Glossary
The craft of creating candles from pure beeswax, one of the oldest and most revered candle-making materials. Beeswax candles burn longer, cleaner, and brighter than paraffin or soy alternatives, emitting a natural honey aroma and negative ions that may improve air quality.
Beeswax has been used for candle making since ancient times, predating paraffin by thousands of years. It burns at a higher temperature than any other candle wax (approximately 145 degrees Fahrenheit), which means it melts slower and lasts significantly longer. A beeswax candle will outlast a paraffin candle of the same size by two to three times.
The flame of a beeswax candle is also distinctively bright, with a warm, golden glow that is often described as having the same light spectrum as sunlight. This is because beeswax burns at a temperature that produces a full-spectrum light, unlike the slightly bluish or yellow-tinged light of other wax types.
Making beeswax candles starts with rendering. Raw beeswax from the hive contains impurities: pollen, propolis, bee parts, and honey residue. The wax is melted slowly (never above 185 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent damage), filtered through cheesecloth or fine screens, and allowed to cool in blocks for use.
Wick selection is critical for beeswax candles. Because beeswax has a higher melting point and is denser than other waxes, it requires a thicker, more robust wick to maintain a proper melt pool. An undersized wick will tunnel down the center, wasting wax. An oversized wick will produce too much soot. Cotton wicks in the correct size for the candle diameter produce the best results.
Beeswax candles are moderately easy to make at home with basic equipment: a double boiler, silicone or metal molds, and properly sized cotton wicks. The key learning curve is wick sizing and pour temperature. Starting with simple pillar or taper candles is recommended before attempting container candles.
Bees consume approximately 6 to 8 pounds of honey to produce just 1 pound of beeswax, making it an inherently expensive raw material. Paraffin is a cheap petroleum byproduct and soy wax is mass-produced from commodity soybeans. The higher cost of beeswax reflects its natural scarcity and superior burning qualities.
Properly made beeswax candles produce virtually no soot or smoke. If a beeswax candle smokes, it usually indicates the wick is too large, the candle is in a draft, or the wick needs trimming. Trim wicks to 1/4 inch before each burn for the cleanest flame.
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