There’s nothing like a nice cup of warm coffee in the evening. And to top it off, a nice outdoor candle to enjoy the view. But you’re wondering if all this burning is good for your health. This leads to the question, what are outdoor candles made of? Well, let’s take a deep dive!
Generally, outdoor candles are made of three types of wax. These are paraffin, soy, and beeswax. Other essential oils are added to them to withstand the outside conditions. They are quite thick in wick and size. Sometimes, they also possess mosquito repellent properties.
That’s not all, though! I’ll be talking at great lengths about other things too, including how to make your outdoor candle and if it is bad for you. You need to have a good idea of these notions. And here I’m going to cover all of that. So, do stick around till the end!
The Composition Of Outdoor Candles
As I’ve said before, outdoor candles are made from three types of wax. There could be other more complex types too. But I’m talking about the ones you can buy from the store or online. So, here’s some additional info about these waxes.
Paraffin Wax
Paraffin wax comes from coal, petroleum, or shale oil. They are a by-product used to make scented candles. The color is normally white and it is quite soft. It is also odorless but can be a great enhancer. Thus, paraffin wax is a great additive to create strong fragrances in candles.
Soy wax
Soy wax is a natural compound that is derived from soybeans. They are a leading crop in countries like the USA. From there, soybeans are processed and their oils are extracted. The result is pure wax with a better burning time than paraffin wax. The depth of fragrance is a bit weak though.
Beeswax
Beeswax is also a natural wax. They are not synthesized or processed in any way. It is naturally found in this state on honeycombs. The bees create this wax to act as the lid for their honeycombs. The best part about beeswax? Its natural sweet fragrance!
There is also another wax which is coconut wax. They are becoming quite popular these days. By the way, outdoor candles can be a good mosquito repellent! A popular one is the citronella candle. They are fragrant as well as repellent. So, enjoy the outdoors without having any itchy shoulders! Anyway, I hope you now have a general idea of the composition of outdoor candles.
How To DIY Your Outdoor Candle?
Seeing all these beautiful candles and then checking the price tag can break your heart. That’s why I’m here to teach you how to make outdoor candles at home! For that, you will need some materials and appliances. And, they are easily available on the market. So, no need to worry! Now, the things you need are:
- Soy, paraffin, or beeswax
- A heat resistant pitcher pot (about the size of 2 or 3 gallons)
- An aluminum container or pot
- Wicks of varying lengths
- Essential oils
- Some glue
- A second pot
Okay, now you’re ready to make your outdoor candle. Follow these steps carefully! On a side note, get a wick that has tight braids and is of high quality. The pot you’re going to pour the wax into should be big. So, to withstand the outside wind, you need something strong. Anyway, here are the steps you need to follow.
Step 1: Take your second pot and fill it with water. Start simmering the water at medium-low heat (about 180 degrees F).
Step 2: Once the water starts to bubble, take the heat-resistant pot (full of wax) and place it on top of it (second pot). Be sure to check the melting process from time to time. And, don’t forget to stir!
Step 3: Remove the wax from the heat once it has completely melted. Let it cool at room temperature. When it reaches about 135-140 degrees Fahrenheit, you can add the essential oils.
Step 4: Take your wick and add some glue to the base of the aluminum pot. Then place it in the center of the pot. You can skip this step if you want. Because the wax can also act as glue. But for a bigger candle radius, I recommend this.
Step 5: It’s time to pour the wax into the container. You must pour it in one sweep. If you do it incrementally, there will be issues. You will see different layers of setting time in the candle. So, keep your hands steady while pouring to avoid spilling it.
And, that should be all the steps! Now you just have to be patient. I would suggest keeping it curing for at least 24 to 36 hours. That way, all the wax, and oils will get to know each other. You will have a great hot throw! Also, the fragrance will be long-lasting and uniform.
When you light it for the first time, keep it burning for a while. Why? Because that will create an even pool around the wick. If your wick size is correct, all the wax will burn evenly. So, make sure you don’t have any tunneling.
Are Outdoor Candles Good For Your Health?
No, the candles aren’t good for your health. But there’s a catch here. It depends on the components of the outdoor candle. Especially the wax. So, not all of them are harmful.
As I mentioned before, there are primarily three types of wax. Among them, paraffin wax is the most harmful. It emits hydrocarbons when burning, which can cause asthma or lung cancer. But the effects start after prolonged use. So, no need to worry in the short run.
Moreover, paraffin creates a lot of black soot around the edges of the pot. This occurs due to long periods of light. This soot is quite particulate and can enter your body. Hence, paraffin candles come with their own health cost, though they’re cheap.
Soy wax is comparatively better than paraffin wax. But such is not always the case. Sometimes the soy is mixed with other essentials and chemicals. As a result, this can cause the same problems as paraffin wax.
Also, the production of soybeans is a big factor. If harmful and excess pesticides are present during manufacture, you have a problem. Soy wax is also a tough choice to make in the long run. So, what can you do? Well, what about beeswax? Beeswax is mostly natural. So, you don’t have to worry about synthesis or processing.
Well, then what about essential oils? They can be harmful too, right? Well, in the case of beeswax, it is completely optional! Because it already has a natural honey fragrance.
Conclusion
So, to sum it all up, what are outdoor candles made of? They are mainly made of paraffin wax, soy wax, and beeswax. Paraffin is also cheaper compared to beeswax and soy. But it does come with its fair share of bad effects. Soy wax usually works fine, but not always. So, beeswax is the best choice, in my opinion.
I also added the steps to make your outdoor candle. But make sure to melt the wax properly and pour it instantly at a steady pace. Also, a strong wick with tight braids is a must! So, remember that. Thus, you have come to the end of the article. Thank you for making it to the end of the article!
