Ben Carter
Adding essential oils to candles is a great way to create a personalised scent, but it requires careful preparation. Essential oils are highly concentrated and flammable, so safety precautions must be taken. It's important to understand the basics of candle-making and the unique properties of essential oils before attempting to create your own. The process involves melting wax, adding essential oils at the right temperature, preparing wicks, and pouring the mixture into containers. The type and amount of essential oil added can be adjusted to achieve the desired scent strength and fragrance.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wax type | Soy wax |
| Wax quantity | 24 oz (680 g) |
| Wax melting method | Double boiler, hot plate, or microwave |
| Wax temperature for adding essential oils | 160-185°F (73.9-85°C) |
| Essential oil quantity | 35-102 drops per 100ml of wax |
| Essential oil concentration | 6-10% |
| Wick attachment method | Wick stickers, hot glue, or wax |
| Wick centering method | Wick holder, chopsticks, pencils, or pens |
| Wick trimming length | 1/4" (6 mm) above the wax |
| Container preheating | Oven at 120°F or blow dryer |
| Cooling time | Overnight or 2 weeks |
| Storage | Cool, dark place |
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What You'll Learn
Know the flash point of your essential oil
The flash point of a substance is the minimum temperature at which its vapours will ignite if exposed to an open flame. Each essential oil has a different flash point, and it is important to know the flash point of the essential oil you are using for candle-making. This is because if you add an essential oil to melted wax that is hotter than its flash point, you will burn the oil, and it will lose its scent.
Flash points are not a major concern for candle-makers, as they only occur in very specific circumstances. For a flashpoint to occur, the candle would need to contain a large volume of essential oil, and the oil would need to be in an enclosed vessel when the source of ignition comes into contact with the vapour released by the heated oil. However, it is still important to know the flash point of your essential oil to avoid burning it and altering its properties.
You can find the flash point of your essential oil by checking the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) supplied with the product. If you cannot find the SDS, you can contact the manufacturer to request the flash point information.
When adding essential oils to your candle, it is important to monitor the temperature of the wax closely. Use a thermometer to ensure that the wax is at the optimal temperature for adding essential oils, which is usually around 160-185°F. This will help to maximise the long-lasting scent of your essential oils and ensure that they do not evaporate too quickly.
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Prepare your wick
Preparing your wick is an important step in candle-making. The correct wick size is crucial for optimal burning, and choosing the wrong size can cause issues such as tunnelling or an overly large flame. To prepare your wick, follow these steps:
First, determine the appropriate size for your wick by considering the type of wax and the width of your container. The wick should be one inch taller than the size of the candle jar. If you're using a wooden wick, cut the wood to the desired length, ensuring it's between ½ to 1½ inches wide.
Next, prepare a shallow dish filled with olive oil (or alternative oils such as coconut, avocado, or palm oil). Submerge the wooden sticks in the oil and let them soak for 20 to 25 minutes. This step ensures a clean and even burn. Afterward, remove the sticks from the oil and wipe away any excess dripping oil with a clean paper towel. The wood should feel slightly damp and oily but not overly sticky.
Allow the sticks to air dry for several minutes. You'll know they're ready when they feel damp and oily but not sticky or overly oily to the touch. This step is important to ensure the wick functions properly and doesn't leave residue on your hands.
Once the wicks are dry, it's time to attach the wick tab. Feed the bottom of the wick through the metal wick tab and secure it with a pair of pliers. This step ensures the wick stays upright in your candle container. If you're using a wooden wick, open the tab with pliers and push one end of the treated wood into the opening before clamping it shut.
Finally, you can pre-wax your wick by melting a small amount of wax and dipping the wick into it, ensuring both sides are fully covered. Allow the wax to cool and cure before proceeding with the next steps of candle-making.
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Melt wax using a double boiler
Melting wax with a double boiler is a safe and efficient way to melt wax for candle-making without burning it. This method is especially useful when working with essential oils, as it allows for precise temperature control. Here's a step-by-step guide to melting wax using a double boiler:
Step 1: Prepare Your Equipment
You will need a large pot or saucepan, a smaller heat-safe container (such as a metal or glass bowl, a Pyrex measuring cup, or a clean coffee can), and a thermometer. Ensure that the smaller container fits inside the larger pot without touching the bottom.
Step 2: Heat Water in the Large Pot
Fill the large pot or saucepan about halfway with water and place it on the stove. Heat the water over medium-low heat.
Step 3: Add Wax to the Smaller Container
Place your desired amount of wax in the smaller heat-safe container. You can use soy wax, beeswax, coconut wax, or paraffin wax, depending on your preference. Each type of wax has a different melting point, so be sure to choose one suitable for your setup.
Step 4: Create the Double Boiler
Place the smaller container with the wax inside the larger pot of heated water. This setup ensures that the wax doesn't come into direct contact with the heat source, reducing the risk of overheating or burning.
Step 5: Melt the Wax
Heat the wax over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to break up any clumps. Monitor the temperature closely using the thermometer. The ideal melting temperature for most wax is around 185°F (85°C), but it can vary depending on the type of wax.
Step 6: Add Colour (Optional)
If you wish to add colour to your candle, do so after the wax has melted. Add 3-5 drops of liquid dye that is oil-soluble. Stir thoroughly to ensure the colour is evenly distributed.
Step 7: Remove from Heat and Add Fragrance
Once the wax has reached the desired temperature, carefully remove the smaller container from the heat. If you plan to add a fragrance, now is the time to do so. Stir gently for 1-2 minutes to fully incorporate the fragrance into the wax.
Note: It is crucial to follow the specific instructions for your chosen wax and fragrance combination. Always refer to your wax supplier's instructions for adding fragrance, as the recommended temperature and methods may vary.
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Add essential oil at the right temperature
Adding essential oils to your candles at the right temperature is crucial. Essential oils have different flashpoints, and overheating can cause them to evaporate too quickly, burning off the scent and wasting those precious molecules.
To achieve the best aroma and fragrance throw, it is recommended to add essential oils when the wax temperature is between 160°F and 185°F. This ensures the wax is at an optimal temperature, maximising the long-lasting candle scents.
Using a double boiler is an excellent way to achieve precise temperature control. Fill a wide pot a quarter to halfway with water and place a heat-safe container, like a Pyrex measuring cup, inside. Stir the wax occasionally, breaking up any clumps. Monitor the temperature closely with a thermometer. Once the wax reaches the desired temperature range, remove the heat-safe container from the heat and carefully add your essential oils.
The amount of essential oil added depends on its type and potency. Generally, 35-102 drops per 100ml of wax are recommended, but it is crucial to consult the specific guidelines for the oil you are using. Stir gently for 1-2 minutes to ensure the oil is fully incorporated without introducing air bubbles, which can cause imperfections.
Some essential oils have a lower flashpoint and are more sensitive to heat. In such cases, it is advisable to let the wax cool slightly before adding the oils to avoid burning off the volatile compounds. While essential oils can be added to candles, it is important to note that some people consider them unsafe, as they are highly flammable and may not mix well with candle wax.
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Pour wax into container and let it cool
Once your wax has reached the optimal temperature, it's time to pour it into your container. Remember, the wax is hot, so handle it with care. If you want your wax to harden faster, you can put it in the fridge, but leaving it out overnight also works.
Before pouring, ensure your container is preheated. This can be done by gently heating it with a blow dryer or placing it in a preheated oven at 120°F for a few minutes. This step is important because it ensures the wax adheres properly to the container.
After pouring the wax into your container, let it cool. The cooling process is crucial because it allows the wax to harden and sets the foundation for the next steps. The wax should be allowed to cool completely before proceeding.
While the wax is cooling, you can prepare your wick. Start by placing a wick sticker at the bottom of your wick, then securely attach it to the centre of your container. You can use a wick holder or two chopsticks/pencils to keep the wick centred and stable, ensuring an even burn.
Once the wax has cooled and you've prepared your wick, you can trim the wick to your desired length. It is recommended to trim the wick to about 1/4" above the wax. You can use scissors or a wick trimming tool for this step.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need a double boiler, a heat-safe container (like a Pyrex measuring cup), a thermometer, a scale, wick stickers, a wick holder, and scissors.
The amount of essential oil you add depends on the type of oil and how potent it is. For a subtle candle, you will need a lot of oil. Sources suggest adding 40, 35, 80-102, or 1.45 oz of essential oil per 100ml or 24 oz of wax.
First, melt your wax in a double boiler. Once the wax reaches 160-185°F, carefully remove the heat-safe container from the heat and add your essential oils. Stir gently for 1-2 minutes to ensure the oil is fully incorporated with the wax.
Each essential oil has a different flash point. The higher the flash point, the better the oil can handle heat. If your wax is too hot, you will burn off the scent. Some essential oils are highly flammable, so be careful to not add oil to the wick itself.
