Ben Carter
Making candles is a fun, creative activity that can be done at home with easily accessible materials. With a few basic supplies, such as wax, a wick, a heat source, and a container, you can create personalised, eco-friendly candles with your choice of fragrances and colours. Candle-making is a rewarding hobby and can even be turned into a small business or side hustle. This introduction will cover the basic process of making a candle, the different types of candles you can create, and the key considerations for a successful candle-making experience.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wax | Soy, coconut, paraffin, beeswax, or a hybrid blend |
| Wicks | Paper, cotton, zinc, or wood |
| Fragrance oils | Scented candles use fragrance oils designed for candle-making |
| Container | Heat-proof container, such as a jar, teacup, or tin |
| Wick stickers | Used to secure the wick to the base of the container |
| Stovetop | Required to melt the wax |
| Spoon | Used to stir wax and fragrance oil |
| Thermometer | Measures the temperature of the wax |
| Popsicle sticks or pencils | Used to centre and stabilise the wick |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right wax
Common waxes used for candle-making include soy, coconut, paraffin, and beeswax. Soy wax is natural and a good option for those on a budget, as it is usually more affordable than beeswax. Beeswax is also natural and has a subtle sweet fragrance without adding oil, but it can be more expensive. Paraffin wax is the most economical option but is the least natural. Coconut wax is another natural option that is increasingly popular. It has a high melting point, which results in a smaller scent throw. If you are looking for a strongly scented candle, you may want to opt for a wax with a lower melting point.
You can also create your own custom blend by combining two or more of these waxes. This allows you to experiment and create unique candles tailored to your preferences. However, it is important to note that the ratio of wax to fragrance oil is crucial in achieving the desired scent throw and burn quality. Adding too much fragrance oil can cause the candle to produce black soot and may result in liquid beads of oil pooling on the surface.
The type of wax you choose will also depend on the vessel you plan to use. Different waxes have varying melting points and characteristics, so it's important to select a wax that is suitable for your container. For example, if you are using a recycled container from a previously used candle, you will need to consider the melting point of the wax to ensure it is safe and effective for your chosen vessel. Additionally, some waxes may be better suited for certain types of wicks, so be sure to consult a wick guide to make an informed decision.
Overall, choosing the right wax involves considering factors such as cost, natural ingredients, scent throw, and compatibility with your chosen container and wick. With the right wax selection, you can create beautiful, sustainable, and personalized candles that meet your specific needs and preferences.
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Adding fragrance
Adding a fragrance to your candle is one of the most rewarding and exciting aspects of candle-making. You can use essential oils, fragrance oils, or dried herbs to scent your candles.
Essential oils are natural and smell beautiful, but they can be volatile when heated and often have a lighter scent. They work best in smaller, more intimate spaces. Some popular essential oils for candles include lavender, eucalyptus, lemongrass, peppermint, and grapefruit. If you're using essential oils, add around 10-20 drops for a 16-20 ounce candle, and adjust as needed.
Fragrance oils, on the other hand, tend to produce a stronger, longer-lasting scent and are easier to work with in candle-making. They are often synthetic or blended with essential oils. You can find fragrance oils in a variety of scents, including specific fruits, flowers, foods, woods, and spices. When using fragrance oils, add about 6-10% of the overall weight of your wax.
If you want to use dried herbs like lavender, rosemary, or crushed roses, use them sparingly as they don't provide much fragrance.
When adding your chosen fragrance, make sure the wax is completely melted. Then, add your fragrance oil or essential oil and stir continuously for around 90 seconds to ensure it is thoroughly mixed into the wax. After stirring, allow the wax to cool to 55-60 degrees Celsius. Gently tap the jug on your work surface a few times to remove any air bubbles, and then start to slowly pour the wax into your candle container.
It's important to work in a well-ventilated area when adding fragrance to your candles, as the fumes from melting wax and fragrances can be strong.
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Preparing the wick
To prepare your wick, start by securing it to the base of your vessel with a wick sticker. Place the wick in the centre of your vessel, attaching the metal bottom of the wick to the bottom centre of the container. You can use hot glue if you don't have a wick sticker. Use a clothespin or stick to wrap the top of the wick around so that it stays centred. If you're using a mould, you can secure the wick with skewers or popsicle sticks to keep it centred while the wax cools.
It's important to choose the right size of wick for your candle. Vendors who sell candle-making supplies typically provide a wick guide based on the type of wax and the size of the vessel. Consult one of these guides to help you select the appropriate wick size.
Finally, remember to trim your wick before burning your candle. Trim the wick to about one-quarter of an inch to prevent high flames and a build-up of soot.
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Melting the wax
When melting wax, it is important to use a heat-proof container, such as a melting pot, to avoid any safety hazards. The amount of wax needed can be determined by filling the desired candle container with wax pellets and then measuring the weight using a kitchen scale. This weight measurement is essential for calculating the amount of scent oil to add later.
While the wax is melting, you can prepare the wick by attaching a wick sticker to its bottom and securing it to the centre of your vessel. This ensures that the wick stays centred when you pour in the melted wax later. It is also important to note that different types of wax have different melting points, and this can affect the scent throw, which is the radius around the candle where the scent will reach when burned. Generally, a higher melting point will result in a smaller scent throw.
Once the wax is melted, you can add colour and fragrance if desired. It is important to consider the ratio of wax to fragrance oil, as too much oil can weigh down the wax and affect the candle's performance. A general rule of thumb is to use one ounce of scent oil for every pound of wax. After melting and adding any desired colours or fragrances, the wax is ready to be carefully poured into the prepared container with the centred wick.
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Pouring the wax
Now that you have your wick centred and secured in your vessel, it's time to pour the wax.
First, measure out your wax. The easiest way to do this is to fill your container with wax pellets and then use a food-grade scale to find the weight. This will help you determine how much scent oil to use. Generally, you should aim for 1 ounce of scent oil for every 1 pound of wax.
Next, place your wax in a melting pot and set the pot over a heat source, such as a hot plate or electric stove. If you're using a double boiler, fill a larger pot halfway with water and place the melting pot inside. Heat the water to melt the wax. You can also use a microwave to melt the wax. While the wax is melting, add your desired colour and fragrance.
Once the wax is melted, carefully pour it into your container. Use skewers or popsicle sticks to keep the wick centred and secured while the wax cools. If your wick shifts, fix it while the wax is still hot and liquid.
Remember, cracks or rough textures on the candle's surface can occur if the wax cools too quickly or if there's a sudden temperature change. Let your candles cool slowly at room temperature and avoid placing them near drafts or windows.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need wax, a wick, a heat-proof container, a pot and bowl for a double boiler, a spoon, a thermometer, popsicle sticks or pencils, wick stickers, and fragrance oil.
Common waxes for candle making include soy, coconut, paraffin, beeswax, or a hybrid blend.
Fill your container with wax pellets and then use a food-grade scale to find the weight. This will help you determine how much scent oil to use.
Use a wick sticker to secure the metal bottom of the wick to the bottom centre of the container. Wrap the top of the wick around a clothespin or stick to keep it centred once you pour in the wax.
Before lighting, trim the wick to about one-quarter inch to prevent high flames and a build-up of soot. Limit burn time to four hours at a time and let the candle cool for at least two hours before relighting.
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