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Candle Wax Guide: What to Use & Why
Choosing the right candle wax can be confusing when you’re starting out. There are many types, and they all act differently. We understand this because we’ve worked with various waxes for years and helped many beginners find what works best for their projects.
This guide will explain everything based on what you are making. Whether it’s your first jar candle or you want to try sculptural or pillar molds, we’re here to help.
First — Why Does the Candle Wax Matter?
Wax is the base of your candle. It affects how the candle burns, how strong the scent is, how the surface looks, and how easy it is to work with. That’s why choosing the right candle wax makes the whole process smoother and more enjoyable.
1. Choose Based on What You’re Making
Here’s how we usually help beginners pick a Candle wax: by thinking about the final product.
➔ For Container Candles (Jars, Tins, Mugs)
Use soft waxes that stick well to glass and give smooth tops. These are easy to work with and perfect for scented candles.
We usually recommend EcoSoya CB-Advanced or Golden Wax 464 Soy waxes. They give a nice even burn and hold fragrance well.
How to choose the best soy wax for your candle making
➔ For Pillar Candles (Freestanding Candles)
Pillar candles need harder wax that stands on its own. Soft wax will collapse or lose shape.
Go for a pillar-specific blend like Ecosoya Pillar Blend or any wax with a higher melting point. They help your molds pop out cleanly too.
➔ For Scent-Focused Candles
Want your room to smell amazing? You need Candle wax that can handle more fragrance load and gives a strong hot and cold throw.
We’ve had great results with Golden Wax 464 and EcoSoya CB-Advanced. Both are soy-based and hold up to 10% fragrance well. Just test your scent load in small batches first!
➔ For Natural, Clean-Burning Candles
If you're looking for a clean, plant-based option with minimal soot, soy and coconut blends are a great choice.
Try the coconut-soy mix. They burn cleaner, are biodegradable, and are perfect for gifting or selling as eco-friendly candles.
➔ For Sculptural Mold Candles
Doing bubble candles, body shapes, or decorative forms? You’ll need wax that can hold its shape and handle detail.
Look for a candle wax that has a firm texture and cures with minimal shrinkage. Ecosoya Pillar blend soy wax or palm/soy blends are good for these kinds of molds.
➔ For Quick & Easy Projects
If you want to keep it simple, go with a single-pour wax that melts quickly and sets without cracks. This is great for beginners or DIY gift-making.
Golden Wax 444 is easy to melt, even in the microwave for small batches. It is a super forgiving and affordable option to work with.
2. Things to Think About Before You Pick a Candle Wax
- Do you want a strong scent or a light aroma?
- Is your candle just for looks or to burn?
- Do you care about natural ingredients?
- Are you experimenting or making a product to sell?
Answering these will help you decide which candle wax fits best.
Our Go-To Waxes (and Why)
We personally love EcoSoya for its clean-burning qualities, which provide a smooth, creamy look and finish in jars. It is super beginner-friendly and offers great cold and hot throws.
Golden Wax 464 is another favorite — it’s great for container candles and has a creamy look we really like.
For pillars or shaped candles, Ecosoya Pillar Blend or a palm blend does the trick.
Tips Before You Start
- Always test small batches before making large quantities
- Take notes on fragrance % and temperatures
- Use a thermometer when heating wax
- Let your candles cure before testing scent throw
You don’t need to get everything perfect on the first try. Candle making is all about experimenting and learning what works best for you.
Ready to Start Pouring?
Whether you're making your first candle or your fiftieth, choosing the right candle wax is the first step toward a candle you’ll love. We hope this guide helped make things clearer!
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out — or join one of our Candle Workshops in Dubai to learn with us in person.
Happy candle making!
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “single-pour” wax mean?
Single-pour wax is designed to set smoothly in one go, so you don’t need to do a second pour to fix sinkholes or uneven tops.
Why is my candle top rough or bumpy after it cools?
That usually means the wax cooled too quickly or the room was cold. Try pouring at a slightly higher temperature and let it cool slowly.
Can I mix different waxes together?
Yes, many candle makers blend waxes to get the best of both worlds — like stronger scent throw or better mold release.
How much fragrance oil should I use in soy wax?
Most soy waxes hold up to 8–10% fragrance, but always check the max load for your wax and test in small batches first.
What’s the difference between hot throw and cold throw?
Cold throw is how a candle smells before burning, and hot throw is how it smells when lit. Some waxes perform better in one than the other.