Wax for candles

SixFooter · Jan 6, 2013

Do people make candles and cosmetics from wax from melted comb or only from honey cappings?
Presumably, if you filter it well, it will be as clean as cappings wax, so just as good.
I ask because I have lots of bits of wax from wild comb, broken frames etc, but not much cappings wax because of a really poor harvest. I also have a lovely, big candle mould and recipies for cosmetics that I have never used!

Luminos · Jan 7, 2013

I made polish from mine

aberreef · Jan 7, 2013

Once it's melted and cleaned all wax is the same I think. I make candles from wax that's come from some of the grottiest old frames you're ever likely to see, seems to work for me and the wax is a gorgeous gold colour

susbees · Jan 7, 2013

aberreef said:
Once it's melted and cleaned all wax is the same I think. I make candles from wax that's come from some of the grottiest old frames you're ever likely to see, seems to work for me and the wax is a gorgeous gold colour

Only if you don't worry about agrichemical and environmental contaminants. Hence cappings wax only for balms, creams and potions....and frame wax from brood comb etc is fine for candles - as in better than paraffin etc and good to upcycle the wax to something useful. It's mostly in the not overheating and fine filtration.

Stiffy · Jan 7, 2013

We were advised by trading standards to only use certified cosmetic grade beeswax for skin products we sell. The products also have to have a certificate available showing the ingredients are safe for use and have been tested by a chemist. Luckily we know a couple of chemists who arranged this for us.
S