Abigayle Hermiston is a devoted candle artisan with a love for the craft that spans over ten years. Her passion lies in exploring and creating captivating scents and designs. Through her personal blog and various workshops, she takes joy in sharing her profound knowledge and love for candle crafting.
Adding color to DIY candles is a fun and creative way to personalize your homemade creations. Whether you're making soy wax candles or beeswax candles, there are several techniques you can use to achieve beautiful and vibrant colors. In this guide, I'll walk you through some of the most popular methods for coloring your candles at home.
1. Candle Dyes: Candle dyes are specifically designed for coloring candles and are available in various forms, such as liquid dyes, dye chips, and dye blocks. These dyes are highly concentrated, so a little goes a long way. To use candle dyes, simply melt your wax, add a small amount of dye, and stir until the color is evenly distributed. Keep in mind that different dyes may require different amounts to achieve the desired color intensity.
2. Mica Powder: Mica powder is a versatile colorant that can be used to add shimmer and sparkle to your candles. It comes in a wide range of colors and can be mixed with your melted wax or dusted onto the surface of your candles. To use mica powder, mix a small amount with a carrier oil, such as coconut oil, and then add it to your melted wax. Stir well to ensure even distribution of the color.
3. Natural Colorants: If you prefer a more natural approach, you can use various ingredients from your kitchen to add color to your candles. For example, beetroot powder can create a beautiful pink or red hue, while turmeric can give your candles a warm yellow color. Simply mix the natural colorant with your melted wax and stir well to incorporate the color.
4. Layering Technique: Another way to add color to your candles is by using the layering technique. This involves pouring different colored layers of wax into your container, allowing each layer to cool and solidify before adding the next. This creates a visually appealing effect and allows you to experiment with different color combinations.
5. Candle Painting: If you're feeling particularly artistic, you can try candle painting to add intricate designs and patterns to your candles. Using a small brush and melted colored wax, you can paint directly onto the surface of your candles. This technique requires some practice and patience, but the results can be truly stunning.
Remember to always follow safety guidelines when working with candle dyes and other colorants. Wear gloves and protect your work area to avoid any potential staining. Additionally, keep in mind that the color of your candle may change slightly once it has fully cooled and set.
If you're new to candle making or would like to learn more about coloring techniques, consider taking a candle making class. These classes are a great way to gain hands-on experience and learn from experienced instructors who can guide you through the process.
Now that you know how to add color to your DIY candles, it's time to get creative and start experimenting with different shades and techniques. Have fun and enjoy the process of creating your own personalized and beautifully colored candles!