Menu
When making candles, there are three primary methods by which the wick and fuel (wax) are fashioned into the desired shape.
In the pressing process, loose kerosene powder is pressed together under high pressure using either a stamp press or an extrusion press (extruder). The extrusion press produces an endless strand, which is then mechanically cut into the desired candle length. This process is particularly suitable for altar or pillar candles. Colored candles are then dipped in liquid colored wax (see colored candles). The stamping press enables large quantities to be produced quickly, especially tealights and pillar candles.
In the drawing process, several hundred meters of wick are repeatedly drawn through a hot wax bath between two rotating drums. With each pass, the wick absorbs a layer of wax. This allows the candle to grow to the desired diameter, similar to the annual rings of a tree. Once the required diameter has been achieved, the strand is sent to the cutting machine and cut to the specified candle length. The candle head and base are then shaped into the desired form. This manufacturing process is mainly used for simple household candles.
In the pouring process, liquid wax is poured into molds into which a wick is already clamped. The pouring process is particularly popular because a wide variety of different types and mixtures of wax can be easily processed. It is also suitable for unusual candle shapes, such as star and figure candles, as well as for solid-colored candles, which are made entirely of colored wax.
Once the candle has been pressed, drawn or poured, it can be “spiced up” in a variety of ways. Motifs or carvings give it an unmistakable appearance. A colored coating lets the candles shine in the most dazzling colors. Clear or colored lacquers give them a noble, brilliant shine. Fragrances added to the wax (see scented candles) give off an incomparable aroma when the candles are burned.
For a high-quality candle, you need a good burning wax and the right wick. Traditional burning materials are kerosene, stearin and beeswax. In addition, hardened oils of vegetable or animal origin – e.g. palm wax – are also used today. The availability, price and processability of the various manufacturing methods used in modern candle production ultimately determine their use. The purity of the raw materials used is the decisive criterion.
Pigment dyes or fat-soluble dyes are used to color candles. A distinction is made between solid-colored and dipped candles.
If candles are only given a “color coat”, this is done by dipping the white candles in a mixture of dipping wax and pigment colors. A particularly radiant effect is achieved with a lacquer coating, where there are no limits to the choice of colors.
For solid-colored candles, colored wax is poured into molds into which a wick is already clamped. The color of solid-colored candles is not UV-resistant, so these candles should be used immediately or stored in a dark place.
Paraffin is mainly obtained from the fossil raw material crude oil. Due to its physical and chemical properties, kerosene is suitable for all candle manufacturing processes. Highly purified kerosenes have a very good burning quality.
Stearin is a solid, crystalline mixture of various fatty acids obtained from animal or vegetable fats and oils. Stearin candles are particularly drip-resistant, as the “burning plates” that form around the burning wick remain quite dry. Stearin is also harder than most other types of wax. However, this also makes stearin candles more susceptible to breakage. Pure stearin candles can only be produced using the casting process.
Beeswax is a metabolic product of the honey bee. The wax is excreted on the abdomen of the builder bees and used to build honeycombs. Beeswax acquires its color and pleasant smell over time through contact with honey and pollen. Naturally, this raw material is only available in limited quantities. Due to their consistency, beeswax candles require stronger wicks than normal candles.
Vegetable wax is the name for a range of different wax-like products that are obtained, for example, from the fruits of the oil palm, rapeseed, olives or sunflowers. Candles made from this natural raw material need stronger wicks than those made from beeswax due to their higher consistency.
Optimal burning behavior depends crucially on the correctly selected wick. Wicks are mainly made of cotton yarns and are braided on specially developed machines. Both the cotton yarns and the braided wicks are first cleaned and then chemically prepared. Among other things, the preparation prevents the wick from afterglowing after being extinguished.
The task of the wick is to transport the liquid fuel to the tip of the wick, where it burns in the flame. Important: The wick must be matched to the respective candle type, the candle raw material, the candle shape, the candle dimensions and the candle manufacturing process (in terms of absorbency, yarn type/thickness, braiding technique and chemical preparation).
Candles provide atmospheric light. If you make sure your candle is of good quality, you are protecting the environment and your health.
In most countries, paraffin is the most important raw material for candle production. It is a by-product of the processing of crude oil. “90 percent of the candles sold in Germany are made from kerosene,” says Wolfgang Reich, Managing Director of the Bavarian Wax Makers’ Guild. Legislation places high demands on the quality of kerosene wax,” explains Reich, ”it has to be practically clinically pure, as it is also used in the medical and cosmetics industries.”
Paraffin imported from the USA or China often does not comply with this purity requirement, Wolfgang Reich emphasises. As the price of kerosene wax is linked to the price of crude oil, candle manufacturers have to contend with constant cost fluctuations.
Another raw material for candles is stearin. This is a fatty acid obtained from the palmitic plant and animal fats. It can be used to make firmer and more dimensionally stable candles than kerosene. Leftover candles can often be disposed of at recycling centers.
Beeswax is a metabolic product of the honey bee. It is sold purified and bleached. Depending on the intensity of processing, the wax color can be brown, orange, light yellow, but also ivory or white. The characteristic honey-like smell remains unchanged, the yellow color of the beeswax comes from the pollen.
Beeswax is an essential raw material for the production of traditional and high-quality decorative and ornamental candles, but they come at a price. In the case of imported goods, it cannot be ruled out that beeswax has been mixed with cheap petroleum products.
The candle wick is preferably woven from cotton. A special treatment ensures that the candle burns evenly and does not glow or soot after going out.
The RAL Quality Mark provides guidance when buying candles. Products bearing the label of the Quality Association for Candles are low in soot and smoke. In addition, the manufacturers have undertaken not to use any raw materials, paints or varnishes that contain harmful substances.
A candle with RAL quality mark must burn as shown – not this way!