because iron rusts and containers of galvanised iron, brass, or copper can discolor the wax.
Also remember to never place a pan of wax directly on a burner. This will ruin the wax, and if beeswax gets too hot, it will ignite into an extremely dangerous fire! Bees wax candles are high quality, but it's important to be extra careful when working with it.
For more information about candle making and bees wax, or to choose from related products, choose from one of the following links:
Aromatherapy | Candle Making | Soy Candles
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