Types of Candles
There are many different kinds of candles, as described below. Of all these sorts, only three types are generally used for pysankarstvo: tapers, tea lights and oil candles.
Pillar Candles are solid and self standing. Their shapes are typically round, but also come in square, rectangular, hexagonal, and other designs. Some may have more than one wick. Heat resistant candle bases or stands must be used.
Could be sued for making pysanky, but too big and bulky.
Floating Candles have a low, stable profile and are designed to float on water. They vary in form from simple, smooth designs to elaborate, realistic shapes.
Not used.
Votive Candles are normally 2 1/2" high and usually square or cylindrical in shape. They are burned safely in small, heat resistant, glass containers to control the liquefied wax as the candles burn.
Awkward because of glass containers; not a good choice.
Tapers or Dinner Candles as they are also called, are usually 3/4" to 1" in diameter, ranging from 6" - 18" tall. Tapers need to be securely set in an appropriately designed candle holder, which will keep them in an upright position for proper and safe burning.
Most commonly used candle for pysankarstvo.
Container or Filled Candles are non-flammable, heat resistant containers which are filled with wax and wick. Containers such as heat resistant glass jars and ceramic pottery are commonly used. This is teh most common form of soy candles, which turn liquid when heated.
Not useful because of awkward glass container.
Tealight Candles are usually about 1 1/2" in diameter and around 3/4" high inside a cylindrical metal container. These small filled candles are used in food warmers or as candles in a tealight holder.
These are used by some pysanka makers; not my first choice.
Gel Candles are produced from gelled mineral oils or gelled, synthetic hydrocarbons. They are transparent, rubbery and are usually poured into various shaped containers. Gels can also be made rigid enough to retain and support their own shape.
Not generally used.
Specialty Candles may be found in any three dimensional shape imaginable. They can be molded or sculpted by hand and are mostly for decorative use.
Not a first choice, but could be used in a pinch.
Liquid Candles are small, often disposable oil lamps. A wick is inserted through a metal holder into a reservoir full of lamp oil. These usually burn more cleanly than ordinary candles.
A good choice, clean burning and non-variable height.
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