Jessie Taylor
Making candles at home is a fun and therapeutic activity that can be done by anyone. It is a great way to create personalised gifts for friends and family or to simply enjoy the experience of crafting your own candles. The process is relatively simple and involves melting wax, adding fragrance oils, securing a wick, and allowing the mixture to cool and harden. With the right supplies and a bit of creativity, you can make beautiful and unique candles in the comfort of your own home.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Candle-making supplies | Wax, wicks, containers, fragrance oils, wick stickers, thermometer, spoon, pot, bowl, mould |
| Wax type | Soy wax, beeswax, paraffin wax |
| Wick type | Paper, cotton, zinc, wood, flat-braided cotton, square-braided cotton |
| Container type | Votive holders, candle jars, Mason jars, tin cans, leftover jars, tea cups |
| Mould type | Candle mould |
| Scent type | Essential oils, fragrance oils, dried herbs |
| Colour type | Dye |
| Common challenges | Sinkholes, tunneling, cracks in the wax |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right wax
The type of wax you choose for your homemade candle will depend on your personal preferences, availability, and budget. Candle wax is typically available as shavings, flakes, or blocks. You can buy it in bulk from craft stores or online suppliers.
Soy wax
Soy wax is made from hydrogenated soybean oil and is one of the most popular eco-friendly wax options for candle makers. It is a great natural option and can be mixed with beeswax. Soy wax is available in the form of flakes or pellets. It is also cost-effective, with a 5-lb bag of soy flakes costing around $20, which is enough to make multiple candles. However, soy wax is particularly susceptible to sinkholes, which are small dips or holes that form around the wick as the wax cools and contracts.
Beeswax
Beeswax is another natural wax option that can be mixed with soy wax. It is available in the form of pellets and is more expensive than soy wax, with a 16-ounce bag of beeswax costing around $13.
Paraffin wax
Paraffin wax is the most commonly used commercial candle wax, as it is relatively cheap and holds scent and color well. However, it is a by-product of petroleum, and releases potentially harmful chemicals when burned, making it a less sustainable option. Paraffin wax is typically sold in bead pellets.
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Preparing the wick
Wicks are an essential component of candles. They are responsible for drawing fuel from the candle to the flame when lit. Wicks are commonly made from paper, cotton, zinc, or wood.
When preparing the wick for your homemade candle, you will need to first select the appropriate type of wick for your candle. Flat-braided cotton wicks are a good all-purpose option, while square-braided cotton is a sturdier choice that is better suited for larger candles. If you are using a candle mould, thinner wicks are recommended for small candles, and thicker wicks for larger candles. Wicks with a metal base are the easiest to work with, as they can help the wick stand up straight. You can purchase wicks with tabs, or buy the tabs separately and attach them yourself.
Once you have selected the appropriate wick, you will need to attach a wick sticker to the metal base. Place the wick in the centre of your vessel, securing it with a clothespin or mechanical pencil to keep it upright. You can also use wick holders such as Popsicle sticks or chopsticks to centre and stabilise the wick while the wax cools.
If you are using a mould, fix a length of wick to the bottom of the mould according to its instructions. Turn the mould over and place a pencil, skewer, or stick across the opening. Pull the wick up through the centre of the mould and tie it to the stick so that it remains taut once the wax is poured.
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Adding scent and colour
Adding Scent
To add a scent to your candle, you can use essential oils, fragrance oils, or dried herbs. The amount of oil you add should be proportional to the weight of the wax, typically between 7 to 10%. For example, if you have 100 grams of wax, you should add 7 to 10 grams of oil. You can add the oil to the wax after melting it in a double boiler and stir for a few seconds. You can also add dried herbs such as lavender or rosemary.
Adding Colour
To add colour to your candle, you can use candle dye powder, food colouring, or crayons. If using candle dye powder, add about 10 grams of dye powder per 500 grams of wax, adding small amounts at a time and stirring the wax for a few minutes to incorporate the colour. You can also use food colouring in powder form, as the liquid and gel forms contain chemicals that will not adhere to the wax. Crayons are another option, but they can contain powder colourants that may block the wick.
It is important to note that the colour of molten wax can vary as it cools, so it is recommended to test the colour by applying a small amount of wax to a piece of paper. If the colour is too light, add more dye, and if it is too dark, dilute it by adding more wax. You can also combine multiple dyes to create new hues.
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Melting and pouring the wax
Melting the wax is a crucial step in candle-making. It involves transforming solid wax into a liquid state, which will then be poured into a container to form the candle. Here's a detailed guide on melting and pouring the wax for homemade candles:
Preparing the Wax
Firstly, measure out your wax. A typical ratio for candles is 93% wax and 7% fragrance oil. Common types of wax include soy wax, beeswax, and paraffin wax. Soy wax is a natural, eco-friendly option, while beeswax is also natural and produces high-quality candles. Paraffin wax, made from petroleum, is affordable and holds scent and colour well, but is less sustainable. Weigh out your chosen wax using a kitchen scale. The amount of wax needed depends on the size of your container and the desired weight of the final candle.
Melting Techniques
The most common method for melting wax is using a double boiler, which ensures even heating and prevents overheating. To create a double boiler, fill a large pot halfway with water and place it on the stove over medium heat. Then, place a smaller melting pot or metal container with your measured wax inside the larger pot. This setup allows the wax to melt indirectly, preventing it from overheating. Stir the wax occasionally as it melts. You can also melt wax in a microwave-safe container in the microwave, heating it in 30-second intervals until fully liquified.
Temperature Control
Use a thermometer to monitor the wax's temperature. Heat the wax to around 185°F (85°C) to melt it completely. Once melted, turn off the heat and allow the wax to cool slightly. The ideal pouring temperature is around 125°F (52°C). Stirring the wax occasionally during cooling helps distribute the heat evenly.
Adding Scents and Colours
Before pouring the wax, you can enhance your candle by adding fragrance oils, essential oils, or dried herbs. Fragrance oils have a stronger and longer-lasting scent, while essential oils offer a more natural and subtle aroma. Add the desired amount of scent according to your personal preference and the instructions on the packaging. If you want coloured candles, you can add candle dye, which comes in various forms such as blocks, chips, or liquids. Stir well to ensure even distribution of colour and scent.
Pouring the Wax
Once your wax has cooled to the ideal pouring temperature, it's time to pour it into your prepared containers. Place the containers on a flat, stable surface. Carefully pour the melted wax into each container, filling them to the desired level. You can use leftover jars, Mason jars, or even tin cans as containers. Ensure your wicks are already centred and secured in the containers before pouring, using wick stickers or hot glue to hold them in place.
Finalising the Candle
After pouring, the wax will begin to harden and solidify, which usually takes about 20 minutes or longer, depending on the size of your candle. You can gently tap the containers to help release any air pockets and ensure a smooth finish. If you notice sinkholes or imperfections after the candle has cooled, you can fix them by pouring a small amount of extra wax to fill in the gaps, a technique called a "top-up pour". Finally, once the wax has completely set, trim the wicks to the appropriate length, and your homemade candles are ready to be enjoyed!
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Trimming the wick
Step 1: Allow your candle to harden. Before trimming the wick, it is important to let the candle cool down and harden completely. This ensures that the wax is firm and easy to work with.
Step 2: Choose the right tool. While some people trim wicks using their fingers, it is recommended to use a "wick clipper" or small scissors. A wick clipper is designed specifically for trimming candle wicks and has a clipping mechanism that runs parallel to the surface of the wax. This helps to ensure a precise and mess-free trim.
Step 3: Trim the wick to the appropriate length. The ideal length for a candle wick is between 1/8 to 1/4 of an inch above the surface of the wax. This length allows the candle to light easily and burn evenly. If you accidentally trim the wick too short, you can use a heat gun or hairdryer to melt the wax around the wick and expose more of it, as mentioned earlier.
Step 4: Remove debris. After trimming the wick, use your fingers or a small brush to remove any debris, such as burnt pieces of cotton or wood, that may have accumulated near the base of the wick. This step is important because debris can be picked up by the flame, causing the candle to burn hotter and faster than intended.
Step 5: Stabilize the wick. Before lighting the trimmed wick, ensure that it is centred and stabilized. You can use popsicle sticks, pencils, or specialised wick holders for this purpose. This step helps the candle burn evenly and prevents the wick from leaning or falling into the melted wax.
By following these steps for trimming the wick, you can enhance your candle-burning experience, making it safer, longer-lasting, and more enjoyable.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need wax, a wick, a pot, essential or fragrance oil for scent, a stove-top, and a container for your candle. You can use a jar, or a mould to shape the candle so it stands on its own.
Paraffin wax holds the most scent and is the cheapest option, but it burns faster and releases harmful fumes. Soy wax is a healthy, renewable, and biodegradable alternative. Beeswax is another popular option, but it is not vegan-friendly.
You can add essential oils or fragrance oils to your candle. Aim for 1 ounce of scent oil for every 1 pound of wax. You can use candle-specific dye to add colour to your candle.
