You may be wanting to make floating candles or wonder what oil is needed to make them float. In this article, we will look deeper into what kind of oil you need to use for floating candles and more about how to make them and where to use them.
Cooking oils are the most popular oils for floating candles due to their ability to be heated and their affordability. When it comes to oil-based floating candles, the oil acts as a base for the wick to float on. For wax-based candles, it is the wax instead of the oil, which determines its floating ability, therefore only a small amount of oil is required.
Floating candles made with wax will contain less oil than an oil-based candle however, they both can use many types of oil. Let’s explore the different oils that can be used and what you can use floating candles for.
The Best Type Of Oil For Floating Candles
Floating candles can be oil-based or wax-based, therefore to discover the best type of oil to use will depend upon the type of candle. The oil type is more important when it comes to oil-based candles compared to wax-based candles. Let’s take a look at these two different candle types and what type of oil is best to use.
Oil-Based Candles
Oil-based candles are made in jars or bowls that are filled with water and oil so that the wick floats on the top to create a candle or lamp. You can choose to make a floating oil candle that is 100% oil or you can mix it with two parts of water. It comes down to personal preference.
An oil-based floating candle is great if you want a candle that is long-lasting, as you can always add more oil to keep it burning. An oil-based candle does not produce smoke, which is another great benefit. Due to the low amount of ingredients needed is also a cheap option and everyone tends to have some sort of oil in their homes.
Top 5 Oils For Oil-Based Candles
Cooking oils are very popular for making floating oil-based candles due to their nature of them being able to work with heat well. Here are five oils that are a great choice for oil-based candles due to the slow-burning of the oil.
- Olive Oil
- Vegetable Oil
- Sunflower Oil
- Coconut Oil
- Avocado Oil
Wicks For An Oil-Based Floating Candle
The most important part of a floating oil-based candle is the wick as that is how the floating of the candle happens. Wicks can come in a range of sizes and materials which depend upon the size of your jar or container for the candle and what material you prefer.
You can get one hundred percent pure cotton wicks that come attached to discs that float on the oil. Other disks for floating candles can come in materials such as cork, aluminum, and pre-soaked wood wicks. You can also get wax-based wicks such as beeswax or paraffin as well.
Top 3 Vessels For Oil-Based Floating Candles
A variety of vessels can be used to use as an oil-based candle, they include:
- Mason Jar
- Vases
- Dishes
These vessels create the structure of the candle as the wicks float within its structure. You may use them as table arrangements or to decorate a space for a special occasion.
The Materials Of A Wax-Based Floating Candle
Instead of having a wick floating on oil in a jar, you may want to have a candle that floats in a bath or a lake. For this, you would want a wax-based candle that you can pop into the water and allow it to float around and light up the space.
The Wax Type Used
Wax-based candles can float because the flame forms a well around the wick while the water keeps the outer walls of the candle cool and in shape. The buoyancy hardly changes while the weight is reduced through burning, which means the candle can continue floating as it burns.
You can be more creative with floating wax candles compared to oil-based floating candles because you can create different shaped candles and add colors to them. The wax that is best used for floating candles includes paraffin wax and soy wax.
Wax-based candles can have oil added to them. These can be carrier oils and essential or fragrant oils for the purpose of having a candle that floats and smells very nice. You do not need much oil for a wax-based candle as it is not the main component of allowing it to float.
Wicks Used For Wax-Based Candles
Any type of wick can be used in wax-based candles. They can include materials such as cotton, soaked wood, mixed materials, and different types of wax.
Top 5 Places To Use A Wax-Based Floating Candle
There are many places where you can use wax-based floating candles, such as:
- Baths
- Lakes
- Fountains
- Pools
- Vases
Do I Use An Oil Based Floating Candle Or a Wax Based Floating Candle
An oil-based floating candle is your best choice to use when you want to have a candle in your home, such as on the table or used to decorate an indoor space. You want a candle to be inside a vessel such as a vase to create a table arrangement or lamp.
A wax candle is best used when you do not want to confine the space of the candle, such as letting it float anywhere it likes in a bath, lake, or fountain. However, it is best not to put it in fast running water such as streams and rivers. You can also use them in vases and jars if you wish.
Deciding on the intention and purpose of the candle is important so you can then work out what type is best for you and your needs.
How Long Do Floating Candles Burn For?
How long a floating candle lasts is dependent upon the size of the candle and also ensuring that you keep the flame dry. Two-inch floating candles can last up to four to five hours, and three-inch floating candles can last up to eight to ten hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Leave Floating Candles In Water Overnight?
No, it is important that you keep an eye on candles, whether they are in the water or not. If you are not using the candles, it is best to blow them out. Never leave a flame unattended or leave it near something that may catch on fire.
What Are Refillable Oil Candles?
Refillable oil candles are candles you can use multiple times by adding more oil to them. These refillable oil candles often look like long, cylinder shapes, just like a traditional wax candle. To refill the oil, you can pull off the top of the candle lid and pour the liquid oil in when more oil needs to be added. You can also replace the wicks when needed.
What Do Floating Candles Symbolize?
Floating candles can be very symbolic and can mean different things depending on the culture. Floating candles are often used in ceremonies and celebrations. Floating candles are a symbol of life, light, and love and can bring you into a state of stillness, wonder, and hope. In western society today, floating candles are often associated with romance or sacred ceremonies.
Final Words
Overall, the best oil to use for floating candles is those that allow a wick to burn efficiently and for a long period, such as cooking oils. The oil doesn’t affect how a wax-based candle floats as it’s the size, shape, and wax that enables it to float, therefore only contains oil for fragrant purposes.
