Dye chips, liquid dyes and mica powders — a complete guide to adding colour to your wax melts.
The right colour can transform a wax melt from functional to irresistible. This guide covers every colourant type available to UK makers — from dye chips to mica powders — and how to use them effectively.
Dye chips are the most popular colourant for wax melts in the UK. They're small, pre-measured pellets of pigment that melt directly into your wax. Highly pigmented, consistent batch-to-batch and easy to store, they're the professional choice for most makers.
Liquid dyes allow you to mix custom colours with precision — ideal if you want specific brand shades or pastel tones. They're highly concentrated; a few drops per 100g of wax is typically enough. Liquid dyes are particularly good for achieving gradient effects or very pale tones.
💡 Colour Mixing Tip: Start lighter than you think you need. Wax always appears darker in the jug than in the finished, set melt. Pour a small test amount and let it cool before judging the final shade.
Mica powders create stunning shimmer and metallic effects in wax melts. However, there are important considerations:
Larger dye blocks are grated or shaved into wax. They're an economical option for large batches and give consistent colour. Less precise than chips or liquid dyes but perfectly serviceable for bulk production.
| Colourant | Ease of Use | Colour Vibrancy | Consistency | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dye Chips | Very Easy | High | Excellent | £ |
| Liquid Dyes | Easy | High | Very Good | ££ |
| Mica Powder | Moderate | Shimmer/Metallic | Variable | ££ |
| Dye Blocks | Moderate | Medium | Good | £ |