Dyes are a popular choice for coloring candles due to their numerous advantages. They offer one-time coloring with strong tinting power and dissolve easily at low temperatures, making them easy to measure and incorporate into wax formulations. Dyes also provide excellent burning performance and come in a wide range of vibrant colors.
They are suitable for both paraffin and plant-based waxes, with recommended usage varying by shade—from light colors at 0.005% to 0.01%, standard colors at 0.01% to 0.1%, and deep colors at 0.1% to 0.2%. For typical applications, mixing 0.1 to 1 kilogram of dye flakes with 1000 kilograms of wax is sufficient. However, some fragrance oils may cause color fading or discoloration; if this occurs, contacting the supplier for assistance is advised. It is generally recommended to produce colored wax at around 85°C, as prolonged exposure to high temperatures or air can lead to color changes.
Flake dyes should be used above their dissolution temperature to achieve proper solubility, reducing stirring time. They must be stored sealed and away from light, with different colors kept separately. Additionally, adding color stabilizers to all colored products is recommended to maintain color integrity during use.