Candle Dyes FAQ

Q: Should I use the liquid concentrated dyes or the dye blocks?

A: There are benefits to both types of dye, but your choice will ultimately depend on your personal preference. Because the liquid dyes come with a dropper, they are extremely easy to measure and blend very quickly with the wax. You simply count the number of drops you use per pound, and make note of the amount, this ensures you get a consistent color with every batch you make. The dye blocks are also very easy to use. Depending on the size batch you are making, you may add one full block or a partial block to achieve the desired color. With each type, you are able to vary the shade by using more or less dye, or you can also blend different dyes to create unique or unusual colors.

Q: How much dye should I use?

A: The amount of dye that you use will depend on the color you are trying to achieve. For lighter colors, use less dye; for darker colors; use more. You can test the color of the wax by dripping some out onto a paper plate (or something that would not be damaged) and letting it cool. It is always a good idea to start out with just a little. You can always add a little more to darken it, but it is difficult to lighten the color once the dye is added. For the liquid dyes, you may start with 1 drop per pound for light colors, but not go over around 7 drops per pound for darker colors. The dye blocks can color anywhere from 5 - 25 pounds per block depending on the shade you are trying to achieve. Instructions for the liquid dyes can be found on the backs of the bottles. For the dye blocks, you can purchase a laminated copy of the dye block color chart for guidelines on different shades.

Q: Do you have a white candle dye?

A: We do not necessarily carry a white candle dye however, we do have whitening powder. Whitening powder is used to counteract some of the yellowing you may get from certain fragrances that contain a lot of vanillin. We recommend using the whitening powder and the UV stabilizer for the best results.

Q: Can I use your candle dyes in body products?

A: The dyes that we carry are not safe to use in any body products, this includes the whitening powder. Because they are not formulated for use in body products, they would stain your skin if they are used.

Q: What are your dyes made out of?

A: Our liquid dyes are oil based mixed and our dye blocks are paraffin based. Whitening powder is also known as a product called titanium dioxide. See MSDS for a more detailed list of ingredients..

Q: How do I clean up a liquid dye spill?

A: The liquid dye is very hard to clean up, so the best solution is prevention. If you do spill some of the dye, blot up as much as you can using a paper towel or something disposable. (Don't wipe it off or you may end up smearing it.) Depending on the surface it was spilled on, you may be able to use WD-40 or a citrus-based cleaner, like our mold cleaner, to help remove it. Watch this video to see a few different techniques for cleaning liquid dye.

Q: My dye bottle droppers are now brittle and making a mess. What has happened?

A: The droppers that come with our dyes are extremely convenient and make it easy to add a precise amount of dye. If the dye gets into the bulb of the dropper, it can tend to make the rubber dry out and deteriorate. Making sure you don't leave dye in the bulb and storing the bottles upright will help your droppers last longer.

Q: The pink liquid dye doesn't show color in the melted wax. Did I get a bad bottle?

A: The hot pink dye is the only one we carry that tends to not show its color until the candle has completely set. Because of this, it is a little harder to experiment with different shades. When using this dye, trusting the percentages given online is important. You would add around 1 - 2 drops per pound for a light shade, and as many as 7 drops per pound for a darker shade.

Q: Can Crayons be used as dye for my candles?

A: Crayons are not recommended for use as dye in candles. The wax used in them is different than candle wax since it is not meant to be burned, and when you use them as dye they will tend to clog the wick as the candle burns. If they are used, your candle will not burn properly.

If you are unable to find the answers to your questions here, please contact customer service.