What are Candles Made Of?
Candles are of course made mainly of wax, but there are many different kinds of wax available. Each wax type has its own attributes and advantages, and each has a very slightly different look and consistency. Most candles on the market right now are made of paraffin, which is a petroleum byproduct. Paraffin can be made in many different consistencies, including a soft wax for container candles and harder waxes for hurricane candles. Most candles fall somewhere in between, with a mid-density paraffin that can be used in molded candles of all types. It can also be used for taper candles, though there is also a special formula specifically for tapers.
Other forms of wax include bees wax and soy wax. Both of these types are celebrated as being more natural, with some considering them to be better for the environment. Soy wax, made from soy beans, is a clean-burning wax with a similar consistency to the mid-range paraffin waxes. Bees wax is a softer wax, and is prized for its malleability. Beeswax is often formed into sheets with a honeycomb pattern. Someone purchasing these sheets can then make a quick taper candle by wrapping the malleable sheet around a wick and pressing it tightly.
Candle wicks some in different sizes that correspond to the diameter of the candle. Larger candles, often candles more than six inches in diameter, need more than one wick. Wicks are made of cotton treated with chemicals that slows down their burn rate. A wick may consist of only the treated cotton, or it may have a stiff core to allow it to stay straighter as it burns. The cores are generally made of either a stiffened piece of cotton, a tightly rolled strip of paper, or zinc. Lead candle wicks are no longer made because of the health hazards associated with lead.
Candle wax is treated with various chemicals to give it the color, stiffness and fragrance desired. Color usually comes in pigment blocks that can be melted into the wax. Fragrance comes in either liquid or solid block form. To produce stiffer candles, Stearine or Vybar is often added to increase the burning time of the candle. Additional effects can be created with other additives that can make the wax mottled, translucent or give it a snowflake pattern. Changing the wax’s additive recipe can greatly change the look of the wax, giving candles the wide range of colors and effects that exist on the market today.
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Why Use Scented Candles?
Scented candles are one of the most popular home decor items- and for good reason. They are incredibly versatile items that can be used in any setting and in any room in the home. The scent strength of candles varies between manufacturers as well as the individual scents. Some of the most useful scented candles put out a strong fragrance useful for masking odors in the rooms that need it, such as the kitchen and bathrooms. Others have lighter scents that are perfect for creating a relaxing environment in the bedroom. A candle with a medium scent output is useful for making a room smell fragrant for long periods of time without overwhelming the senses. There are scented candles that are perfect for every room in the house, as well as for outdoors.
Many people use scented candles decorations that are never burned. These candles are used for their scent as well as their color and shape. Because candle wax can be made into candles of just about any color, they will go with the color scheme of any room. Many people choose scented candles that blend with the décor of their room and give off a scent that accents those colors. For instance, a room that uses a lot of light purples can benefit from a lavender candle that gives off a lavender or plumeria scent. Even if a visitor doesn’t make the conscious connection between the color and scent, it leaves a lasting impression of the overall harmony of the room, with the color and scent blending to perfection.
The shape of a scented candle can also be used to add to the atmosphere of a room. Candles come in many different varieties and shapes, the most unusual of which can become a focal point of a room. Large, molded candles can be made in the shape of anything at all. Flowers, fairies or animal shapes can be used for a femininely-designed room. Shapes such as ducks, cars or even skulls can be used in a room designed around a masculine aesthetic. For themed rooms, complex molded candles are a conversation piece as well a focal point. In a fantasy-themed room, fantasy shapes such as wizards and dragons are available. And not only do stylized shapes add an interesting touch to the room, the scented variety also add a fragrant aspect to the room that will bring people back again and again to enjoy the décor.
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