Curious about which candle wax burns the longest? Whether you're a candle-making newbie or a seasoned pro, this is the kind of intel that can seriously up your candle game. Let's take a look into the characteristics of paraffin, soy, and coconut & rapeseed waxes to see which one maximises your candle’s glow the most.

Quick recap on our waxes

At NI Candle Supplies, we offer a curated selection of waxes to cater to diverse candle-making needs: paraffin, soy, and a unique blend of rapeseed and coconut. Let's take a moment to revisit their key characteristics before determining which candle wax burns the longest.

Paraffin wax

Paraffin wax, or mineral wax, is derived from refining crude oil. It's known for its excellent scent throw and smooth finish, making it a popular choice for candle making. 

• Renowned for its strong scent throw
• Produces a smooth, clean finish
• Widely used for its reliable burn qualities

Soy wax

Soy wax is made from the oil of soybeans, making it a vegetable-based alternative. It's celebrated by candle-makers and consumers alike for its clean burn and ability to hold colour and scent well. 

• Vegetable-based, made from soybeans
• Known for a cleaner burn compared to paraffin
• Holds colour and fragrance well

Rapeseed and coconut wax

This wax blend combines the best of both worlds, offering the creamy texture of coconut wax with the firmness of rapeseed wax. It's a favourite for its luxurious feel and consistent burn. 

• Creamy texture with excellent burn consistency
• Provides a luxurious feel to candles
• Ideal for container candles due to its blend properties

A closer look at the differences

Let's explore the nuanced differences between our waxes with a side-by-side comparison. Below, you'll find our handy charts that break down the specifics of each type.

Container waxes

Crafted specifically for candles housed in vessels, container waxes boast a softer composition, making them ideal for this purpose. However, due to their softer nature, they're generally not recommended for creating melts.

Pillar/Melt Waxes

These waxes are crafted to be firmer, aiding in both the demoulding process for pillar candles and in retaining the shape of wax melts. While pillar waxes are versatile enough for both candles and melts, melt/tart waxes are exclusively formulated for wax melts and should not be used for candle making.

Curious to explore each wax type in more detail? You can discover more on their individual product pages in our Soap Base & Waxes category.

Burning question: Which candle wax burns for the longest?

So, you're itching to know: which candle wax really holds the torch the longest? Well, when it comes down to it, paraffin wax tends to take the lead in the longevity race. Thanks to its higher melting point, paraffin burns at a slower pace compared to its soy and coconut & rapeseed counterparts. 

However, maximising your candle's burn time isn't just about choosing the right wax. Here are a few tips to ensure your candle burns longer, no matter the wax type: 

• Keep your wick trimmed to about 1/4 inch. A shorter wick means a smaller, more controlled flame, which can extend burn time.
• Burning your candle in a draughty area can cause it to burn unevenly and more quickly. Find a calm spot to help your candle burn more slowly and evenly.
• Don’t get hung up on achieving a full melt pool on the first burn. A well wicked candle will melt all the way to the edge by the second or third burn, which prevents "tunnelling" and ensures an even burn in future uses.
• When not in use, cover your candle with a lid to protect the wax from dust and debris, which can affect how well it burns. 

Remember, it's not just about the wax––factors like candle design, wick choice and any special ingredients mixed into the wax can all play a part in how long your candle's light lasts.

Your perfect match, no matter which candle wax burns for the longest

At the end of the day, choosing the right wax is a bit like finding your favourite coffee blend––it's all about what works for you. Whether you're a paraffin purist or you sway towards soy, there's no one-size-fits-all answer. Eager to see what your fellow candle aficionados have to say? Why not have a read through the  reviews on the product pages to see how they got on with each wax type? 

We're also all about DIY testing at NI Candle Supplies, encouraging you to light your way to your own conclusions, so don't shy away from a little experimentation yourself. Keeping a candle diary can be a game-changer, helping you track how different variables affect your final product. Your wax pick is ultimately about personal preference, shaped by your own hands-on experience. 

Got any more burning questions for us? Our inbox is always open at support@nicandlesupplies.co.uk, or jump into our 'Candle Makers UK by NI Candle Supplies' Facebook Group for more maker insights.

 

This article was updated in February 2024.