Paraffin candles: manufacturing technology

2024 Author: Howard Calhoun | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 10:16

Paraffin candles today can be found on sale in any hardware store. Of course, products of this type for domestic use are not as popular as in past centuries. However, sometimes they are still bought in case of a power outage. Decorative candles are sold simply in huge quantities. This product option can be used to create a romantic atmosphere in the room, decorate cakes, holiday tables, etc.

A bit of history

Where candles began to be made is not known for certain. It is believed that the first such products were made in Egypt. At that time, they were made from the core of the rush. The first official mention of candles dates back to the 10th century. BC e. Some ancient sources contain information about products of this type, which were containers with a wick inserted into them, filled with a special solution. Solid candles, remotely similar to modern ones, were invented by the Romans. They rolled the papyrus into a tube and dipped it in fat.

For centuries, candles were the most commonway of lighting rooms. They were often used in various kinds of religious ceremonies. By the 13th century entire guilds of candle makers have appeared in Europe.

Types of candles

Modern industry produces candles:

1. Household. Made from untinted paraffin wax. A household paraffin candle usually has a white translucent color.
2. Canteens. Such candles can be twisted, scented or classic.
3. Hemp. They also have a beautiful appearance. They differ from canteens only in large diameter.
4. Church. Can be made from either paraffin or wax.
5. Decorative. Such candles are made from colored paraffin and usually have some unusual shape.
6. Candles on the cake. They differ from ordinary ones in that they have a long and thin shape.
7. Tea candles. Available as tablets.

What equipment is used for production

Paraffin candles can be made both manually and on the machine. In the first case, special molds for casting are used. They can be made from metal, silicone or plastic. With the manual production method, it is also used:

1. Special paraffin melting vessel, designed on the principle of a water bath.
2. Balance designed for weighingingredients.
3. Water tank. Used to cool finished products.

Stearin can be used as an additional material in a procedure such as the production of paraffin candles. Also, owners of small workshops purchase wicks wound into coils. In the manufacture of decorative paraffin candles, various beautiful trinkets can also be used: beads, shells, dried flowers, etc.

The design of the machine designed for the production of candles includes a frame on which the wicks are hung. Candles are obtained by repeatedly dipping them in paraffin or wax.

How castings are made

According to this technology, paraffin candles are made as follows:

• The wick is pulled through the hole in the mold. A small part of it (about 5 cm) is brought out. You can use a match or a paperclip to center the wick.

• The form is installed in a container with water poured into it with a layer of 2-3 cm. This is necessary to prevent the contents from flowing out.
• Molten paraffin is poured into the mold. Drops that have fallen on the work surface are wiped off with a rag.
• The hardening candle is pierced around the filter with a sharp object. This avoids deformation.
• After hardening, the candle is removed from the mold. It's not too difficult to do this. During the solidification process, the candle shrinks slightly insizes.

Features of casting technology

Making paraffin candles always starts with oiling the mold. This operation is done with both silicone and metal equipment. Instead of oil, a special silicone grease can be used. After melting the paraffin, various dyes and aromatic additives can be added to it. Of course, you cannot put any solid objects (sequins, etc.) into the candle. In the process of using the latter, they will light up. Stearin is added to paraffin, usually in a ratio of 1x4.

Sometimes it happens that the candle "does not want" to go out of shape. In this case, it's easy to do. Place the mold with the candle in the freezer for a few minutes.

Technology for making carvings

In this case, the traditional method of casting candles is somewhat modified. In the manufacture of carved products, paraffin wax of one color or several can be used. In the latter case, it is pre-melted, dyes are added to it, and then poured into separate containers. Next, the master dips the candle blank into the first of these bowls, holding it by the filter, and holds it for several seconds. Then the candle is pulled out and lowered into cold water. After that, the blank is placed in the next container, etc. As a result of all these manipulations, a very beautiful decorative candle is obtained. The desired shape is given to it with the help of a cutter.

Domestic candle market

In Russia, there are two main typessimilar products - church and decorative. Candles of both types, as already mentioned, are often made from paraffin. We also have a household segment of such products in our country, but not too large. This group includes household and tea tablet candles.

From the category of decorative candles, a separate variety can be distinguished - gift ones. Such products are specially prepared for the donation process and colorfully decorated. The decorative group also includes interior candles, sculptural and souvenir ones. In addition, expensive collectible items can also be singled out separately.

Top Producers

Today, many workshops produce candles from paraffin. Such small enterprises can be engaged in both mass production of similar products of the same design, and the implementation of exclusive works to order. There are workshops of this specialization in every region of our country. In Moscow, for example, there are such manufacturers of paraffin candles as the Aroma of Fire company and the Candle Yard company.

Price categories

Among other things, the Russian candle market can be divided into price segments. The budget class includes products costing from 10-30 rubles apiece. Such paraffin candles wholesale from the manufacturer are purchased very often. Usually these are household or tea options. Products of the middle price category include products costing from 30 to 200 rubles. It can be gift, interior or souvenir candles. Existalso expensive items from 200 to 500 rubles. These are usually sculpted candles, hand-crafted using a cutter.

Products more expensive than 500 rubles are usually made only to order. For example, the Svechnoy Dvor company also produces such paraffin candles. Moscow, therefore, is a city whose residents can easily order such a cute exclusive trinket.