Top Tips for Handling, Using, and Storing Candle Dye

There are many ways to stamp a personal mark on home-made candles. Perhaps your candle moulds are a unique size or shape. Maybe your brand is conveyed through one-of-a-kind fragrance combinations. Your choice in candle dye is another means through which you can explore your creativity, crafting a product that is uniquely yours.

Working with candle dye requires some knowledge and skill. The way that you handle, use, and store candle dye can affect the quality of the finished product. Before experimenting with dye, make sure that you read the manufacturer’s guidelines carefully and refer to them throughout the candle making process.

Continue reading to discover top tips on working with dye to create colourful, vibrant, and memorable candles.

Properties of Candle Dye

Candle dye is a colourant that can be easily incorporated with melted candle wax. There are a variety of candle dye brands on the market, and the product primarily comes in three forms; liquid dye, dye chips, and dye blocks.

Liquid dye is an excellent option for many reasons. Liquid dyes can be used to create both vibrant hues and pastel shades. They are also easy to combine to form custom colours. Typically, only a small amount of dye is required to create an intense colour.  

Handling Candle Dye

As is the case with many craft dyes, candle dye needs to be handled carefully to prevent staining. It’s best to consult the manufacturer’s safety guidelines before using your candle dye. These guidelines will provide information specific to the product.

Generally speaking, when working with candle dye, you should protect yourself and your workspace by using appropriate personal protective equipment. This includes wearing gloves and an apron and covering surfaces to prevent staining.

Do not eat or drink while working with candle dye. Always avoid contact with the skin and eyes. Refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines for specific instructions to be followed in the case of inhalation, skin and eye contact, or consumption.

Using Candle Dye

Playing around with colour and fragrance is one of the most enjoyable parts of making your own candles. Keep in mind, however, that it might take a little experimenting before you get the ingredient ratios correct.

The first step to colouring your candles is making sure that you’re using the right product. There are many different craft dyes out there. Some are multi-purpose and others are designed to be used with specific materials. Ensure your chosen dye has been tested with liquified wax and is approved for your intended use.

The next step is to test your candle dye. Testing should be conducted on small batches of liquified wax. Refer to your manufacturer’s guidelines for specific dosage, measurements, and ingredient ratios. There are lots of variables (such as your chosen wax) that can affect your finished candle; putting in time at the testing stage will help guarantee you an end product that you can be proud of.

Having tested your dye, it’s time to start making candles! Liquid dye is added to liquefied wax. Check the manufacturer’s guidelines for recommended dosage and stir the dye through until it is completely dissolved. At this stage of the process, fragrance can also be added.

You can then pour the wax into your mould or container at the recommended pouring temperature.

Storing Candle Dye

Most candle dye manufacturers will recommend storing dye in a container of the same material as the original. Keep the product in a cool, dry place and avoid direct sunlight. Ideally, your candle dye should be kept below 35℃.

Creative Tips For Candle Making

Colour is only one aspect of candle making. The process also allows you to experiment with fragrance, size, and shape. The combination of these elements is what will help you create a truly unique hand-made product.

Of course, there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to candle colour and fragrance. However, as is the case with many creative processes, understanding the basics behind colour theory and scent science (also known as olfaction) can help you create memorable candles.

We associate both fragrance and colour with specific memories, places, and people. Combining a pastel blue dye with a pina colada fragrance could bring back memories of a beautiful beach holiday. A deep shade of pink mixed with watermelon fragrance could recall long, lazy summer days. A striking blue candle infused with blueberry cheesecake fragrance might stir fond memories of cooking in the kitchen.

Call upon your own memories and experiences when working with candle dye and fragrance. Don’t be afraid to experiment — who knows what you might come up with!