Expert: Neecie - 7/8/2010

Question
I am trying to make candles from used wax which I get from church. It contains dust/burned wigs (including ash-like black substance). I tried to melt it and sieve it, but the wax has a slight ash colour - not white. Is there any chemicals or anything by adding which to the wax, the dirts etc. settles down so that we get white wax to make white candles.

Answer
Hello,

I believe the only way to change the color of the wax would be to dye the wax.  Once ash is in your wax, it's a little difficult to sieve it out. Especially so when you have liquid wax.  I would suggest when you get your used candles from the church, take the time to cut out the ash and debris with a knife if you can.  Since you are re melting the candles, it doesn't matter that you are carving them up.  You might be able to remove a lot of the debris that way.   However, I have seen white candle dye at hobby stores such as Michael's and JoAnn's  in fact I've purchased some.  I was quite happy how my candles were very white.  

Hope that helps!