On the other hand, aniline dyes are available, and this is what many professional candlemakers prefer for colorants. They are the best options for the home candlecrafter because they come already prepared as chips, disks, or even blocks. These can be dissolved in your melted wax. And, you can add color bit by bit (or chip by chip) so that you don't overdo and find yourself with a pot of wax of a more intense color than you had intended to create. Always err on the side of caution when adding color chips or disks to your melted wax.

And — I know this is getting repetitive but it cannot be emphasized too much — keep records in your notebook. You may one day stumble upon that absolutely perfect color and in your excitement make your candles but then fail to record exactly how many chips of which colors you used to what proportion of which waxes. Later on, when you want to duplicate that color, you won't remember exactly how you obtained it.

It's important for you to realize that all colored candles will fade over time. Some colors will fade more readily than others. Darker, primary colors, like red, fade less than pastels like pink.

The best way to keep your candles from fading is to store them carefully wrapped, in a dark place, such as a drawer or closet, and always keep them away from direct sunlight. Since it is time that is the main culprit, it only makes sense to burn your candles before they begin to fade. If you allow them to age, they will fade — and candles aren't fine wine, which benefits by aging. They are of a certain fragility and delicacy, and you are making them to use, not to store away like heirloom lace. An unused candle may look attractive sitting on display for a while — but it will become dusty and attract dirt from the air, and its colors will fade eventually. So, candlemaker, burn your art! It's the only way to go.