Maddie James
Candles have become increasingly popular as a home decor item, with scented candles being the most sought-after variety. Making your own scented candles at home is a fun and budget-friendly project that allows you to create unique fragrances and personalize your space. Whether you're crafting gifts for loved ones or seeking a relaxing hobby, candle-making offers endless possibilities for creativity and experimentation with fragrances, colours, and containers. In this guide, we will explore the steps to making scented candles, from choosing the right wax and fragrances to achieving the perfect scent throw, so you can fill your home with delightful aromas.
How to flavour candles
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wax | Soy wax, coconut wax, paraffin wax, or natural plant-based wax blends |
| Container | Heat-proof glass, jar, tin, ceramic, or metal |
| Wick | Pre-waxed, pre-tabbed, or plain wicks |
| Glue | Super glue or hot glue |
| Melting pot | Heat-proof pitcher, glass bowl, or saucepan |
| Mixing tools | Spoon, wooden dowel, or hair dryer |
| Thermometer | Candy or regular |
| Scissors | For cutting the wick |
| Oil | Fragrance oil, essential oil, or a combination of oils |
| Powder | Mica or candle powder for colour |
| Mould | Temporary or permanent |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right wax
Most regular candles are made of traditional paraffin wax, but there are also natural, plant-based alternatives such as soy wax, coconut wax, and blends of multiple wax types. Soy wax flakes, for example, are environmentally friendly, easy to work with, and less expensive than other types of wax. They are also said to burn cleaner than paraffin wax.
When melting wax, it is important to keep the temperature below 90°C (194°F) to avoid overheating. If using a double boiler, fill a large pot with enough water so that a measuring cup with wax can sit in it without floating or tipping over. Heat the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to a slow boil and place the cup with the wax flakes in the water to melt. If using a heat-proof bowl, place it on top of a saucepan with boiling water.
The amount of wax you use will depend on the volume of your container. A helpful tip is to fill your container with water and pour it into a measuring cup to determine the volume. For containers such as glasses or jars, you will need twice the amount of wax flakes that would fill the container.
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Selecting a container
When selecting a container, it is important to choose one that is heat-proof and heat-safe. Thrift and vintage stores are great places to find matching sets of glassware. You can use mason jars, drinking glasses, tins, old candle containers, small ceramic flowerpots, teacups, or small bowls. Most glass and ceramic vessels are heat-safe, so that is a good place to start.
If you are reusing an old candle container, place it in simmering water until the remaining wax has melted. Then, wipe out the container with a paper towel and remove the wick. You may need to gently pry it out with a butter knife, depending on how it is attached.
To determine the amount of wax you will need, fill your container with water and pour it into a measuring cup. This will help you avoid having to calculate the volume of your container mathematically.
Once you have selected and prepared your container, you can begin the candle-making process by adding your wax and fragrance.
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Adding fragrance
Firstly, it is important to use the right type of fragrance. Fragrance oils designed specifically for candle-making are the best option, as they are formulated to bind with the wax and create a strong scent throw. Essential oils can also be used, but it is important to check that they are compatible with candle wax, as some are meant for use in products like shampoo or body wash. Additionally, both fragrance oils and essential oils are flammable and combustible in their raw form, so they should never come into direct contact with an open flame.
Once you have chosen the right fragrance, the next step is to add it to your wax at the proper temperature. This is crucial, as it ensures the fragrance binds effectively with the wax. The ideal temperature range depends on the type of wax you are using. For soy and paraffin wax, add your fragrance at around 180-185°F (82-85°C). For palm wax, a higher temperature of 200-205°F (93-96°C) is recommended. It is also important to avoid overheating the wax, as this can cause the fragrance to burn off before the candle sets.
When adding fragrance, use the correct ratio of wax to fragrance. In general, most waxes can hold up to 12% fragrance, but this may vary depending on the specific wax and fragrance you are using. For example, a soy wax candle that can hold 10% fragrance would require 1 ounce of fragrance for a 10-ounce candle. It is also important not to add too much fragrance, as this can cause the fragrance oil to separate from the wax, creating an uneven scent throw and potentially clogging the wick.
Finally, once you have added your fragrance, stir the mixture thoroughly to ensure an even fragrance load. Then, slowly pour the scented wax into your chosen container and allow it to cool overnight. Always trim the wick before lighting your candle to ensure a proper burn.
By following these steps and choosing the right fragrance, you can create beautifully scented candles that fill your home with delightful aromas.
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Candle fragrance terms
The world of candle-making has its own unique vocabulary, and understanding these terms is essential if you want to create scented candles at home. One of the most important concepts is the "cold throw," which describes the strength of a candle's fragrance when it is unlit. A strong cold throw is desirable because it's what people will experience when they pick up and smell your candle before purchase.
The "hot throw," on the other hand, refers to the strength of the fragrance when the candle is burning. This is the part of the candle that is enjoyed the most, as it fills your space with scent. Getting the right balance between cold and hot throw is crucial to creating an effective scented candle.
Another term to know is "fragrance load," which refers to the percentage of fragrance used in candle-making. This will determine the overall scent throw of the candle, including both the cold and hot throws. It's important to be judicious about the type and amount of fragrance you use, as too much fragrance can lead to candle sweating, where beads or pools of fragrance gather on top of or seep out of the candle.
When choosing fragrances, be mindful that certain types, such as those with citrus components, can be more flammable and irritating than others. Always check the suggested application amount for essential oils, as they can vary.
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Candle sweating
Candle fragrance has become the most defining characteristic of a candle. Creating your own blend of fragrances allows you to control the strength of the fragrance. However, candle sweating, which is characterised by little beads or pools of fragrance gathering on top of a container candle or seeping out of a pillar candle, can occur due to several reasons. Firstly, it could be due to the expansion and contraction of wax crystals, which squeeze out the oil from the wax body. This can happen when there is too much fragrance or essential oil mixed into the wax, causing insufficient space between the crystals to retain the fragrance oil. Secondly, sweating may be a characteristic of the wax itself. Many plant waxes are blends of fully and partially hydrogenated oils, and if cooled incorrectly, low-melt-point 'alpha' crystals can form and sit on the surface of the wax as a liquid or slurry. These fat oils can also displace fragrance oils due to insufficient space between the crystals. Thirdly, rapid changes in temperature can cause sweating, especially when moving a candle from a cold location to a warm location. This can also happen if the oil is added when the wax is too cool, or if the wax and oil are not properly mixed, resulting in an uneven distribution of fragrance throughout the candle. Additionally, if the fragrance supplier lacks experience with candles, their fragrance oils may contain components that are insoluble in your wax.
To avoid candle sweating, it is important to use the right amount of fragrance oil and ensure proper mixing. Keeping candles at a moderate and constant temperature during storage is also crucial, as rapid temperature changes can trigger sweating. Soy wax, in particular, is sensitive to extreme temperature changes, which can cause natural oils to separate and form pools of oil on the surface. If sweating occurs due to temperature changes, simply wiping the excess oil with paper towels or tissues is sufficient, as it does not affect the candle's quality, burn, or scent throw. However, if sweating is caused by incorrectly added fragrance oil, it is important not to burn the candle as it can pose a serious fire risk. Always double-check the type of fragrance oil used and ensure it is suitable for the wax. Fragrance oils specifically designed for soy wax are available for purchase.
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Frequently asked questions
Most regular candles are made of traditional paraffin wax, but there are also soy wax, coconut wax, and blends of multiple different kinds. According to experts, it's better to stick to natural, plant-based wax for a long-lasting, properly scented, and air-quality-friendly candle. Soy wax is also a good option as it is inexpensive, easy to work with, and environmentally friendly.
You can use any heat-proof container for your candle, such as jars, glasses, tins, or small ceramic bowls. Thrift and vintage stores can be great places to find matching sets of glassware. You can also reuse old candle containers by placing them in simmering water until the remaining wax is melted, then wiping the container out with a paper towel and removing the wick.
The amount of fragrance you add depends on the desired strength of the scent. The fragrance load of a candle correlates to the percentage of fragrance used and will determine the scent throw of the candle, which includes the cold and hot throw. If you're using essential oils, be sure to check the suggested application amount as they differ. Fragrance oils with citrus components can be more flammable and irritating than florals, so it's important to read the labels before using.
