About Beeswax - Candles and Other Uses

Author: * Taibhse Cenel Conaill - 7 Posts on this thread out of 34 Posts sitewide.
Date: Jan 9, 2007 - 11:00

Beeswax is the wax excreted by the honeybee while constructing the honeycomb. The color is dependent upon factors such as the type of flowers gathered by the bees, and the age of the hive, and may vary from almost white through shades of yellow to brown. To extract the beeswax for use, the honeycomb is melted or boiled with water and the crude wax is skimmed off the top. The crude beeswax is then rendered and clarified by heating in water. Beeswax has been used by many cultures dating back to ancient times for a wide variety of uses, some of which are listed below.

Beeswax Candles

Beeswax makes the finest candles known. Although the Romans are generally credited with developing the wicked candle by dipping rolled papyrus repeatedly in melted tallow, it wasn't until the Middle Ages that beeswax candles were introduced into Europe. They were a vast improvment over smoky, acrid tallow (animal fat) candles and prized especially for use in church ceremonies. Sadly, because they were expensive, few individuals other than the wealthy could afford to burn them in the home.

If made properly, beeswax candles burn with a bright, steady flame for a long time, do not smoke or sputter, and produce a delicate fragrant odor of honey while being burned. Because beeswax is very stable, the candles can be stored for a long time without deteriorating, though high-quality, pure beeswax may develop a frosty or antique 'bloom' which can just be easily wiped off with a cloth. Candles may be dipped, molded, rolled from sheets, extruded, or cast.

Some other uses for using beeswax include:

Waxing wood - warm equal parts beeswax, linseed oil, and turpentine and rub into the wood to give a smooth, polished finish.

Waterproofing leather - warm equal parts of beeswax, tallow, and neatsfoot oil and rub into leather to waterproof it.

Bowstring wax - waxing the bowstring is essential to maintain the condition of the bowstring fibres and protect them from dirt and rain.

Balms - beeswax is added to herbal oils to convert them to ointments or balms, and also adds its own nutrients to the finished product.

Bag Pipes - beeswax is used to coat the hemp that is used on bagpipe joints and tuning slides.

Blacksmithing and metal protection - beeswax is used to finish ironwork, giving the metal a beautiful sheen while preventing rust.

Lost Wax Process - molten beeswax is used to make the casting mold or it can be modelled by hand to make the original artwork for the "pattern" to be cast.