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How To Make Whipped Wax

By Bob Sherman

This article was originally written in 1998 and has been rewritten, modernized, and modified for this web site.

There! Take that you nasty wax! Many candle projects use whipped wax, so get out your whip. Just joking, we don't actually use a whip to discipline our wax. Whipped wax adds another dimension to your candle making, and can be the basis of some very interesting designs.

PLEASE NOTE! - Candle making can be dangerous if proper safety procedures are not followed. Please read these Safety Rules before attempting any candle making projects.

This article assumes basic candle making skills. If you are new to candle making, my Introduction To Candle Making Course is free and will show you all the basics for working with wax safely.

What Is Whipped Wax?
Basically whipped wax is wax that has had air incorporated into it by whipping it as it cools.

Materials
An whisk or hand held blender will be needed in addition to the basic candle making products - wax, dye, etc... Corn starch is optional.

Wax Formula
The exact wax formula used is not critical and most wax will whip well. Wax can be white or colored. Some folks like to add 1 tablespoon of corn starch per pound to help the whipped wax adhere better. I personally don't see a lot of difference and usually skip the cornstarch. My preferred wax formula for these is:

1 pound 140 melt point paraffin wax
1 teaspoon Vybar 103
1 ounce scent oil
Dye to suit

Step 1
Start by melting the wax to be used. Most waxes can be whipped, and I have not noticed much difference in results from different waxes or wax formulas.

Step 2
Remove the wax from the heat source. Allow it to cool until a slight surface film forms. At this stage the first whipping may be done, but often the wax will need to cool a bit more for extensive whipping.

Step 3
Begin whipping the wax. I prefer to use a cheap electric hand mixer for this especially if making large amounts, but a hand held whisk may be used as well. Whip until the desired consistency is attained.

Step 4
Once whipped, the wax can be applied with a spoon, brush, fork or by dipping depending on the desired effect. When cool enough, it can also be handled with your hands to shape it. It is best applied in a dabbing motion.

Step 5
A variety of textures may be obtained according to wax temperature and how much it is whipped. This photo shows a relatively smoothly textured wax caused by whipping while the wax was fairly warm.

Step 6
This heavier texture comes from extensive whipping and very cool wax.

Step 7
This votive was dipped.

Variants
Varying the wax temperature and amount of whipping will vary the wax texture. Different application methods will also vary the appearance of the finished candle.

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Disclaimer: The information presented here is accurate to the best of my knowledge and common candle making practices as of the time of this writing. This article was originally published to the internet in March 1998 and has been modified and republished in October 2007. The author and the publisher accept no liability for the use or misuse of any of the information presented in this article. This article is presented for informational purposes and is used at your own risk.

Author: Bob Sherman

Publisher: Bobby's Craft Boutique Inc.

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