Maddie James
Candles are a great way to create a cosy atmosphere in your home, and making them yourself is a fun and cost-effective hobby. Homemade candles also make thoughtful gifts for your loved ones. The process of candle-making is both artistic and therapeutic, and with the right guidance, anyone can learn to make them at home. Whether you're a beginner or looking to turn your hobby into a business, there are plenty of resources available to help you get started, including online tutorials, workshops, and candle-making kits. By choosing sustainable materials and eco-friendly ingredients, you can even create candles that are kind to the environment.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Candle-making supplies | Wax pellets, kitchen scale, melting pot, large pot, water, thermometer, scent oil, wick, wick sticker/hot glue, container |
| Wax preparation | Measure wax using container, then weigh with kitchen scale to determine amount of scent oil needed |
| Wax melting | Heat water in large pot over medium heat, place melting pot inside to create a double boiler, melt wax in melting pot to 185°F |
| Adding scent | Stir in scent oil, turn off heat, allow wax mixture to cool to 125°F |
| Wick preparation | Add wick to container, use wick sticker or hot glue to secure metal bottom to center of container |
| Pouring wax | Wait for wax to cool to 125°F, then pour into container |
| Curing | Allow candle to cure and harden |
| Finishing touches | Trim wick, enjoy your homemade candle or gift it to someone |
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What You'll Learn
Measure wax and melt
Measuring and melting wax is a crucial step in candle-making. The amount of wax you need depends on the size of your candle container and how much fragrance you want to add.
To calculate the amount of wax needed, fill your chosen container with wax pellets and use a kitchen scale to measure the weight. This will indicate how much scent oil you can add. For example, if you have a 25cl container, the volume would be 250g/ml. Leaving a 1 cm gap at the top, you would fill it with 200ml of water. The calculation to determine the amount of wax needed is: 200 x 0.9 = 180g of wax.
Now that you know the weight of the wax, you can melt it. The melting method depends on the type of wax. For waxes with a high melting point, such as beeswax, an element melter or a heat-resistant container directly on the heat source is preferred. For waxes like soy, coconut, or paraffin, a double boiler system can be used. Fill a larger pot halfway with water and place your melting pot inside. Heat the water and melting pot over medium heat until the wax reaches 185°F. Use a thermometer to check the temperature.
Safety is a priority when melting wax. Always have a fire extinguisher nearby and never leave the wax unattended. Avoid using high temperatures to speed up the process, as this can scorch the wax.
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Add fragrance and colour
Adding fragrance and colour to your candle is a rewarding and exciting part of the candle-making process. You can use fragrance oils or essential oils to scent your candle, and candle dyes, crayons, or food colouring to add colour.
Adding Fragrance
To add fragrance to your candle, you can use fragrance oils or essential oils. First, measure the weight of your wax using a kitchen scale. Then, add the corresponding amount of oil. For fragrance oils, you will need to add between 7 and 12% of the weight of your wax. For example, if your wax weighs 100g, you should add between 7 and 12g of fragrance oil. Essential oils tend to be stronger, so you will need fewer drops. You will need around 80-102 drops of essential oil for a strong scent, but you can add fewer drops if you prefer a more subtle aroma.
Adding Colour
When adding colour to your candle, it is recommended that you stick to a single colour for your first attempt. You can use candle dye powder, which should be added to the molten wax. Use 10g of candle dye powder per 500g of wax, adding a little at a time and stirring the wax for a few minutes to incorporate the colour. You can also use crayons to dye your candles, but be aware that they can contain powder colourants that may block the wick. Food colouring can also be used, but avoid using liquid or gel food colourants as they will not adhere to the wax.
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Place and secure wick
The placement and securing of the wick are crucial steps in candle-making, ensuring the candle burns effectively and safely. Here is a detailed guide on how to do this:
Choosing the Right Wick
Before placing and securing the wick, it is essential to select the appropriate wick for your candle. The type of wick can impact the candle's burning characteristics, such as the size of the flame and the formation of the wax pool. Factors to consider when choosing a wick include the size of your candle container and the type of wax you are using. For example, an over-wicked candle will have a large flame and may burn down too quickly, while an under-wicked candle may not generate enough heat to melt the surrounding wax.
Preparing the Wick
To prepare a wick for a homemade candle, you can use materials like cotton twine, string, or even wooden wicks. The chosen material needs to be treated and dried. One method is to dip the twine into melted wax, creating a stiffer and easier-to-handle wick. Another method is to soak the twine in a Borax solution and let it air dry for several days. You can also coat the wick with wax to make it easier to handle, but this may not be sufficient to hold the wick upright during the candle-making process.
Securing the Wick
Once the wick is prepared, it's time to secure it in place. This can be done using a wick sustainer or a wick sticker. A wick sustainer is a metal tab that the wick is threaded through and then crimped with pliers to secure the wick in place. The sustainer is then glued or adhered with wax to the bottom of your candle container. Alternatively, a wick sticker can be used to stick the metal bottom of the wick directly to the centre of the container. For wooden wicks, a metal wick tab or sustainer can be attached by opening the tab with pliers and clamping the metal around the wick.
Finalising the Process
After securing the wick, you may need to adjust its position to ensure it is centred and straight. One method is to bend the top of the wick over a pencil resting on top of the jar while the wax sets. This ensures the wick remains in the correct position. It is also important to store your finished wicks in a cool, dry place until you are ready to make your candles.
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Pour wax and cure
Once you've melted your wax and added your chosen fragrance oil, it's time to pour the wax into your chosen container. It's important to pour slowly and steadily to avoid air pockets forming and to prevent the jar from breaking. Allow the wax to cool and harden – this can take around 24 hours, depending on the type of wax you're using. Paraffin wax, for example, reaches almost full hardness within a day or two of pouring, whereas vegetable waxes, like soy wax, continue to harden over time.
The temperature of your room can also affect how quickly your candle sets. Ideally, you want your candle to set slowly to achieve a good finish. Setting too quickly can cause sinking and holes. If you're using soy wax, try to keep your candle out of direct sunlight and fluorescent lighting as this can cause frosting. Even changes in the weather can affect the finish of your candle.
After pouring, your candle will need to cure. This is the process of allowing the fragrance oil to bind to the wax. The length of time this takes can vary depending on the type of wax and fragrance oil you're using. Most candle makers decide a candle is ready based on criteria that are harder to quantify, such as smell. Lighting a candle before it has cured can create a wider and deeper melt pool, which could be a sign that the hot throw is very strong. However, if you test the candle again a week later, the melt pool may not develop so quickly as the wax is now harder.
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Trim wick and light
Trimming the wick is an important step in candle care. It ensures a clean, long-lasting burn and maximises the lifespan of your candle. Before lighting your candle for the first time, trim the wick to about 1/4 inch (0.6 cm) long. This ideal length allows the flame to have enough fuel from the wax without causing excess smoke or soot. It also prevents the wick from 'mushrooming', which can lead to an uneven burn and poor scent distribution.
To trim the wick, you can use a wick trimmer, scissors, nail clippers, or simply your fingers. If using scissors or nail clippers, be sure to remove the trimmed piece from the candle to prevent it from catching fire the next time you light it. A wick that is too short may drown in the melted wax and extinguish the flame, so be careful not to over-trim. It is recommended to trim the wick after every 4 hours of burn time.
Once you have trimmed the wick to the correct length, you are ready to light your candle. Always light a candle with caution and avoid leaving it unattended. Enjoy the soft glow and soothing scent of your homemade candle!
Remember, candle making and usage should always be approached with safety in mind. Keep candles away from flammable objects and materials, and never leave a burning candle unattended.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need wax pellets, a melting pot, a larger pot, water, a thermometer, scent/fragrance oil, a wick, and a container for your candle.
First, measure out your wax by filling your container with wax pellets and weighing them. Then, melt the wax in a double boiler setup with water in the larger pot and the melting pot inside. Heat the wax to 185°F. Stir in the scent oil, turn off the heat, and let the wax cool to 125°F. Add the wick to the container and secure it with glue. Finally, pour the wax into the container and let it harden.
Use sustainable materials like soy wax or beeswax, and package your candles in recyclable or reusable containers.
You can make floating candles, infinity candles with household items, or sculptural candles in geometric or artistic shapes. You can also experiment with different colours and scents.
