Rapeseed wax, also referred to as canola wax, is a creamy vegetable wax derived from rapeseed oil. Rapeseed is a vibrant yellow flowering member of the mustard/cabbage family that produces seeds high in oil content. The crude oil is extracted by pressing the small black rapeseeds. Through refining and additional processing, the oil converts into a pliable solid wax sought after in candle making applications.

Where Does Rapeseed Wax Come From?

While variants of rapeseed grow across the Northern Hemisphere, the plant originated in Mediterranean regions of Europe. The rapeseed plant was cultivated as early as 2000 BC for its seeds eventually providing lamp fuel before petroleum. Today, China, India, and Europe lead global production though rapeseed grows well in moderate climates like Canada and the United States. The wax comes directly from pressing rapeseeds, undergoing processing like degumming, bleaching, and deodorizing before becoming the smooth, putty-like wax consistency crafters utilize.

How is Rapeseed Made?

The manufacturing process to convert rapeseed into wax involves several key steps:

• Pressing – Rapeseeds get crushed in a large mechanical press extracting roughly half of the volume as crude vegetable oil.
• Refining – The crude oil goes through an intensive refining process to remove impurities, free fatty acids, colorants, and odors. This involves treatments with sodium hydroxide, bleaching clays, filtering, and high-heat deodorization.
• Hydrogenation – The refined oil gets combined with hydrogen and a catalyst like nickel converting the liquid oil into a waxy semi-solid. Adjusting processing variables determines wax properties like melting point, hardness, and oil content.
• Cooling and Flaking – After hydrogenation, the rapeseed wax gets cooled under controlled conditions allowing wax crystallization. The solid wax then goes through flaking mills creating small, flat wax particles convenient for candle making.

What Are Rapeseed Candles?

Candles crafted from rapeseed wax provide an all-natural, sustainable lighting alternative. The wax comes from renewable raw plant material making it eco-friendly. Rapeseed wax candles burn slowly with a low melting point compared to commercial waxes. They have a creamy texture and earthy color. The malleable consistency allows for creative applications in candle making from modeling shapes by hand to intricate carvings. Rapeseed also takes dyes and scents nicely. When blended appropriately with small amounts of other waxes, rapeseed candles have excellent burning properties and subtle fragrances.

Is Rapeseed Wax Good for Candles?

Rapeseed wax makes high quality candles able to hold shape and emit pleasing aromas. The natural wax burns exceptionally clean and consistent. With higher oil content, rapeseed wax provides sufficient fuel to keep wicks lit and disperse fragrance efficiently. The soft, doughy texture suits container candles well. Crafting freestanding pillars requires blending rapeseed with harder waxes like beeswax or paraffin to provide adequate rigidity. Rapeseed wax has poor natural adhesion needing proper preparation and wick choice to maximize candle performance. But when made properly, rapeseed wax produces admirable homemade candles.

Benefits of Rapeseed Candles

Candles made from rapeseed wax offer numerous benefits:

• Clean Burning – Rapeseed has very little soot or smoke
• Renewable & Sustainable – Derived from replenishable plant oils
• Natural Material – Provides eco-friendly, non-toxic candle option
• Slow Burning – Longer burn time over similar-sized candles
• Consistent Flame – Melts and burns evenly from top to bottom
• Flexible Texture – Allows creative modeling and shaping by hand
• Lipid Rich – Imparts glossy appearance and sheen
• Affordable – Comparatively budget-friendly candle wax
• Lovely Light – Warm golden glow compliments the subtle aroma

Best Rapeseed Wax for Candles

For candle making, refined and hydrogenated rapeseed with higher melting points performs best. Seek waxes with melt points between 129°F and 147°F. The molecular saturation from hydrogenation makes the wax harder once cooled for molding candles effectively. Waxes with lower melting points may remain too soft to properly harden. The refined wax also has fewer impurities that could influence burning. Top producers like Kerax Limited, Strahl & Pitsch, and Frank B. Ross Co. offer rapeseed waxes well-suited for candle applications.

Rapeseed Candles DIY

Making homemade candles with rapeseed allows creative liberty to design stunning works of art for your home. Follow this simple tutorial:

Supplies Needed:

• Rapeseed Wax Flakes
• Wick – Paper cored for container candles
• Fragrance Oil – Nature-inspired scents work nicely
• Containers – Heat Safe Glass Allows Best Performance
• Double Boiler
• Spoon & Thermometer

Directions:

1. Melt wax using a double boiler maintaining 185°F – 200°F temperature
2. Add fragrance once wax is fully melted not exceeding 1 oz oil per 1 lb wax
3. Carefully pour just enough wax to anchor the wick in the vessel keeping the wick centered
4. Let set for 5 minutes so the wax doesn’t pull the wick off center when pouring fully
5. Top off the container fully with the remaining melted wax
6. Allow to completely cool undisturbed minimum of 48 hours

Now trim the wick and enjoy your homemade rapeseed candle!

Why Rapeseed Wax Used for Candles

Rapeseed wax offers several advantages making it a quality choice among natural waxes for candles:

• Made from sustainable plant oils
• Provides smooth, long burn time
• Has a rich texture for modeling candles
• Good fragrance and dye receptivity
• Warm golden hues from natural color
• Affordable compared to beeswax or bayberry wax
• Blends well with paraffin or beeswax for stability

Candle makers value rapeseed wax for its renewable origins, vibrant working properties facilitating creativity, and budget-friendly cost!

How to Use Rapeseed Wax for Candles

Using rapeseed wax for candles doesn’t need to be intimidating. Follow these tips:

• Melt wax slowly between 185°F – 200°F
• Add recommended fragrance up to 1 oz oil per 1 lb wax
• For containers, pour wax 185°F, pillars 140°F for best finish
• Warm vessels before pouring allow a cleaner finish
• Allow candles full 2 days to cure before lighting
• Blend with beeswax or paraffin if seeking rigid pillars
• Use paper cored wick with flat bottom braiding for the best burn
• Trim wick to 1⁄4 inch before lighting for clean even burn

With practice, rapeseed wax can produce amazing candles! Start with simple container mastering techniques.

Why Rapeseed Wax So Expensive?

While rapeseed wax costs exceed basic commercial waxes like paraffin, it remains affordable compared to other natural waxes. Pricing averaging $8-12 per pound reflects production challenges like:

• Low wax yield from seeds requires large crops
• Extensive processing to refine and deodorize oil
• Added hydrogenation to convert oils into wax solids
• Precision manufacturing monitoring crystallization
• Low market volume compared to commodity waxes
• Perceived premium for specialized candle wax

For artisanal candle makers, the luminous glow and opportunity to sculpt rapeseed wax justifies costs. Large commercial candle producers likely find pricing prohibitive, however. But simple homemade candles can utilize rapeseed wax nicely.

Rapeseed Candle Recipe

Once comfortable with basic rapeseed container candles, try this intermediate recipe for a beautifully sculpted pillar:

Ingredients:

• 300 grams rapeseed wax flakes
• 100 grams beeswax pastilles
• 50 grams of coconut oil
• Fragrance oil of choice – suggest 20 grams (4 tsp)
• Double boiler, thermometer, candle vessel, wick

Instructions:

• Combine ingredients in a double boiler and slowly melt to 185°F stirring gently
• Remove from heat allowing to cool to 135°F checking often
• Pour carefully into the mold and allow to mostly set up keeping centered
• Once the wax is pliable but not liquid, sculpt the surface with craft sticks, carving tools, etc.
• Let the candle fully cure for 48 hours before removing it from the mold
• Trim the wick and enjoy a gorgeous handcrafted pillar with a warm glow

Sculpting adds a whole new dimension! Have fun unleashing creative talents with versatile rapeseed wax.

Rapeseed wax enables beautifully sculpted candle art or simple decorative luminaries. With a proper understanding of how to leverage its distinctive working properties, rapeseed wax can produce amazing homemade candles through all skill levels. Give it a try!