Can dye affect a candle burn
Adding dye to a candle can affect its burn in several ways:
1. Burn Rate – Some dyes can slightly alter the way the wax melts and burns. If too much dye is used, it can clog the wick, leading to a weaker or inconsistent flame.
2. Soot Production – Certain dyes, especially those that contain heavy pigments or are oil-based, may contribute to more soot formation. This happens because the incomplete combustion of the dye particles can lead to black smoke.
3. Wick Clogging – If a high concentration of dye is added, it may interfere with the wick’s ability to draw wax, causing issues like a small flame, tunneling, or even the candle going out.
4. Heat Resistance – Some dyes (especially powder or pigment-based ones) can increase the melting point of the wax, making it take longer to melt and burn.
5. Fragrance Interaction – If a candle contains both dye and fragrance, there could be chemical interactions that affect scent throw or how well the candle burns.
6. Color Stability – Some dyes may fade or change over time due to heat exposure, UV light, or the type of wax used.
If you’re making dyed candles, using liquid or dye chips specifically designed for candles is best, as they are formulated to minimise negative effects on burning performance.