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Candles are available in a seemingly
endless palette of colors, from
luminescent shades of ivory to deep rich
jewel tones, pastels, metallics and
chromatic layers.
In addition,
candle
manufacturers introduce new hues and
shades each year, reflecting the
emerging color trends in interior design
and fashion.
Although candle color is the
second-most important factor (after
fragrance) for influencing consumer
purchasing decisions, color and
fragrance are closely linked. In fact,
research has shown that consumers expect
the color of a scented candle to mirror
their psychological perception of the
fragrance. A
cinnamon-scented candle,
for example, is expected to fall
somewhere in the red-bronze palette,
while "mountain breeze" draws
expectations of a candle in the pale
blue or green shades.
Reputable candle
manufacturers must
combine the art and beauty of color with
the science of candle formulation to
develop aesthetically pleasing candles
that will burn properly and safely.
Selecting the proper type and amount of
colorant to use in a candle will vary
according to the type of wax,
wick and
fragrance used in formulating the
candle.
 Dyes
vs. Pigments
Specially-formulated pigments and
dyes are used to color candles. Dyes
have different properties from pigments,
and are used to create different
effects. In general, pigments are used
to coat the outside of a candle with
color, while dyes are used to color the
candle throughout.
Dyes
Available in both liquid and powder
form, dyes give a candle its translucent
color. Dyes also provide the
candle maker
with a large degree of control over a
color's shade. Because dyes are easily
combustible, they will not clog a wick,
and generally have a minimal effect on
the burn performance of a candle.
Pigments
Pigments are microscopic, suspended
color particles that create a solid wall
of color, similar to paint. They do not
dissolve, migrate or "bleed," and thus
are not as susceptible to color fade as
dyes. Pigments usually do not burn
well, and the color particles will clog
a wick if burned. This makes them
unsuitable for a candle that is colored
throughout and meant to be burned, but
useful for coating the outside of the
candle.
Both pigments and dyes are safe when
used as intended, and there are no known
health concerns with either type of
colorant. Our company uses high-quality
dyes and pigments that are recognized as
safe for combustion.
 Colorant
Formulations
Reputable candle manufacturers work
closely with colorant companies to
develop color formulations that will
match the burn characteristics of the
candle and provide the exact desired
shade.
The addition of colorants will not
cause a properly-formulated candle to
soot. Soot is primarily a function of
wick length and flame disturbance .
Candle dyes can be affected by heat,
light, fragrance and other agents in a
candle. These harmless reactions can
slightly alter a candle's color over
time, but will not affect the candle's
burn properties or safety. |
