If you enjoy making candles with pigment powder, whether as a hobby, for gifts, or to sell, you likely seek out new embellishments on a regular basis, while many people focus on aroma, other factors, such as Pigment powder, can enhance candles.
Because, let’s be honest, homemade candles need a little something extra to make them stand out. Mica-based pigments are a great substitute for adding that “wow” factor to your wax works, as they are non-toxic and have an unrivalled glass-like sheen. Hence, let’s discuss Pigment Powder for candles in this post. Continue reading!
How Is Mica Unsafe For Use In Candles?
Your wax will carry the colouring element mica with it down the wick. Yet, your wick may become blocked because it didn’t dissolve entirely. When the wick is blocked, the flame can’t get enough air to burn, and the candle goes out.
It is for this reason that mica is rarely used to colour candles. Rub mica around the rim of a jar candle or pillar candle to add sparkle without risking your health.
Using Pigment Powder For Candle Making
Tinting the molten wax before pouring and dusting these shimmering pigments on the exterior or top surface are the two techniques to use mica powder in your candles. We will describe both options, together with their advantages and disadvantages, below.
1. Pigment Powder For Coloring the Wax
Candles can be coloured with Pigment powder, but the wick-clogging effect can be minimised by using only a small amount of mica in comparison to the total amount of wax. Add more or less to taste, but 1/16 teaspoon per 2 cups of the base is a good starting point.
Ingredients List:
- Mica Powder
- Tape
- Candle Wicks
- Candle Molds
- Essential Oils
- Candle Wax Pastilles or Chunks
Method:
- Step 1: After the wick has been cut to the proper length, it should be placed in the candle mould.
- Step 2: Tape the candle wick base to the bottom of the mould to ensure a smooth surface.
- Step 3: Insert a pencil or wooden skewer through the centre of the candle mould and out the other side.
- Step 4: Tape the wick to the pencil or wooden skewer to keep it standing straight and upright.
- Step 5: Fifth, if you’re using a standard hue and already have mica powder on hand, open the bottle or container. Mica powders can be mixed to create a wide range of custom colours; to do so, add one drop of rubbing alcohol to three tablespoons of dry powder and stir to incorporate.
- Step 6: If the mixture is too dry to combine, add a touch more rubbing alcohol, no more than one capful. Add more mica powder, a pinch at a time, whisking constantly, until the liquid reaches the desired colour and a light gravy consistency is achieved if the liquid is flowing.
- Step 7: Candle wax should be melted in a double boiler or in the microwave. Mica powder (dry flakes or rubbing alcohol mixed with mica powder) should be added to the hot, liquid wax and properly mixed while the wax is still at the melting point.
- Step 8: Follow the recipe’s instructions for adding the essential oil, herbs, and any garnishes.
- Step 9: Candles can be made by pouring the mixture into moulds and curing them as instructed.
2. Pigment Powder For Cooled, Set Candles
One way to have your candle look good while also being useful is to sprinkle mica powder on its exterior. You’ll have far less trouble with the wick getting clogged, so you can keep having fun creating beautiful patterns with your candle.
Ingredients
Brush for dusting the powder
Pigment powder of your choice
Method
Step 1: Candle moulds can be coated with mica powder using a paintbrush before the wax is poured inside.
Step 2: Mica powder will stick to the surface of the cooled wax and give your candles a shimmering, colourful sheen. The wax on the inside is clean, but the wick needs to be as well.
Step 3: As soon as the candle has cooled, add the mica and work it in with your finger. When the top layer of wax melts in a flame, you can get a shiny surface and a hint of that charming fizz.
Step 4: Pigment Powder dissolved in rubbing alcohol can be used to colour the candle’s outside. Intriguing patterns could be made around the margins, which would be awesome.
Conclusion
Even while Pigment powder isn’t the most recommended colourant for candles due to the wick clogging issue, it is still a great choice for decorating the outside of your candle, as mentioned above, or for creating décor candles. Micas are a great way to add a little extra sparkle to your favourite wax creations. While manufacturing candles, the most important considerations about mica powder are knowing when and how to utilise it safely. VedaOils is where you want to go if you want high-quality materials for manufacturing candles.
