When a candle maker searches “candle glitter” or “wax glitter”, the questions are often the same: “Can I put glitter in wax melts?” or “Is it safe to burn a candle with glitter?” The answers matter because the wrong glitter can ruin a batch—or worse, create safety issues. The truth is, not all glitter can withstand hot wax. That is why professionals in the candle and wax industry prefer high temperature glitter, designed for heat stability, fragrance oil resistance, and safer sparkle.
The Challenge of Glitter in Wax
Candle making involves heat. Paraffin wax pours between 46–68 °C, soy wax between 49–82 °C, and beeswax around 62–65 °C. At the same time, fragrance oils are added when the wax is hot. Ordinary PVC glitter begins to soften at about 60 °C. This means the moment you stir it into wax, it may curl, bleed color, or clump together.
Buyers often see this problem reflected in Google’s People Also Ask: “Can you use normal glitter in wax melts?” The answer is usually no, because regular craft glitter was never designed for molten wax conditions.
Why High Temp Glitter Performs Better
High temperature glitter is made from polyester (PET) film, not PVC. PET has a glass transition temperature of 70–80 °C and a melting point above 250 °C. More importantly, engineered high-temp grades can withstand short-term exposure up to 150–180 °C, sometimes even higher under controlled conditions.
This extra thermal margin matters. When glitter is poured into hot wax at 70–80 °C, it stays flat and reflective instead of curling or bleeding. Protective coatings also resist the solvent effect of fragrance oils, so candles cure with a clear, sparkling surface rather than a cloudy finish.
Candle Glitter vs Wax Glitter
On search engines, candle glitter and wax glitter often appear as separate terms, but they describe two sides of the same process.
- Candle glitter usually refers to visible decoration: sprinkled on the surface of poured candles, rolled onto outer layers, or used in luxury packaging.
- Wax glitter typically means glitter dispersed throughout wax melts and tarts, which are later warmed in burners.
Both need heat stability, but their expectations differ. Candle glitter must survive the initial pour and look good on display. Wax glitter must handle multiple reheating cycles in a melt burner without dulling or bleeding.
How Candle & Wax Makers Use High Temp Glitter
The appeal of glitter in candles and wax melts is obvious—it adds a premium, eye-catching touch. Makers typically use it in three ways:
- Wax melts and tarts: glitter remains suspended inside the melt and sparkles as it liquefies.
- Outer layers of candles: decorative shells are rolled or dusted with glitter for a luxury finish.
- Surface decoration: a light sprinkle across the top of poured candles gives a shimmering look.
Some brands also use glitter in wax seals for packaging, reinforcing the sense of exclusivity. These applications align directly with queries like “What kind of glitter is safe for candles?” The answer: only polyester-based, heat-resistant glitter designed for this purpose.
Safety Considerations
The most common consumer concern is: “Is it safe to burn a candle with glitter in it?” The answer depends on how it’s used.
Glitter should never be placed in the wick zone where combustion occurs. Even high temp PET glitter is not intended to burn; in a flame it can still produce residue. Safe applications are in decorative outer layers, wax melts, or surface-only designs where the glitter is carried by wax, not flame.
Responsible candle makers also label their products clearly, reminding buyers that glitter is decorative, not edible or flammable.
Practical Tips for Makers
Experienced candle makers follow a few simple steps to get the best results:
- Stir glitter gently into wax at 70–80 °C to avoid clumping.
- Test small batches before scaling up, checking for color bleed or odor after 24 hours.
- Combine glitter with mica powders to achieve layered sparkle effects.
- Store finished candles below 40 °C to prevent surface defects.
Conclusion
Candle and wax makers prefer high temp glitter because it solves problems that ordinary craft glitter cannot. PVC glitter softens too early, bleeds color, and creates safety risks. High temp polyester glitter, by contrast, withstands the heat of wax pours, resists fragrance oils, and ensures a safe, brilliant finish.
For anyone producing candles or wax melts, the choice is clear: high temp glitter makes products look better, last longer, and sell with more confidence.
👉 Before investing in large quantities, run a small pour test with your wax type and fragrance load. If you want proven samples tested at 80 °C soy wax pours, reach out—we’ll match you to the right grade.
FAQ
1. Can I add glitter directly to a candle wick?
No. Glitter should never be placed in the wick zone. It is safe only in outer decoration or melts, not in direct flame.
2. Why does glitter sometimes fade in soy wax?
Soy wax is poured hotter than paraffin. PVC glitter softens around 60 °C and quickly dulls. High temp PET glitter is much more stable.
3. Is cosmetic glitter the same as candle glitter?
No. Cosmetic glitter is skin-safe but not formulated for molten wax. Candle-safe glitter must withstand 70–90 °C pours without bleed.
4. Can I mix glitter with mica powders in candles?
Yes, many makers do. Always test first, since fragrance oils and wax blends may affect stability.
5. How should I test glitter before production?
Perform a wax pour test at your process temperature, cure for 24–48 hours, and check for clumping, bleed, or dulling before scaling up.
