Ben Carter
Homemade candles are a fun and simple DIY project that can be taken up by beginners. They can be made with wax, a wick, a pot, essential or fragrance oils, and a stove-top. The wax is melted in a melting pot, or a double boiler, and poured into a mould or container. The type of wax used determines the kind of mould required. Soy wax, beeswax, paraffin wax, and rapeseed wax are some commonly used waxes. Essential oils are natural and smell beautiful but have a lighter scent, while fragrance oils are stronger. Homemade candles can be customised with colours, scents, and decorations like pressed flowers. They can also be made vegan by using vegetable shortening.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wax | Paraffin wax, Soy wax, Beeswax, Reused old candles |
| Wick | Metal base, Wax-coated, Wooden stick |
| Mold | Sand, Polycarbonate, Plastic, Aluminum, Latex, Silicone, Sugru |
| Color | Liquid or solid candle coloring, Food coloring |
| Scent | Essential oils, Fragrance oils, Dried herbs |
| Container | Glass, Porcelain, Metal |
| Heat source | Stove-top, Slow-cooker, Candle warmer, Oven |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right wax
Paraffin Wax
Paraffin wax is the most widely used and inexpensive type of candle wax. It is derived from the oil industry as a byproduct of petroleum. It holds colour and fragrance well, making it a popular choice for highly decorative candles or those with strong scents. However, paraffin wax is not the most eco-friendly option, and it releases soot when burned, which has raised concerns about its environmental impact. It is also known to have a shorter burn time compared to vegetable waxes.
Soy Wax
Soy wax is a natural, eco-friendly alternative to paraffin wax, made from soybeans. It offers a slow, steady burn and is generally more affordable than paraffin wax. However, there are some environmental concerns within the soybean industry, such as deforestation, fertilizers, and pesticides. Soy wax doesn't hold fragrance as well as paraffin wax, making it better suited for those who prefer a lighter scent. It can also be more challenging to work with due to its temperature sensitivity and tendency to shrink and 'frost'.
Beeswax
Beeswax is one of the oldest and most popular candle-making waxes, with a natural, subtle honey fragrance. It is eco-friendly, with a long burn time and a warm-toned, smoke-free flame. Beeswax is well-suited for pillar and taper candles as it doesn't drip much, making it ideal for candle holders. However, it is not vegan, as it is produced by bees during the honey-making process, and it may be more expensive than other options.
Rapeseed Wax
Rapeseed wax is another eco-friendly, sustainable option with an excellent burn time. It holds fragrances well, making it ideal for scented candles, and burns at a more consistent temperature than other waxes. It also holds dye well if you want to add colour to your candle. However, it can be a bit oily, especially when compared to soy wax.
Coconut Wax
Coconut wax is often blended with soy wax to create high-quality candles with an excellent scent throw and a smooth finish. It is known for producing a clean burn and is a good choice for those seeking non-toxic, natural wax options.
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Adding scent and colour
Adding a scent and colour to your homemade candle is a great way to customise it to your preferences. There are several ways to do this, and it can be a fun and therapeutic process.
Adding Scent
To add a scent to your candle, you will need to use fragrance or essential oils. Start by measuring the amount of wax required to fill your container. Then, melt the wax in a double boiler. Once melted, add the fragrance oil and stir for a few seconds. The general rule of thumb is to use 1 ounce of scent oil for every 1 pound of wax. However, be careful not to add too much oil, as it can weigh down the wax.
Adding Colour
There are several ways to add colour to your candle, each with its own pros and cons. One popular method is to use candle dye. Add a small amount of powdered or liquid candle dye to your melted wax, stirring in more pigment gradually until you achieve the desired shade. Be careful not to oversaturate the wax, as a little goes a long way. Another method is to use crayons, as they are made of wax and come in various colours. However, crayons also contain insoluble pigments/oxides, which can quickly clog the wick of your candle. A third option is to use food colouring, but it often doesn't blend or bind with the wax and can be unsafe due to the various additives.
Tips
When adding scent and colour to your candle, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Always add the dye when the wax is at its hottest (around 185° F) to ensure it fully melts and blends.
- Allow the wax to cool to 135-140° F (57-60° C) before pouring it into a mould or container.
- Avoid touching the wax while it's setting, as it can leave behind imperfections.
- Trim the wick to about 1/4 inch from the surface of the wax before lighting your candle.
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Using moulds
Homemade candles can be made using moulds. There are several types of moulds available, each with its advantages and disadvantages. Polycarbonate moulds, for instance, are heat resistant up to 120°C, while plastic moulds melt at 60°C. Aluminium moulds are very resistant and can create effects on waxes at high temperatures. Latex moulds should not be used with stearin, but they allow for original shapes. Silicone moulds are high-end and can produce highly detailed candles, especially when used with beeswax or rapeseed wax.
To make your own candle moulds at home, you can use upcycled materials such as paper, plastic, or metal containers. You can also use natural materials like pine cones, tree branches, and seashells to create unique, rustic-looking candles. If you want to get creative, you can even make your own moulds using liquid silicone rubber and a container. First, prepare the container by cleaning and drying it, and sealing any seams with glue to prevent leaks. Then, place the model inside the container, deciding which side will be the open part of the candle mould. Next, prepare the silicone rubber by mixing the two parts in a 1:1 ratio until fully blended. Finally, carefully pour the rubber into the mould container, allowing it to fill slowly to avoid bubble formation.
When choosing a wax for your moulds, opt for those intended for candle moulds, such as soy wax, rapeseed wax, olive wax, or coconut wax. Vegetable waxes, such as soy and rapeseed, tend to be ivory-coloured and have longer burning times than paraffin wax. However, they may not work well with too much added colouring. Paraffin wax, on the other hand, supports colouring and fragrance but has a shorter burning time.
When pouring wax into your mould, be sure to let it cool slightly to around 60-65°C before pouring it gently into the mould. This will help prevent leaks. Allow the wax to cool for about 2 hours before demoulding your candle.
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Troubleshooting
Candle-making is a fun and rewarding hobby, but it can also be frustrating when problems arise. Here are some tips to troubleshoot common issues when making homemade candles:
Wax Pulling Away from the Container
This issue is common in container candles made with soy, paraffin, palm, or beeswax. To prevent this, ensure the container is warm before pouring in the wax. You can preheat glassware in a warm oven or with a heat gun. Also, maintain a consistent warm temperature in the curing room. Avoid rapid temperature changes as this can cause the wax to contract and pull away from the sides.
Bumpy or Cauliflower Tops
This issue, also known as polymorphism, occurs due to temperature fluctuations during the cooling process. To prevent this, slow down the curing process by preheating your containers and maintaining a consistent warm temperature in the curing room. Place your candles on a wire rack instead of a solid surface, as solid surfaces can absorb heat and cause rapid cooling.
Discoloration
Oxidation can cause fragrance oils containing vanillin to turn beige or brown over time. To prevent this, use fragrance oils with little to no vanillin. You can also camouflage discoloration by dyeing the candle wax or using opaque, coloured, or frosted containers.
Tunneling, Sinkholes, and Wick Issues
These issues are often related to the wick. Ensure you are using a thick enough wick to form an adequate melt pool. Choose the appropriate wick for your candle type. If you are using a container, do not fill it above the fill line, and do not pour the wax too hot.
Air Bubbles
To avoid air bubbles, pour the wax slowly into the container. Gently tap the container after pouring to help release any air bubbles that may have formed.
Remember, candle-making requires some trial and error. Don't be discouraged by mistakes; view them as learning opportunities. With patience and persistence, you'll be able to create beautiful, homemade candles.
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Eco-friendly options
Homemade candles can be a great eco-friendly alternative to mass-produced candles, which often contain harmful ingredients that contribute to environmental waste and indoor air pollution. Here are some tips for making eco-friendly homemade candles:
Wax
Choose natural waxes like soy, beeswax, or coconut wax instead of paraffin wax, which is derived from petroleum and can release toxins when burned. Soy wax is affordable, holds fragrance well, and is slow-burning. Beeswax has a pleasant honey scent and is also slow-burning. Coconut wax burns clean and fresh and is organic, sustainable, and eco-friendly.
Wicks
Opt for cotton or wood wicks instead of metal-core wicks, which can contain lead, a toxic substance.
Scents
Use organic essential oils to add fragrance to your candles. Essential oils are natural and smell beautiful, but they may have a lighter scent. If you prefer a stronger scent, you can use fragrance oils, but be aware that these are often synthetic and may contain petroleum-derived chemicals. Another natural option for adding scent to your candles is to use dried flowers or citrus peels.
Containers
Pour your candles into reusable or recycled containers, such as old jars, teacups, or tins. This reduces waste and gives your candles a unique, vintage charm.
Dye
If you want to add colour to your candles, use candle-specific dye. Non-candle dyes may alter the wax composition and affect the solidifying process.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need wax, a wick, a pot, a stove-top, and a heat-proof container. Common waxes include soy, coconut, paraffin, beeswax, or a hybrid blend. Wicks are usually made of paper, cotton, zinc, or wood. You can also add essential oils or fragrance oils to make scented candles.
First, you need to melt your wax. This can be done using a double boiler, which is a pot of water with a metal container placed inside, or in the oven. Once the wax is melted, you can add your chosen fragrance and pour the mixture into your heat-proof container. Allow the wax to cool and harden, then trim the wick and it's ready to use!
Most candles perform best when the wax accounts for 93% of the candle and the fragrance oil accounts for the remaining 7%. If you add too much fragrance oil, you may see liquid beads of oil on top of the candle, and the candle may produce black soot.
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