Brooke Martin
Beeswax candles are a fun and easy DIY project that can be done at home with just a few simple supplies. They have a natural honey scent and a brilliant golden light, and can be made with essential oils for added fragrance. The process of making beeswax candles involves melting the wax, adding coconut oil and essential oils, and pouring the mixture into jars with a wick. While beeswax candles are not ideal for carving, they can be used as a substitute for sculpting wax in art-making. With the right tools and ingredients, anyone can create their own unique beeswax candles at home.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wax type | Beeswax |
| Wax form | Pellets or block |
| Container | Glass, ceramic, tin, recycled items (e.g. jars, cans, tea cups) |
| Wick type | Medium cotton wicks with wick tabs |
| Wick placement | Center of container, secured with glue |
| Additives | Coconut oil, essential oils, cocoa butter |
| Scent | Honey, chocolate, lavender, pine, cinnamon, citrus |
| Process | Melt wax, add wick, pour into container |
| Cooling | Place in a warm area, avoid rapid cooling to prevent cracks |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing a container
When choosing a container for your beeswax candle, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, it is important to select a heat-safe container to avoid any accidents. Glass or metal containers are good options, but it is crucial to ensure that the glass can handle the heat, especially if using beeswax, as it burns at a higher temperature than other waxes. Additionally, the size of the container should be considered in relation to the wick size. A wick that is too small can result in tunnelling, where the candle burns only in the centre, leading to wasted wax and potential snuffing.
There are various types of candle containers to choose from, each with its own unique characteristics. One option is to use a glass jar, which can be a simple mason jar or a more decorative option, such as a hurricane glass container. However, it is important to note that beeswax may not be suitable for all glass containers due to its high burning temperature, and there is a risk of the glass cracking or breaking. Metal containers are another possibility, and these are available in various styles, including tins and tealight cups. When using metal containers, it is recommended to decrease the wick size compared to what you would use with a glass container.
If you're looking for a more sustainable option, consider upcycling jars or containers for your candles. This could include reusing leftover yeast jars from baking bread and pizza or seeking out unique containers from second-hand stores. By upcycling, you can give new life to old containers and reduce waste.
Another important consideration when choosing a container is the type of candle you want to make. Beeswax is a versatile wax that can be used for various candle types, including pillar candles, votive candles, and container candles. Pillar candles are freestanding and can be made with just beeswax, while votive candles are smaller and designed to sit in small containers. Container candles, on the other hand, can be made with a variety of waxes, including beeswax, and are typically placed in glass jars or metal tins.
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Melting the wax
Melting beeswax is the first step in making your own beeswax candles at home. It is a simple process that can be done in a few different ways.
Firstly, it is important to note that beeswax should not be heated directly, as this can burn the wax and alter its natural scent and colour. Therefore, a double boiler is recommended. This can be set up by placing a small pot, a large glass Pyrex, or a candle pitcher inside a larger pot of water on the stove. The water should not be boiling, as this can also burn the wax or cause it to splash into the pot. Instead, the heat should be adjusted to medium or medium-low. Beeswax pellets or shredded beeswax from a block can then be slowly dropped into the inner container to melt. This can take anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes, depending on the size of the batch.
An alternative method is to use a microwave. Place the wax in a large Pyrex measuring cup and heat it in bursts, as this can also take a long time.
To add coconut oil to your candles, as many makers do, melt the wax first and then stir in the coconut oil. This helps the beeswax burn slower.
If your beeswax begins to harden while you are working, simply remelt it over a double boiler, or place it in an oven-safe dish in the oven at 350 degrees until it melts again.
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Adding coconut oil
Beeswax is a beloved candle-making material due to its long burn time, natural air-purifying properties, and beautiful golden colour. However, beeswax candles can be difficult to scent. This is where coconut oil comes in.
Coconut oil can be added to beeswax candles to boost their fragrance. Coconut oil has a great ability to hold and throw fragrance, meaning that when it is added to beeswax, it can give off more scent, more quickly. Adding coconut oil to beeswax candles can also prevent tunnelling. Tunnelling occurs when only a narrow central part of the candle melts, causing the wick to "dig into" the centre of the candle, which then goes out prematurely. This is because the flame is not hot enough to melt the wax. Beeswax has the highest melting point of all waxes, so adding coconut oil slightly lowers the melting point, making the wax easier to melt and pour. This may decrease the burn time of the candle slightly, but since beeswax is the longest-burning wax, the candle will still outlast most competitors.
When choosing your coconut oil, opt for unrefined, additive-free, non-GMO coconut oil if you want to make a candle from natural materials. The mixing ratio of beeswax to coconut oil can vary depending on the source, with some recommending a 50-50% ratio, and others suggesting a pound of beeswax should be mixed with a teaspoon of coconut oil. Most hobby candle makers recommend a 50-50% mixing ratio, but it is a good idea to start with a little more beeswax to avoid the finished candles being too soft.
To make beeswax candles with coconut oil, melt the wax and coconut oil in a double boiler, add essential oils if desired, pour the mixture into jars, and secure the wicks to the bottom of the jars, centring them as much as possible.
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Adding essential oils
Beeswax has a faint, honey-like scent, which is delightful on its own or when blended with essential oils. You can use any essential oils you like, but it's important to note that beeswax is more difficult to fragrance due to its complex structure and density.
When adding essential oils to your beeswax candles, it's important to consider the temperature of the wax. If the wax is too hot, it can burn off the oils, so it's best to let the wax cool a bit before adding the oils. The recommended temperature for adding essential oils is between 155-160° F to 180° F. At this temperature, the wax will be cool enough to coagulate, so you may need to gently reheat it and stir to combine the oils evenly.
The amount of essential oil you use will depend on the desired strength of the scent. A general rule of thumb is to use at least 60 drops of essential oil for every 4 ounces of wax. For a stronger scent, you can use 2 teaspoons of essential oil for a 4-ounce candle. However, essential oils are not cheap, so using more can increase the cost of candle-making.
When experimenting with different essential oils, it's important to consider any potential side effects, especially if the candles will be burned around children or pets. For example, tea tree oil is known to be toxic to pets. Additionally, keep in mind that the scent of essential oils can change over time, and they may not smell the same as the plant they are derived from.
- 30 drops of jasmine, 15 drops of cedarwood, and 10 drops of ylang-ylang
- Lavender and chocolate
- Orange and chocolate
- Pine and cinnamon
- Honey and lemon
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Setting the wick
Firstly, select a suitable wick for your beeswax candle. Beeswax candles are slow-burning and require thicker, sturdier wicks compared to paraffin candles. The type of wick you choose will depend on the size of your container and the refinement of the beeswax. Medium cotton wicks with wick tabs attached are a good option. You can find these wicks online or at craft stores.
Next, prepare your container by cleaning it and ensuring it is heat-safe. Glass, ceramic, and tin containers are ideal, while plastic is not suitable. You can use recycled items such as empty candle containers, jars, or tins. It is recommended to use containers under 3 inches in diameter to avoid the need for large wicks, which can create a smoky candle.
Now, it's time to secure the wick to the bottom of your container. Use a small amount of hot glue to attach the wick tab to the centre of the container. You can also use wick stickers for a stronger hold. Ensure the wick is centred and straight before the glue dries. One method to keep the wick centred is to wrap it around a skewer laid across the top of the container.
Once the glue has dried, you can begin threading the wick. One method is to use a clothespin by threading the top of the wick through its centre. Alternatively, you can place a pencil across the jar and tape the wick to it. This step ensures the wick remains centred as you pour the wax.
Finally, adjust the wick length. After the wax has hardened, remove any centering devices and trim the wick to approximately 1/2 inch in length. Now your beeswax candle is ready for lighting or storage.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need beeswax, a heat-safe container (glass, ceramic, or tin), a wick, and essential oils (optional). You will also need a wax melter, such as a double boiler, and a small amount of coconut oil (optional).
Create a double boiler by placing a small pot or glass bowl over a larger pot of boiling water. Add your beeswax to the smaller container and allow it to melt completely. This can also be done in a microwave using a Pyrex measuring cup, but it will take longer.
Beeswax has a natural honey scent, but if you want to add a stronger fragrance, use essential oils. Test different combinations to find your preferred scent. Strong scents like peppermint, lemongrass, and vetiver work well with beeswax.
Secure the wick to the bottom of your container using hot glue, ensuring it is centred. You can use a pencil or clothespin to keep it centred while the wax sets.
Stir the melted beeswax, coconut oil, and essential oils (if using) together. Pour the mixture into your container and place it in a warm area to harden. Let it cool slowly to prevent cracking. Trim the wick to 1/2 inch before lighting your candle.
