Tyler Brooks
Vegan candles are made from plant-based waxes, such as soy wax, coconut wax, or hydrogenated rapeseed oil. They are a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional paraffin wax candles, which are derived from crude oil and emit harmful chemicals. When making vegan candles, it is important to select the appropriate wick size for the desired candle diameter to ensure efficient burning. Soy wax, a popular choice for vegan candles, offers a long burn time, easy cleanup, and effective scent transmission when paired with essential oils. Coconut wax is also favoured for its white colour and ability to hold added scents and colours well. With the right ingredients and tools, creating vegan candles can be a fun and gratifying DIY project, allowing for customisation and personalisation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wax | Soya wax, coconut wax, vegetable waxes, beeswax |
| Wick | Over 200 types, choose based on candle size |
| Scent | Fragrance oils, candle-approved essential oils |
| Dye | Food colouring, dye blocks |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right wax
There are several vegan wax options to choose from, each with its own unique properties and advantages. One of the most popular choices is soy wax. Soy wax is a plant-based wax that is known for its long burn time and ability to transmit scents effectively. It is also relatively inexpensive, particularly when purchased in bulk, and it cleans up easily with hot water and soap or rubbing alcohol. Soy wax melts easily in a microwave and is environmentally friendly when sourced from an organic and sustainable supplier. It is a good option for beginners, as it is soft when set and lasts 10%-15% longer than paraffin wax.
Another option is coconut wax, which produces a beautiful white colour and holds added scents and colours well. It burns evenly and is suitable for use with most common wicks. Coconut wax is a good choice if you want to create aesthetically pleasing candles that showcase vibrant colours and fragrances.
You can also explore other vegetable waxes, which are made from a variety of plants. One of the most common vegetable waxes is hydrogenated rapeseed oil. Vegetable waxes offer versatility and can be used to create unique combinations of colours and fragrances.
When choosing your wax, it's important to consider the size and type of candle you want to create, as well as the burning properties you desire. Some waxes, like soy wax, tend to burn more evenly in small glass jars, while others, like coconut wax, are more adaptable to different wick types. Additionally, if you're creating a medium-diameter candle, opt for a medium-sized wick to ensure efficient burning.
By selecting a clean, sustainable wax and pairing it with the appropriate wick, you can ensure your vegan candle burns efficiently, cleanly, and evenly, providing a pleasant and safe experience for your home or gift-giving needs.
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Selecting the right wick
Firstly, understand the correlation between the wick's name or description and its size. The larger the number associated with the wick, the bigger the wick size. If you are creating a medium-sized candle, it is advisable to start with a medium-sized wick.
Secondly, create a trial candle using the selected wick. Observe the flame size and the melt pool surrounding the flame. If the flame is overly large and produces carbon soot on the wick, along with an excessively large melt pool, it indicates that the wick is too large. In such cases, opt for a smaller wick for future candles of similar diameter.
Thirdly, consider the type of wax you are using. Different types of wax may require specific wicks for optimal burning. For example, coconut wax is suitable for use with most common wicks, while soy wax may require a different type of wick for efficient burning.
Finally, pay attention to the diameter of your candle. The size of the wick should be proportional to the size of the candle. For larger candles, a bigger wick is usually required to ensure a consistent melt pool and stable flame. Conversely, for smaller candles, a thinner wick may be more appropriate.
Remember, the right wick will ensure your candle burns efficiently, releasing the desired fragrance and creating the intended atmosphere. By following these guidelines and experimenting with different wicks, you will be able to select the most suitable wick for your vegan candle creation.
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Adding scent and colour
Once you've selected your wax and wick, you can start thinking about adding scent and colour to your candle.
Adding Scent
To add scent to your candle, you can use fragrance oils or essential oils. Check the recommended usage percentage on the essential oil product page and start with low percentages. Soy wax and coconut wax transmit scent extremely well, so they are good options if you want to add fragrance to your candle.
Adding Colour
To add colour to your candle, you can use candle dye or food colouring. If you're using dye, follow the instructions on the packaging to achieve the desired colour. If you're using food colouring, be aware that the colour may not be as vibrant as it would be with dye. You can also leave your candle white, especially if you're using coconut wax, which has a beautiful white colour.
It's important to consider the size of your candle when adding scent and colour. A larger candle will require more fragrance and colour than a smaller one. It's also important to choose the right wick for your candle, as this will affect how efficiently it burns.
Once you've added your scent and colour, pour the wax into your jar or mould and allow it to harden for about 1-2 hours. Then, trim the wick to 1/2 inch in length. You can now light your candle or seal it and store it for later.
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Melting and pouring the wax
When melting your wax, it's important to choose a heat source that will create a double boiler. This can be done by using a heat-proof container placed in a pot of simmering water. An alternative method is to use a crock pot on high heat. If you are using a crock pot, add your wax and any other oils to the pot and heat for around one hour, or until the wax is melted. If you are using a double boiler, first add two inches of water to a medium-sized pot. Then, place a canning jar ring in the centre of the pot and set your glass measuring jar on top.
For soy wax, a popular choice for vegan candles, you'll need to pour one pound (16 ounces or 454 grams) of wax flakes into your heat source. Soy wax melts easily and is environmentally friendly when bought from an organic and sustainable supplier. It also has a long burn time and is easy to clean up.
Coconut wax is another vegan option that burns well and evenly and can hold added scents and colours.
Once your wax is melted, turn off the heat source. If you are using a crock pot, the wax will stay liquid and warm for several hours if you leave the lid on.
Now it's time to prepare your candle vessel. Drop a small amount of hot wax or hot glue to the bottom of your jar, and then place the wick. This will hold the wick in place.
Finally, pour the melted wax into your chosen vessel. You can add essential oils or fragrance oils at this stage if desired.
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Setting and curing
Firstly, you will need to prepare your workspace. Ensure you have a flat surface, such as a counter or tabletop, where your candles can set and cure undisturbed for several hours. You should also gather your materials, including any tools you will need for the setting process.
Next, you will need to prepare your candle container. Drop a small amount of wax or hot glue to the bottom of your jar to hold the wick in place. You can then use blue tape to secure the wick in the centre of the jar. This tape will be hidden once the wax has set.
Now, you are ready to pour your wax. It is important to note that your wax should be poured at a specific temperature for the best results. Soy wax, for example, should be heated until it reaches around 185°F, and then cooled to around 110°F before pouring. This will ensure that your candle sets evenly and smoothly. Once poured, allow your candles to set and cure overnight.
After the candles have set, you can trim the wicks. The recommended length for a wick in a soy candle is 1/2 inch. Finally, your candles are ready to be lit, or you can seal them with a lid and store them for later use.
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Frequently asked questions
Vegan candles are made from plant-based waxes such as soy wax, coconut wax, or other vegetable waxes. Soy wax is a popular option as it offers a long burn time and is easy to clean up. Coconut wax gives a beautiful white colour and holds added scents and colours well.
There are over 200 different types of wicks available. The appropriate wick depends on the size of the candle. For a medium-diameter candle, use a medium-sized wick. When testing the candle, if there is an overly large flame and carbon soot build-up on the wick, the wick is too large.
Dye blocks can be used to add colour to candles. Food colouring is also an option, especially if making candles with children.
Essential oils can be used to scent vegan candles. Fragrance oils are another option.
