Ben Carter
Candles are a great way to add a cosy ambiance and scent to your home. Making your own candles is a simple and therapeutic process that can be done in just 20 minutes. It's a great way to get creative and make something truly unique, whether it's for yourself or as a thoughtful gift for someone else. In this guide, we'll take you through the steps to make your own homemade candles, including choosing the right wax, adding scent and colour, and pouring your candle into a mould or container. We'll also offer some tips and tricks to ensure your candle burns cleanly and slowly. So, whether you're a beginner or an experienced crafter, read on to learn how to bake the perfect candle!
How to Bake a Candle
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wax | Beeswax, Soy Wax, Paraffin Wax |
| Wick | Flat-braided cotton, metal tabs |
| Scent | Essential oils, fragrance oils, dried herbs |
| Mold | Metal, plastic, rubber |
| Dye | Blocks, cakes, chips, flakes, liquids |
| Tools | Stovetop, melting pot, larger pot, kitchen scale, microwave |
| Time | 20 minutes |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right wax
The type of wax you choose for your candle will depend on a few factors, including cost, health, and the desired scent throw—the radius around the candle where the scent will reach as it burns. Generally, the hotter the melting point of the wax, the smaller the scent throw.
Some of the most common types of wax for candle-making include beeswax, soy wax, and paraffin wax. Beeswax is natural and has a subtle, sweet fragrance without adding oil, but it can be more expensive. Soy wax is also natural and usually more affordable than beeswax, but it is often a blend, so be sure to check the label. Paraffin wax is the most economical option, but it is also the least natural.
If you're looking for a more sustainable option, you might want to try olive wax, which one candle-maker on Reddit used as an alternative to soy wax.
When measuring out your wax, it's easiest to fill your container with wax pellets and then use a kitchen scale to find the weight so you know how much scent oil to use.
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Preparing the mould
Choose the Right Mould
Select a mould that suits the shape you desire for your candle. Simple shapes like rounds, ovals, squares, and stars are commonly made of metal. If you're feeling adventurous and want a more intricate shape, look for moulds made of plastic or flexible rubber.
Prepare the Mould Release
Before pouring the wax, it's crucial to prepare the mould for easy release. Coat the interior of the mould with mould release spray or a non-stick cooking spray. This step ensures that your candle will come out smoothly without sticking to the mould.
Fix the Wick
The wick is what allows your candle to burn, so it needs to be securely attached. Fix a length of wick to the bottom of the mould according to the instructions that come with your mould. You can use wick putty or strong tape to keep the wick in place and prevent wax from leaking out.
Position the Wick Tautly
To ensure the wick stays centred and straight while pouring the wax, it needs to be pulled taut. Place a pencil, skewer, or stick across the opening of the mould, then pull the wick up through the centre and securely tie it to the stick. This setup will keep your wick in place as you pour and set the wax.
Prepare for Cooling
Once you've poured the melted wax into the mould, you'll need to prepare for the cooling process. Have a bucket, pot, sink, or bath filled with cold water ready. As soon as the wax is in the mould, place the mould into the water to help it cool down and set faster.
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Adding scent
Adding a scent to your candle is a great way to make it unique and therapeutic. There are two main options for adding scent to candles: essential oils or fragrance oils. Essential oils are the most natural option, but they are not as powerful as fragrance oils. Popular essential oils include lavender, eucalyptus, lemongrass, peppermint, and grapefruit. If you want a stronger scent, opt for fragrance oils. However, be aware that some fragrance oils contain synthetic ingredients that may be unpleasant for sensitive individuals.
When adding scent to your candle, it is important to use the right amount. Using more fragrance oil does not guarantee a stronger scent. In fact, adding too much fragrance oil can cause it to separate from the wax, creating an ugly "gooey" mess and even posing a fire hazard. The recommended fragrance load is between 6 to 10 percent of the total candle mixture. For example, if you are using a soy wax that can hold up to 10 percent fragrance and are making a 10-ounce candle, you would need to use 1 ounce of fragrance.
It is also crucial to add your fragrance at the right temperature. The ideal temperature range for adding fragrance oil to soy and paraffin wax is 180-185°F (79-85°C), while palm wax requires a higher temperature of 200-205°F (93-96°C). Adding the fragrance oil within these temperature ranges will help it bind to the wax, resulting in a stronger scent. Always remove the wax from the heat source before adding fragrance and stir for several minutes to ensure even distribution.
Finally, allow your scented candle to cool down slowly. This will help prevent cracks and other issues. While it is tempting to speed up the cooling process by putting your candle in the refrigerator, this can actually hurt your candle by causing the glass to crack or shatter, creating wet spots or sinkholes, and weakening the scent. Instead, wrap the jar in a washcloth to slow down the cooling process and prevent cracks. Once your candle is cooled and set, trim the wick to ensure a proper burn.
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Melting and pouring
Melting wax can be done in several ways. One way is to use a double boiler method, where you place a smaller pot inside a bigger pot, fill the bigger pot with water, and melt the wax in the smaller pot. Another way is to use a microwave, placing the wax in a microwavable container and heating it in 30-second or 1-minute intervals until it reaches 80°C. You can also use a hot plate or a stovetop to melt the wax.
Once the wax is melted, you can add colour if desired. Remove the wax from the heat and let it cool to 65°C. At this point, you can add your chosen fragrance oil or essential oil if desired, stirring gently for 1 minute. Be careful not to add too much oil, as it can weigh down the wax. A general rule of thumb is to use 1 ounce of scent oil for every 1 pound of wax.
Now your wax is ready to be poured into your chosen container or mould. If you're using a container, fix the wick to the bottom centre using a wick sticker or hot glue. If you're using a mould, coat the interior with a mould release spray or non-stick cooking spray, and fix the length of wick to the bottom according to the instructions. Place a pencil, skewer, or stick across the opening of the mould or container to keep the wick centred as you pour in the wax.
After pouring the wax, you can adjust the wick if needed while it's still hot and liquid. Once the wax hardens, you can trim the wick and your candle is ready to use!
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Final touches
Now that your candle has cooled and solidified, it's time for the final touches!
Firstly, trim the wick. The ideal wick length for burning is around ¼ to ½ an inch. If you've centred the wick correctly, it should be easy to trim it with a small pair of scissors.
If you're giving the candle as a gift, you might want to decorate the jar or mould. You can do this with paint, stickers, or even a simple ribbon tied around the outside. You could also add a label with the scent name and a list of ingredients.
If you're not happy with the appearance of the candle, you can always melt it down and start again. Simply place the mould or jar in a hot water bath to melt the wax, and then repeat the process, making any necessary adjustments.
Finally, if you're planning to reuse your mould, be sure to clean it thoroughly before making another candle. This will ensure that your next candle has a smooth, even surface.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need a stove-top or something similar to melt the wax, a pot, a jar, wax, a wick, and essential or fragrance oil for scent.
You can use beeswax, which is often used for rolled and cut candles and has a faint honey scent, soy wax, which is natural, or paraffin wax, which is the most affordable option but the least natural.
Aim for 1 ounce of scent oil for every 1 pound of wax.
While the wax melts, add your wick to the container. Use a wick sticker or hot glue to stick the metal bottom of the wick to the bottom centre of the container. Then, use a clothespin or stick to wrap the top of the wick around so it will stay centred once you pour in the wax.
You can use a mould to give your candle a specific shape. Coat the interior of the mould with mould-release spray or non-stick cooking spray and fix a length of wick to the bottom of the mould.
