Jessie Taylor
Candles have been used for over two millennia, initially as a primary light source for homes and in cultural ceremonies and spiritual worship. In the modern day, candles are used for decoration, as well as for functional, symbolic and aesthetic purposes. The earliest candles were made by the ancient Egyptians, dipping reeds in melted animal fat. Over time, candles were made from a variety of materials, including beeswax, whale fat, tallow (animal fat), and wax from seeds and insects. In the 19th century, candles were made from paraffin wax and stearic acid, and today, paraffin wax is still the most commonly used candle wax, although beeswax, soy wax, palm wax, gels, and synthesized waxes are also used.
How candles are made
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wax | Paraffin wax, beeswax, soy wax, coconut wax |
| Wick | Paper, cotton, zinc, wood |
| Scent | Essential oils |
| Mold | Reusable molds, containers |
| Dye | Candle-specific dye |
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What You'll Learn
Candle wax types: paraffin, beeswax, soy, coconut, or a blend
When making candles, the type of wax you choose is important as it determines the burn quality, scent throw, and other properties of the candle. Here are some of the most common types of candle wax:
Paraffin Wax
Paraffin wax is a petroleum-derived wax that has been widely used in candle-making for centuries due to its affordability and convenience. It is the most common and least expensive type of candle wax in most cases. It is highly versatile and easy to work with, making it a popular choice for candle makers. Paraffin wax has a high melting point, making it suitable for intricate designs, and it is available in various melting points, allowing for control over burn time. However, it is not very eco-friendly as it is derived from the oil industry's by-products and produces soot and toxins when burned.
Beeswax
Beeswax is one of the oldest forms of candle wax, made by bees during the honey-making process. It is natural but not vegan and has a higher price point. Beeswax has a subtly sweet natural fragrance, a tougher and more solid nature, making it ideal for crafting unscented pillar candles. It burns faster than some other wax types.
Soy Wax
Soy wax is a natural option often recommended for beginners due to its ease of use and clean-burning properties. It produces lighter, pastel colours when dyed and has a strong fragrance throw.
Coconut Wax
Coconut wax is a newer, natural, renewable, and eco-friendly option that has gained popularity in recent years. It is derived from coconut oil and has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. Coconut wax burns at a cooler temperature than soy wax, resulting in a slower and more even burn. It can hold more fragrance than soy wax and is typically blended with other waxes like soy to enhance its performance.
Wax Blends
Wax blends consist of mixes of paraffin waxes, soy waxes, and other types of wax. They are often blended to create a more eco-friendly option that burns strongly.
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How to make a candle in a mould
Making candles is a fun and creative process that can be done at home with the right supplies. To make a candle in a mould, you will need to follow these steps:
Firstly, choose your mould material. You can purchase ready-made moulds, or you can make your own using materials like silicone rubber, Smooth-On, or plaster. If you're feeling creative, you can even make your own moulds using objects you have at home, such as a perfume bottle. Just be sure to select a suitable container that can withstand the heat of the wax.
Next, prepare your mould. If you're using silicone rubber, you'll need to mix Part A and Part B together thoroughly, scraping the sides and bottom of your container, and then pour the mixture into your mould box. For other mould materials, you may need to create a hollow space for the wax by filling the mould with items like wood and clay. Be sure to follow the specific instructions for your chosen mould material.
Now it's time to add the wax. Measure out your desired amount of wax pellets and melt them using a stovetop or similar heat source. You can use different types of wax, such as beeswax, soy wax, or paraffin wax, each with its own advantages and disadvantages in terms of cost and natural fragrance. Once your wax is melted, you can add colouring and scent oils if desired.
Carefully pour the melted wax into your mould and add a wick. You can use different types of wicks, such as ECO wicks made from cotton and paper, hemp wicks, or wood wicks. Be sure to follow the specific instructions for your chosen wick type.
Allow the wax to cool and set completely. This may take several hours, depending on the size of your candle and the temperature of your mould. Once the wax is hard, you can remove it from the mould and trim the wick.
Now you're ready to enjoy your homemade candle! You can experiment with different moulds, waxes, and scents to create unique and personalised candles for yourself or as gifts for your loved ones.
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How to make a container candle
Making container candles is a fun and creative process that can be done at home with the right tools and ingredients. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make your own container candles:
Prepare Your Workspace and Materials:
Start by gathering all the necessary materials, including wax (such as paraffin, soy, or beeswax), a container (heat-safe glass or metal), a stovetop or similar heat source, a double boiler or pan, a thermometer, fragrance or essential oils, colour blocks or liquid dyes, wicks, and a clothespin or hair slide. Cover your work area with butcher paper or newspaper to make cleanup easier.
Melt the Wax:
Measure out the desired amount of wax pellets or blocks. You can do this by filling your chosen container with wax pellets and then using a kitchen scale to determine the weight. This weight will guide the amount of scent or essential oil you can add later. Place the wax in your double boiler or pan and melt it at a controlled temperature. For soy wax, this should be no higher than 65°C. Stir gently and continuously to ensure the wax melts evenly without forming air bubbles.
Add Colour and Fragrance:
If you want to add colour to your candle, use liquid dyes or colour blocks. Add sparingly and stir thoroughly until blended. Test the colour by dripping a small amount of wax onto a paper plate or towel and allowing it to harden. You can always add more dye if needed. At this stage, you can also add a UV stabilizer to prevent colour fading due to UV exposure. Once your desired colour is achieved, add your chosen fragrance or essential oil. Ensure the wax temperature is below the fragrance's flashpoint to avoid evaporation. Stir gently to combine.
Prepare the Container and Wick:
Preheat your oven to around 150°-170°C or the lowest temperature setting. Place your container on a cookie sheet or pan and put it in the oven to heat up. Heating the container helps prevent jump lines and reduces the risk of breakage when pouring in the hot wax. Centre the wick bar on top of the container, pull it up gently, and slide the wick into the slit. Adjust as needed to ensure the wick is centred.
Pour and Set:
Pour the wax slowly into your container, filling it to about 1 cm below the rim. Any leftover wax can be poured back into the heating container for later use. Secure the top of the wick with a clothespin or hair slide, ensuring it remains centred and tight. Allow the candle to set on a flat surface for 20-30 minutes. During cooling, wax naturally shrinks and creates sinkholes. Reheat the leftover wax and use it to fill in these holes, creating a smooth, flat surface. Repeat this process if necessary. Leave the candle to set for 12-24 hours before trimming the wick and enjoying your homemade candle.
With these steps, you can create beautiful and personalised container candles. Remember to take safety precautions when working with hot wax and always work in a well-ventilated area. Enjoy the process and feel free to experiment with different colours, fragrances, and container styles!
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How to measure and melt wax
Measuring and melting wax is a crucial step in candle-making. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
Measuring Wax
Firstly, you need to determine how much wax you need. This will depend on the size of your container and the type of wax you are using. The easiest way to measure the wax is to fill your container with wax pellets. Then, use a kitchen scale to weigh the container and find the weight. This will help you decide how much scent oil to use.
If you want to be more precise, you can use water to find the correct volume and weight. For example, if your container has a capacity of 250ml, fill it with 200ml of water. This will leave room for the wax to sit about 1 cm from the top of the container. The water displacement method will give you the exact amount of wax needed, especially if you are adding fragrances.
Melting Wax
There are a few different ways to melt wax, but the most popular and safest method is the double boiler. This method uses steam as a heat source to melt the wax. Simply fill a large pan with water and place it on a stovetop or hotplate. Then, put your wax in a smaller pan, glass bowl, or pouring jug and place it inside the larger pan. Heat over medium heat until the wax has melted.
Another option is to use a microwave. Pour the wax into a microwavable container, preferably ceramic or glass, ensuring it is microwave-safe. Heat the wax in one-minute intervals until it reaches 80°C, monitoring the temperature closely. Then, continue heating in two-minute intervals until the wax is fully melted.
Once your wax is melted, you can add colour and fragrance oils. The temperature at which you add these ingredients is important. For example, soy wax melts at around 49-82°C, while paraffin wax has a lower melting point of 46-68°C. Ensure you do not exceed the safe temperature limit for your chosen wax.
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Choosing the right wick
Type of Wax
The type of wax you choose plays a significant role in determining the suitable wick. Wax manufacturers typically design their wax for specific applications, so selecting the appropriate wax for your candle is essential. Different types of wax have unique characteristics, and some wicks are designed to work particularly well with certain wax types. For example, CB2 (Para-Soy), Ceda Serica (Coco-Apricot), and EC-26 (Coconut Soy) blends are excellent for container candles but not suitable for pillar candles due to their soft consistency.
Container Size and Material
The size and material of your container are also important considerations when choosing a wick. Consider not only the volume but also the width, depth, and thickness of the container walls. The material, finish, colour, and opacity of the container can all impact the performance of the wick. For instance, certain wicks may work better with glass or ceramic containers than with metal or wooden ones.
Fragrance and Additives
The type and amount of fragrance you use can affect the overall burn performance of your candle. Fragrances, dyes, and other additives can react negatively with certain wicks, so it's important to test different combinations to ensure compatibility. Additionally, conducting a burn test will help you determine the proper wick application for your candle.
Wick Material and Design
Commercial wicks come in various materials, such as cotton, wood, fiberglass, or "natural fibers". The braid design of the wick also varies and can impact the overall performance. It is important to select a wick material and design that is compatible with your chosen wax, container, and fragrance combination.
Testing
The only way to truly know if you have the right wick size is by testing it. Burn the candle informally, as you would normally, and observe the flame and burn behaviour. A properly wicked candle will have a appropriately sized flame that does not flicker excessively. The melt pool should extend to the edge of the container and be about 1/2 inch (13 mm) deep. The wick should burn cleanly with minimal to no carbon build-up.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need wax, a wick, a heat-proof container, a melting pot, a larger pot, a stove, a scale, and fragrance oil.
Candle wax is typically available as shavings, flakes, or blocks. Paraffin is the most common commercial candle wax, but soy wax is a popular eco-friendly option.
First, measure out your wax using a container and a scale. Then, add the wax to your melting pot and fill the larger pot halfway with water. Heat the larger pot with the melting pot inside over medium heat. Once the wax reaches 185°F, stir in the fragrance oil. Allow the wax to cool to 125°F, then pour it into your container. Add the wick to the center of the container using a wick sticker or hot glue.
Candle wicks are typically made of paper, cotton, zinc, or wood. Wooden wicks can add a crackling sound effect to your candle. Thin wicks are suitable for most candles, while thicker wicks are better for larger candles.
You can find a variety of fragrance oils designed specifically for candle-making. You can also use candle-specific dyes to add color to your candles. Avoid using non-candle dyes, as they may affect the solidifying process.
