Meet the Midwest Color Guide

Hey there, color lovers! Kenna & Doug here from Midwest Fragrance Company. 🌈 If you’re anything like us, you know that color is more than just a finishing touch – it’s the thing that makes your creations stand out and lets your personality shine through. Whether you’re rocking the hobbyist gig or launching a bold, vibrant production of wax melts, having control over your colors can be a game-changer for your brand.

We're thrilled to introduce you to our Midwest Color Guide, a tool we put together just for you, to make coloring your wax melts as fun and easy as it should be. Think of it as your secret weapon for achieving consistent, vibrant colors every time. Let’s dive in!

Meet the Midwest Color Guide

Our Color Guide is all about making it simple to get the exact shade you want, every single time. We tested each color with our very own Midwest Fragrance Liquid Dyes and MB150 wax, so you know these recipes are tried and true. On the color wheel image below, we’ve created three gradients from light to dark, showing the effects of different dye concentrations. The gradients you see are achieved by adding 1, 5, and 10 drops of dye to 4 ounces of melted wax, giving you a practical baseline for any color you want to use.

Keep in mind the wax you're using will make a huge difference in the color vibrancy you'll achieve! Natural waxes like soy will always have a more pastel or 'fluffier' color palette, while paraffin based waxes will result in more vibrant, deeper color variations. We always recommend testing in small batches with your preferred wax so you'll know exactly what to expect! 

And here’s the best part: you can take those color recipes and scale them up for any batch size. Whether you’re whipping up a small tester or a big batch of bestsellers, we’ve got you covered.

Scaling Colors for Any Batch Size

I know, math can be a little intimidating, but I promise it’s super easy here. Let’s break it down:

• 1 Drop per 4 oz of wax = 4 Drops per Pound
• 5 Drops per 4 oz of wax = 20 Drops per Pound
• 10 Drops per 4 oz of wax = 40 Drops per Pound

Let’s say you’re eyeing the medium shade of “Radiant Red” (who doesn’t love a good pop of red?). If you’re working with a 1-pound batch (16 oz), just multiply the 5 drops by 4 to get:

• 5 drops x 4 = 20 drops per pound of wax.

And boom – you've got your color formula! Scaling up for larger batches? Just double, triple, or quadruple it based on the size. You’ll have vibrant, consistent colors without the guesswork.

Scaling Up Beyond 1 Pound

If you’re ready to ramp up production, our Color Guide scales like a dream. Here’s a quick cheat sheet for larger batches:

• For 2 pounds (32 oz): Double the dye amount for a 1-pound batch.
• For 5 pounds (80 oz): Multiply the 4 oz drop count by 20.

This means you can color confidently whether you’re making a few testers or preparing for a full-on production run. You’ll get the same beautiful, consistent color every single time.

Custom Color Blends Let You Really Stand Out

Alright, enough talk – let’s get to the fun part! While our ten colors offer a multitude of variations, learning to blend colors will really open up a world of possibilities -- limited only by your imagination!  😍 

Here's some ideas to get you started! 

Color Blend Ideas

• Teal:  Galactic Green + Brilliant Blue
• Aquamarine:  Lime Time + Brilliant Blue
• Burgundy:  Radiant Red + Coffee Chaos
• Peach: Orange You Glad + Pretty in Pink
• Pumpkin Orange:  Orange You Glad + Radiant Red
• Navy Blue:  Brilliant Blue + Midnight Onyx

Tips for Flawless Coloring in Wax

Getting your colors just right isn’t just about drop counts – a little technique goes a long way! Here are some pro tips straight from the Midwest crew (and trust me, we’ve made a few colorful messes to figure these out):

• Stir Like You Mean It: Fully mix in the dye to avoid any streaks or uneven coloring. The more thorough the mix, the smoother your results. If you want to achieve a tied-dyed look, try swirling dye into the wax with a wooden toothpick for a cool effect.
• Temperature is Key: Dye bonds best at the right temperature. For our MB150 wax, be sure you’re adding the dye while the wax is nice and melted. Just a hint -- we usually add in dye around the same time we add fragrance! 
• Watch for Fragrance Interactions: Some fragrance oils can slightly change the appearance of your color. Always test a small batch with your fragrance before going big.
• Document Everything: Keep track of your dye-to-wax ratios, especially if you’re trying out custom colors. Trust me, it’ll save you loads of time when you want to recreate a color that your customers love.

Bringing Your Brand’s Colors to Life

Your brand is one-of-a-kind, and with our Midwest Color Guide, you can create colors that are just as unique! Whether you want soft pastels, bold brights, or rich jewel tones, our guide is here to help you find that perfect shade. Play around with different color blends, master those dye amounts, and watch your products turn into something as unforgettable as their scents.

Join Our Maker Community

For more detailed color recipes and to dive even deeper into the art of color, sign up for our newsletter or come join our MWFC Community Group on Facebook! It’s a place where you can get exclusive tips, share your own experiments, and connect with other amazing makers who are on this journey with you. Plus, Doug and I pop in regularly to answer questions and share what we’re working on, so don’t be a stranger!

Happy making, my friends! Go out there and make those colors pop.

With love,

Kenna & Doug💛