We all have that desire to make our work area or home look a little more glam. Adding some shimmery details here and there can really make things pop! But, sometimes, we get a little overzealous with the glitter. After all, a little bit of sparkle goes a long way! So, the question becomes, can you put glitter in candles? Is it safe? What are the best practices?
Well, these are all valid questions. We get asked them quite often, and we decided to do a little bit of research to provide you with some answers! So, without further ado, let’s get into it!
Can You Put Glitter in Candles?
Yes, you can put glitter in candles. Glitter undoubtedly looks beautiful in candles and can give them a lovely shimmer. But then, don’t use just any glitter for your candle projects. Only go for fine, safe, and non-flammable variety. Otherwise, you risk causing fires or suffering from the toxic fumes that some types of glitters produce.
To begin with, we must acknowledge that glitters take our décor to the next level. They make any space look more fun, festive, and glam. That’s not all. I mean, there’s so much more to glitters than meets the eye. So, the whole idea of adding glitters to your candles shouldn’t be such a surprise after all.
And now, back to answering our question; you can most certainly add glitters to your candles. But then, you must be mindful of the type of glitter you use. Otherwise, you risk having things go south pretty quickly.
One way to get things in the right direction is by using the fine variety. These aren’t the kind you find in most local stores. But remember that using larger chunks of glitter for your candle-making can pose at least two challenges.
For one, they can block the wick, interfering with the candle’s ability to burn correctly. And as we all know, once the smooth burning is disrupted, you aren’t far from a candle fire.
Additionally, large glitters can also fall off the candle as it burns. And if you’re not careful, they can cause fires. So, to be on the safe side, only use fine glitters.
Is Glitter Safe in Candles?
Glitter is safe in candles as long as you are using the right thing and doing things right as well. For utmost safety, work with fine glitters that are also non-toxic, non-flammable, and safe for use in candle projects. Compromising on any of these factors will also affect the safety aspect of your project.
As much as you love those tiny, shiny, and colorful bits, not all of them are safe for candles. Some can spell trouble for you and your family. So, when you next want to add glitters to your candle projects, check the product you are buying.
Some glitters have polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a plastic that releases harmful toxins when burned. And we all know that candles need fire to burn. So, if you must use glitters in your candle projects, ensure they don’t contain any PET. The same goes for those containing Polylactic Acid (PLA). In fact, while sellers of PLA products claim that they are biodegradable, the truth is that they aren’t and can be hazardous when burned.
Other glitters also contain elements like iron oxide and aluminum. Now, these can also be potentially dangerous when used in candles. The thing is, they can produce toxic fumes when they come in contact with fire. So, you want to stay away from glitters that contain any metal.
Can You Put Glitter in Wax Melts?
Yes, you can put glitter in wax melts. However, as with candles, you want to be very careful about the type of glitter you use. Some glitters can be very dangerous when they come in contact with fire. So, only use safe, non-toxic, and inflammable glitters in your wax melts.
One thing about candle wax melts is that you can add almost anything as long as it isn’t toxic, flammable, or won’t compromise the quality of your product. So, if you want to add glitters to your wax melts, go ahead. Just be sure to use the correct type of glitter.
Also, ensure that you add the glitters right on top of the molds before pouring in the dye and wax. This way, you can be sure that they’ll stick to the outside of the wax melt after your pour it out.
Can You Put Biodegradable Glitter in Candles?
Yes, you can put biodegradable glitter in candles. Biodegradable glitters are the best for use in candles since they are safe for both the user and the environment. So, if you are one of the environmentally conscious people, then you should use biodegradable glitters in your candles.
While glitters are flying everywhere and are very popular in the cosmetic industry, they are tiny pieces of plastic- well, most of them. And we all know, plastics aren’t good for the environment. So, if you must use glitters, it would be best to go for biodegradable ones. This way, you can ensure you are not harming the environment.
And when it comes to safety, biodegradable glitters are also the best. This is because they are made from safe materials that are not toxic and will not cause any harm to the user.
Can You Use Polyester Glitter in Candles?
Yes, you can use polyester glitter in candles. Polyester isn’t flammable and can take heat up to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, more than some glitter materials. However, keep in mind that polyester is a type of plastic. So, when burned, it produces fumes that can also be toxic to the user and the environment.
Polyester glitters have some properties that suggest they could be used in candles. For one, they are not flammable. This means there is no risk of them catching fire and causing harm to the user.
Another property of polyester glitters is that they can withstand high temperatures. They can take heat up to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, which is more than some other glitter materials. However, this does not make them safe to use in candles.
Even though they can take high temperatures, when polyester glitters are burned, they produce fumes that can be toxic to the user and the environment. So, while you can use polyester glitters in candles, it is not recommended.
Again, polyester glitters are a bit expensive. That’s especially true when you compare them to other glitters that work just as well. So again, if you’re on a budget, better options exist.
Can You Add Glitter To Homemade Candles?
Yes, you can add glitter to homemade candles. However, as with store-bought candles, you want to be very careful about the type of glitter you use. Some glitters can be very dangerous when they come in contact with fire. So, only use safe, non-toxic, and inflammable glitters in your candles.
If you love making your own candles at home, you are already enjoying the liberty to bring in a few things here and there to make the project stand out. And yes, you can also bring in glitters to your homemade candles. They’ll give your projects a whole new dimension in the final look.
But again, you must be careful about the glitter you’ll use. Steer clear of the cheap glitters as they often are made of materials that can be harmful when burned. Also, stay away from varieties that can catch fire easily. A case in point is paper glitters. That way, you’ll have made a glittery and safe candle.
How Do You Get The Glitter To Stick To a Candle?
The best way to get the glitter to stick to a candle is to use glue or adhesive. You can find glues and adhesives specifically for glitter at most craft stores. But any inflammable glue can as well work. Just apply a small amount to the area where you want the glitter to be, then wait for it to dry. Reapply the adhesive and sprinkle the glitter over the top. Tap off any excess and allow the candle to dry completely.
If you’re making your candles at home, you can consider adding glitter to the melted wax before pouring it into the mold. Doing so will help the glitter to embed itself into the wax and stick to the sides of the candle as it dries. Using this method produces better results and eliminates the need for glue.
What Kind Of Glitter Can You Put in Candles?
The kind of glitter you can put in candles should be safe, non-toxic, and non-flammable. The best examples include bioglitter, mica powder, glass glitter, and shimmer dust. All these varieties do an incredible job and are less likely to cause harm.
Let’s take a quick look at each of these;
Bioglitter
Bioglitter comes from plant cellulose, which is a renewable resource. It’s also non-toxic, making it safe for both the user and the environment. Bioglitter comes in various colors and sizes, so you’re sure to find one perfect for your project.
Mica Powder
Mica powder is a natural mineral that’s safe to use in candles. So, it isn’t what you’d call glitter, but it still produces a similar shimmery effect. Hence, it’s another excellent option for your candle-related projects.
Crushed Glass Glitter
This glitter is made from finely crushed glass. This material is 100%-safe to burn and won’t cause any issues to your candle whatsoever. Sometimes it even comes with an extra layer of coat for an extra bit of twinkle. Only ensure that the extra layer of coat isn’t flammable.
Shimmer Dust
Shimmer dust is made from mica powder and other ingredients that make it safe for candles. It’s also very fine so that it won’t clog your wick. But before using it for your candles, ensure it’s safe to burn.
Can You Decorate Candles With Glitter?
Sure, you can always decorate candles with glitter. But as we’ve seen, you want to be careful about your glitter. Some glitters can land you in trouble. So, stick to the safe varieties that don’t pose any risk of polluting the environment or triggering candle fires.
And if you are environmentally conscious, then you’ll love the idea of using bioglitter. This glitter is made from plant cellulose and is 100% safe for the environment, not just you.
Final Verdict
As we’ve seen, there really isn’t anything wrong with using glitter in candles or even wax melts. But you must be careful about the kind of glitter you’re using. Otherwise, you may end up causing more harm than good. So, make sure to use safe, non-toxic, and inflammable glitter in your candles. That way, you’ll have made a glittery and safe candle. And as usual, always remember to observe safety measures when burning candles in your home.