Know your candles and their applications

By: Raymond Sucgang

Since today is the Feast of Our Lady of the Candles, I will conduct a Chemistry of the Candles Discussion. Know your Candles and know what types of applications are suited for each kind of candle. Candles come in various types based on factors such as wax composition, wick material, and the method of production. Let’s discuss these aspects in detail. Based on Composition candles can be:

Paraffin Wax Candles (example A and C in the picture): This is the most common type of candle wax and the cheapest coz it is made from petroleum. Sila ang mga ginagamit na pang brownout candles. at pang altar.

Polyethylene wax (example B) they are like paraffin wax but has a higher melting point. They are harder than paraffin that is why they are used for molded candles, kasi nga mas matigas, hindi nagdedeform ar nagagasgasan.

Beeswax Candles (such as in example D) Made from natural beeswax produced by honey bees. Mas mahal kesa sa usual. Sila ang ginagamit sa Paschal candles.

Palm Wax also known as Carnauba Wax Candles: Derived from palm oil Produces a unique crystalline appearance.This is the hardest wax . More often than not, we blend some of this to paraffin wax to increase the melting point– para hindi agad matunaw ang kandila.
Gel Candles (F) : Made from a combination of polymer and mineral oil. Transparent and allows for embedding decorative items. Typically used for decorative purposes.

Kung gusto mong tumigas ang paraffin candle mo, haluan ng mga 30% polyethylene wax. Kung molded at gusto mo ng shiny surface, haluan ng palm wax.

Now there are two types of Wick (mitsa) .

Cotton Wick Candles (G ): Traditional wick material.; Offers a steady and clean burn. Comes in various sizes for different candle types.
Nylon Wick Candles: Some may have a metal core for stability. Ito ang mga ginagamit sa mga poured candles or molded candles-for specialty candles. Nylon wicks ang gamit sa specialty candles kasi may zinc metal support sya so laging nakatayo.

Ito naman ang Classification of Candles:

Poured Candles(example C & E) : Made by pouring melted wax into a mold or container. Yung mga nasa baso or glass containers.
Dipped Candles (such as in example D) are Created by repeatedly dipping a wick into melted wax. Taper candles are often made using this method. Ito ang kandila na pang sementeryo at procession.
Molded Candles (example A) : Formed by pouring wax into molds with specific shapes. Allows for a wide range of designs, from pillars to novelty shapes.
Votive Candles (B): Short, stout candles designed to be burned in a votive holder. Typically smaller than pillars or tapers. Pang aromatherapy burner.

The number of Ply’s of the wick also matters. As a rule of thumb, for every 1 cm wide of the candle, 1 ply wick — kaya pag mas malapad ang candles, dapat madami ding Plys ang wick. If the Ply is less than the prescribed, madaling mamatay ang candle at hindi tutuloy na mag burn. Pag masyado naman marami ang Ply kesa sa width ng candle, mas madali tiong masunog . madali maupos. Especially for poured candles, pag mali and sukat ng ply such as in Example C– napakaliit ng wick, kesa sa width ng candle, kaya nalulunod ang kandila sa tunaw na wax at namamatay, hindi tumutuloy ang pag burn.

Understanding these classifications and materials can help consumers choose candles that fit their preferences and needs, whether for ambiance, decoration, or aromatherapy.

So what are the take-away points? Ang esperma na kandila ay para lamang sa brownout; hindi maganda sa sementeryo kasi maliit ang ply ng esperma at medyo mataas ang melting point kesa sa paraffin wax. kaya mas mahaba na brownout candle. Hindi maganda sa sementeryo or outdoors sa procession kasi mamatay sa ihip ng hangin.

Ang dadalhin sa sementeryo kung saan malakas ang hangin, ay dipped candle na paraffin wax, pure at may Ply na medyo mataas. Para ma withstand and ihip ng hangin.

If you frequently use candles with nylon wicks, remember may metal lagi yan, chances are na makakasinghot ka ng lead, lalo nat kung malapit ka. Kaya tama ang kasabihang the more you pray near the altar , the more mapapadali ang pag akyat mo sa heaven 🙂