The question of whether colored candles burn faster than white candles is one that many candle enthusiasts have pondered. When it comes to candle burning times, there are many factors at play that can impact the rate at which a candle burns. In this article, we’ll take a detailed look at how candle color affects burn times and see if there is truth to the claim that colored candles burn faster than white ones.
The Science Behind Candle Burning
To understand how color affects burn rate, we first need to understand the basic science behind how candles work. When a candle is lit, the wick at the center of the candle absorbs heat from the flame and becomes hot enough to melt the nearby wax. This liquefied wax is then drawn up the wick via capillary action and vaporized by the flame. As the wax vaporizes, it sustains the flame and the candle continues to burn.
There are a few key factors that determine how quickly or slowly a candle will burn:
- Wick size – Larger wicks typically burn faster because they provide a bigger flame.
- Wax composition – Some waxes like soy and beeswax have a lower melting point so they burn quicker.
- Candle diameter – Fatter candles burn slower because there is more wax mass to melt.
- Room temperature – Warmer environments make candles burn faster.
When it comes to candle color, most standard candles today are made from paraffin wax that has been mixed with various dyes and pigments to achieve the desired shade. The type and amount of colorant added to the wax can impact the burn rate in a couple of different ways.
Do Dyes and Pigments Change How Candles Burn?
By altering the chemical composition of the wax, dyes and pigments used to color candles could theoretically cause them to burn faster or slower. However, multiple studies have shown that in most cases, the concentration of dye used to produce vivid candle colors has a negligible effect on wax properties and does not noticeably impact burn rates.
One exception is if metallic-based pigments like zinc, iron oxide or titanium dioxide are added to colored wax blends. These particles can slightly accelerate wick capillary action, causing colored candles with metallic flecks or shimmer to burn quicker. But for standard dyed candles, color saturation does not appear to be a major factor affecting burn speed.
Do Darker Colors Absorb More Heat?
Some speculate that darker colors may burn faster because they absorb heat more efficiently, causing the candle’s wax to melt quicker. This hypothesis is logical since we know dark colors absorb and retain more thermal energy across the light spectrum.
However, the effect this has on colored candles is difficult to accurately measure. Studies attempting to correlate color darkness and burn rates have so far been inconclusive. While extremely dark candles may burn marginally faster, differences in most colored candles are generally not significant enough to overcome other variables like wick size that have a larger impact.
The Role of Dye Solubility
The solubility of dyes used in candle making wax can potentially influence burn performance. Insoluble pigments are more likely to clog wicks, while soluble dyes burn cleanly without altering capillary flow. Wax dye solubility depends on the specific chemical composition of the dye and its compatibility with a given wax.
Most reputable candle makers today use specialized wax-soluble dyes to color their candles. So solubility issues are uncommon. However, some plant-based or all-natural candle lines may incorporate water-based or oil-based dyes with limited wax solubility, inadvertently slowing wick absorption. But this effect is difficult to separate from other factors.
Insights from Candle Testing
To help shed light on whether color affects burn time, some candle enthusiasts have conducted their own tests burning multiple candles of identical size, wick and wax composition but differing in dye shade. Here are the results of some informal candle burn time comparisons:
| Candle 1 | Candle 2 | Burn Time 1 | Burn Time 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| White | Red | 4 hours | 4 hours 5 min |
| Ivory | Royal Blue | 3 hours 55 min | 4 hours |
| Cream | Forest Green | 4 hours 10 min | 4 hours 15 min |
While results varied slightly across test candles, burn times were generally consistent regardless of color. None of the dyed candles differed from undyed candles by more than 5-10 minutes over 4+ hours of burning. These kinds of minor variations are likely attributable to external factors like wick trimming rather than the influence of dye.
Tips for Burning Colored Candles
While color may not significantly impact burn rates, here are some useful tips for safely burning colored candles and getting the most out of them:
- Trim wicks to 1⁄4 inch before lighting to prevent excess smoking.
- Keep away from drafts which can make candles burn irregularly.
- Allow wax pool to melt all the way to edges before extinguishing.
- Use a candle burner or warmer for clean scent diffusion.
- Mix and match colors for a beautiful layered effect.
The Bottom Line
Based on the available research, colored candles do not appear to burn significantly faster or slower than less pigmented candles when accounting for other variables. Subtle differences in burn rates of a few minutes are likely due to other factors. So you can confidently use vividly colored candles without sacrificing burn time.
The next time you want to add some colorful ambiance to your space with candles, don’t hesitate to opt for richly hued styles. As long as wicks are trimmed, wax chemistry is balanced, and external conditions are controlled, the color dye should not have a major impact on your overall burn duration. Focus instead on choosing colors that align with your decor anddesired sensory experience.
With the science debunked, you are free to decorate with and enjoy candles of any shade knowing the vibrancy of the colors will not fade your burning time. So go bold and brighten up your home with candles splashed in every color of the rainbow without burning through your money any faster!
