{"id":356740,"date":"2025-12-29T14:09:08","date_gmt":"2025-12-29T13:09:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.youwish.nl\/geen-onderdeel-van-een-categorie\/candle-colors\/"},"modified":"2026-07-18T14:01:02","modified_gmt":"2026-07-18T12:01:02","slug":"candle-colors","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.youwish.nl\/en\/candle-making\/candle-colors\/","title":{"rendered":"Why You Shouldn’t Use Colored Pencils or Food Dye"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

If you\u2019re just starting out making candles<\/a>, it\u2019s very tempting to use everyday household ingredients. However, we strongly advise against this if you want a safe and beautiful candle. Food coloring is often water-based. Since water and oil (or wax) don\u2019t mix, this results in unsightly splatters and a candle that crackles dangerously. <\/p>\n\n

Wax crayons or colored pencils are also an absolute no-go. They contain pigments that are far too coarse. They don\u2019t dissolve completely, causing the candle wick<\/a> to become clogged. The result is a candle that smokes, smells bad, or keeps going out on its own. Professional dyes are specifically formulated to fully bind with the wax without interfering with the burn. In our guide to \u201c5 Things Every Beginner Candle Maker Should Know,\u201d<\/a> we go into more detail about the right basic supplies. <\/p>\n\n

What kind of candle dye is right for your project?<\/h2>\n\n

Not all dyes work the same way. Your choice depends on the type of laundry and the desired end result. For best results, add the dye once the laundry has reached a temperature of about 85\u00b0C. <\/p>\n\n