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How to Make Color Candle Flames

Candles are a part of people's every day lives. They are lit after a stressful day at work, to help one pray at church and to celebrate birthdays. On December 26, 1939, William M. Fredericks published his patent for colored flame candles. Through the use of mineral salts, candles can now burn red, blue, yellow, green and several other colors. Some mineral salts, like Magnesium Sulfate (Epsom Salt) can be purchased at a drug store. Others must be purchased at most craft stores, and pottery shops.

Things You'll Need

Microwave
Microwavable Bowls
Wicks
Paraffin wax
Petroleum jelly
Mineral salts
Candle mold

Instructions

- 1
  Choose the colors for the flame. For a red flame use Strontium Chloride; for a green flame use Borax; for a purple flame use Potassium Chloride. A full list of what mineral salts to use for what colors can be found at chemistry.learnhub.com.
- 2
  Prepare the wicks by melting the paraffin wax in a bowl in the microwave. Dip the wicks, one at a time, into the wax. Next, cover the wicks in petroleum jelly, and spread the mineral salts on one side. If the mineral salts are spread entirely over the wick it will not burn. Lastly, take the wicks and dip them into the paraffin wax for a second coating to encase the wick. Allow time to dry.
- 3
  To finish the candle, place a piece of clay on the bottom of the wick, and put it into the candle mold. This will help the wick stay in place while the wax is setting. Pour the melted paraffin around the wick. Allow the wax to sit from 12, to 24 hours before burning.

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