In this article we will perform a brief examination of why people might want to use dripless candles and the uses they might find for them.
Dripless candles have quickly become a household standard when choosing the right candle for a dinner event or party. Unlike traditional candles which drip hot wax down their sides, dripless candles burn off wax with complete precision leaving no sign of drips. But how can this be done? They are made using a combination of two techniques to burn wax evenly and effectively.
The first step is cover the bulk of the candle using a wax with a melting point of around 130 degrees with a wax that has a much higher burning point, around 170 degrees. This two-layered design creates a funnel for the wax to collect in and gives the wick plenty of time to burn off the wax before it drips. The second technique in burning wax efficiently is to test and treat different thicknesses of wick to find the perfect wick for each type of candle. For example, dripless pillar candles use a different wick than a taper candle.
Benefits
There are a number of benefits to using dripless candles. Although they cost slightly more than traditional candles, most customers find them worth the extra expense for several reasons:
- Cleaner Burn – Dripless candles are often also smokeless candles. Meaning, no smoke or soot can be seen burning off the top of the candle.
- Safety – If you are using taper candles in a hanging candle holder, the chance of a drip burning a guest or family member is too great. Dripless candles are required for any holder that may harm a person otherwise.
- Beautiful To The End – Oftentimes, candles begin to loose their appeal as the wax starts dripping and building up around the base of the candle. Dripless candles look just as good in their final hour as they do when they are first lit.
There are a few different ways in which dripless candles are made and the materials that are used to create the solidity, opacity and consistency of the candles themselves.
Possibly the most common product used in the creation of these candles is paraffin. This is a petroleum based product and is certainly not the type of material that someone who is conscious of preserving the environment might be happy with using. Fortunately there are a few other elements that may be used in its place.
One such method is to add stearic acid to the wax to harden it. Stearic acid comes from animal and vegetable fats and oils and is widely used in the cosmetic and soap industry. In the case of candles, the stearic acid raises the melting point of the wax and is perfect for the outer layer of the dripless candle.
Beeswax is another alternative for the production of candles and provides a more palatable for those who don’t like the idea of slaughtering animals for your candles. This is a more natural solution that results in candles that look and smell great. Proponents of using beeswax say that the benefits of using it include the fact that it is all-natural, non-toxic and is not polluting. As it burns it releases a sweet aroma that many people find quite pleasant.
Another particularly effective ingredient to use if you are making them or to buy if you are looking for pre-made dripless candles is soy. Soy wax candles are possibly the best type out of the lot because they burn at a much slower rate compared to paraffin wax candles and they are completely non-toxic and produce virtually no soot or residue.