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How to Make a Palm Pillar Candle

Posted on August 13, 2016

At Aussie Candles, our unwavering commitment lies in providing superior products to our valuable customers without compromising on our core values of animal welfare and environmental protection. To this end, we have diligently collaborated with a member of the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) - an organization founded by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), along with government and industry leaders in palm cultivation. Our partnership with RSPO has enabled us to source and offer sustainable palm wax as a non-genetically modified, eco-friendly alternative to traditional waxes.

Sustainable palm wax is derived from the oil palm, sourced from well-regulated and managed estates. Palm wax's eco-friendly properties make it an excellent choice for candle makers who wish to promote sustainable or renewable resource-based products. The oil palm produces fruit bunches, which are harvested and processed into crude oil at palm oil mills. The crude oil undergoes sterilization, clarification, and purification, after which it is further processed into various products such as cooking oil, shortening, cocoa butter substitutes, non-dairy creamers, soaps, and palm wax.

We are immensely proud of our sustainable palm wax products, which not only serve as a renewable resource but also align with our core values of environmental protection and animal welfare.

Palm wax stands out as a superior material for crafting exceptional candles. With its resistance to melting in hot weather, high contraction rate for easy de-moulding, and its ability to effortlessly take on colors and hold fragrances, palm wax offers endless possibilities for creating unique surface patterns - ranging from intricate crystalline designs to smooth solid colors. Furthermore, palm wax blends seamlessly with other waxes, further expanding the range of possible creations.

Utilizing palm wax is similar to traditional candle-making techniques, with no additives required other than coloring and fragrance. Achieving crystal formations heavily depends on pouring temperature and the rate of cooling. By slightly adjusting these variables, a wide range of stunning crystal formations can be achieved. The ideal pouring temperature for palm wax lies between 92° and 95° Celsius. Going above this range will decrease crystal formations, resulting in a smooth solid color, while pouring below these temperatures may cause difficulties in de-molding or lead to deformations. The use of aluminum molds is recommended to produce crystals and slow down the cooling rate.

Palm wax candles emit fragrances beautifully. Typically, candle makers use a 5-6% fragrance load to produce a well-scented candle that doesn't "sweat". Some fragrances may be used at higher levels, but it is up to the candle maker to determine these levels on a case-by-case basis. Essential oils also work well, but they must be tested individually based on the strength and type of oil.

Coloring palm wax candles is easily achieved using oil-soluble dyes, such as our recommended dye blocks or concentrated liquid dyes. If using blue shades, dye blocks are recommended as blue-based liquid shades produce reactive color results when fragrance is added, causing the color to shift away from the crystal structure. It is recommended to start with lighter colors and gradually go deeper with each color to master the contrast effects between darker and lighter shades and the crystalline appearance.

Instructions:

For a small round aluminium mould add 330 gms of wax to a double boiler pot on the stove.
When the wax has melted to around 98°C shave some colour into the wax and stir thoroughly. Keep shaving colour from the block until the desired colour is reached.
When the wax drops to 96°C add your fragrance and again stir thoroughly.
Push the wick pin up through the centre of the mould and add a little blu-tak around the bottom of the pin to create a better seal. Warm your mould using a heat gun or place it in the oven briefly.
Pour your wax into the mould at 95°C.
Place a box over the mould to slow down the cooling process.
Once dry and cool turn the mould upside down and gently press on the wick pin until it pops out of the bottom of the mould. Pull the wick pin slowly out of the mould and your candle should slide straight out. Push your pre waxed wick up through the ready made hole in the bottom of the candle. Make sure you place you candle on a suitable heat proof surface before burning.
Cure time is recommended at least 24 hours.
When burning the candle should leave a very thin shell that looks gorgeous. If your shell is too thick then your wick is too small; adversely if a hole develops in the shell your wick is too big. Like all candle making palm pillars require individual experimentation. Different brands of palm, different brands of wicks and also fragrances will cause your candles to perform differently.