Paraffin Dye - Candle Wax Pigment

This dye is mainly used in the candle industry, but can of course be used in almost any wax!

For dipping: 10 to 15 grams per kg of paraffin
For casting (colouring right through): 1 to 2 grams per kg

Adding a colourant or fragrance lets you personalise a candle and give it a unique character.

Adding colour will change the burning properties. Because colourants and fragrances contain many different raw materials, it is impossible to say exactly what change this will cause. It is therefore advisable to test a candle first, paying attention to the composition, the amount of colourant and fragrance, and the choice of wick.

Using the colour pigment

Dosage for casting (colouring right through) at 90 °C:

• Add approx. 0.1% to 0.2% per kg (1 to 2 grams per kg of wax).
• To achieve the desired colour, you can increase or decrease the amount.
• Dark colours may require a higher concentration.

Dosage for dipping at 80 °C:

• Single dip = approx. 1.5% per kg (15 grams per kg of wax).
• Double dip = approx. 1.0% per kg (10 grams per kg of wax).
• To achieve the desired effect, you can increase or decrease the amount.
• Dark colours may require a higher concentration.

1. Weigh out the required amount of colour pigment.
2. Dissolve the pigment in a separate mixing cup at a ratio of 1 part dye to 10 parts paraffin at a temperature of approx. 90 °C.
3. Stir until completely homogeneous.
4. Add this concentrate to the rest of the wax and stir again until homogeneous.
5. Check that the correct colour has been achieved before starting candle production.

Watch this video on various candle-casting techniques:

Differences during processing:

When colouring candles, many different factors influence the final result, including:

• mixing method;
• temperature;
• dosage.

The image below clearly shows the differences.

From left to right:
Candle 1: mixed mechanically and overdipped twice at 70 °C
Candle 2: mixed by hand and overdipped twice at 85 °C
Candle 3: mixed mechanically and overdipped twice at 85 °C
Candle 4: mixed by hand and overdipped twice at 70 °C

The final colour depends on the raw material, as the image below clearly shows. On the left, the colour pigment has been used in candles with a high fat content. The middle image shows the colour in 100% stearin candles and the right-hand image the colours in pure paraffin.

The type of wax used for dipping also matters. Of the candles below, the left one was dipped in Paraffin Casting Wax and the right one in Paraffin Dipping Wax.