Brooke Martin
Making candles at home is a fun and rewarding activity that can be a great hobby or even a small business. Homemade candles can be customised with unique angles such as eco-friendly ingredients, custom scents, and eye-catching designs. To make your own candles, you'll need a few supplies and ingredients, including wax, a wick, a heat-proof container, and fragrance oils or essential oils. The process is simple and involves melting the wax, adding fragrance, and pouring it into a container with a wick. Soy wax and beeswax are popular natural wax options, while fragrance oils produce a stronger scent than essential oils. With the right techniques and ingredients, you can create beautiful and sustainable candles at home.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time | 20 minutes |
| Ingredients | Wax, wick, jar, stove-top, essential oil or fragrance oil for scent |
| Wax Types | Paraffin, soy, beeswax, coconut, hybrid blend |
| Wick Types | Paper, cotton, zinc, wood, hemp |
| Scent | Essential oils, fragrance oils, dried herbs |
| Scent Ratio | 1 ounce of scent oil for every 1 pound of wax |
| Wax Temperature | 160-185 degrees Fahrenheit |
| Wax Weight | 12 ounces |
| Wax Cost | $2-$10 per pound |
| Oil Cost | < $10 |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right wax
When it comes to making homemade candles, choosing the right wax is an important step. The type of wax you use will depend on your desired outcome, budget, and personal preferences. Here are some factors to consider when selecting the right wax for your homemade candles:
Natural vs. Synthetic Wax
One of the key considerations when choosing wax is whether to use a natural or synthetic option. Natural waxes, such as beeswax, soy wax, and coconut wax, are derived from natural sources and are popular choices for those seeking eco-friendly and non-toxic alternatives. Beeswax, for example, has a subtle sweet fragrance and is considered the only truly "natural" wax. However, it can be more expensive and may require specific wicks, such as cotton braids, to burn effectively. On the other hand, soy wax is a widely used eco-friendly option that is usually more affordable than beeswax and holds fragrance well.
In contrast, paraffin wax is a common synthetic option known for its low cost and ability to hold scent and colour. However, it is derived from petroleum, which raises sustainability concerns, and it may release potentially harmful chemicals when burned.
Melt Point
The melt point, or melting point, of the wax is another important factor to consider. Different waxes have varying melt points, which can range from 49°C to 82°C (120°F to 180°F). The melting point will influence the temperature at which you need to heat your wax during the candle-making process. Additionally, it can impact 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.
Fragrance Retention
If you plan on making scented candles, consider the fragrance retention properties of the wax. Soy wax, for instance, is known to hold fragrance better than beeswax. However, beeswax has its own honey scent, which some people find appealing. Additionally, the ratio of wax to fragrance oil is crucial for achieving a strong-scented and clean-burning candle. Aim for a ratio of 93% wax to 7% fragrance oil to avoid issues like liquid beads of oil pooling on the top of the candle or the production of black soot.
Cost and Availability
The cost and availability of the wax are also important factors to keep in mind. Natural waxes like beeswax and soy wax are generally inexpensive and easy to find. You can often purchase soy wax flakes in bulk from craft stores or online suppliers at a reasonable price. However, paraffin wax tends to be the most economical option, making it a popular choice for commercial candle-making.
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Adding a scent
The most common method is to use fragrance oils, which are designed specifically for candle-making. These oils can be synthetic or blended with essential oils, and they produce a strong, long-lasting scent. When using fragrance oils, the recommended ratio is 1 ounce of oil for every 1 pound of wax, though you may want to use a kitchen scale to calculate the exact amount of oil needed based on the size of your container. It's important not to add too much oil, as it can weigh down the wax and cause issues with the candle's performance.
Another option for adding scent is to use essential oils. These are natural and have a beautiful aroma, but they often have a lighter scent and can be more volatile when heated. Essential oils are ideal for smaller spaces and are a great choice if you're looking for a more subtle fragrance. Popular essential oils for candles include lavender, eucalyptus, lemongrass, peppermint, and grapefruit.
If you're using beeswax, you may decide not to add any fragrance at all, as beeswax has its own subtle, sweet honey scent. However, if you do choose to add a scent to beeswax, it's important to note that soy wax holds fragrance better than beeswax.
You can also add dried herbs, such as lavender or rosemary, to your candle for a natural fragrance.
When adding scent to your candle, it's important to consider the "scent throw", which is the radius around the candle where the scent will reach when it's burned. The melting point of the wax can impact the scent throw, with higher melting points resulting in a smaller scent throw.
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Preparing the wick
Firstly, select an appropriate wick for your candle. The type of wick you choose depends on the wax you are using and the size of your vessel or container. Common wick materials include paper, cotton, zinc, or wood. If you are using beeswax, a cotton braid wick (either flat or square) is recommended. For different-sized containers and wax combinations, you will need different-sized wicks.
Next, use a wick sticker to secure the wick to the base of your vessel or container. Place the wick in the centre of your vessel, ensuring it is straight and securely attached to the bottom. You can use hot glue to stick the metal bottom of the wick to the centre of the container if wick stickers are unavailable.
While the wax is melting or cooling, you can prepare your wick. Use a clothespin or stick to wrap the top of the wick around it, ensuring it stays centred. This step helps to keep the wick in place once you pour in the melted wax.
Once the wax has been poured, adjust the wick if necessary. Ensure it remains centred while the wax is still hot and liquid.
Finally, after the wax has hardened, trim the wick to the desired length, and your candle is ready for use!
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Melting the wax
When melting the wax, it is important to use a double boiler to ensure even heating. This can be created by placing a metal bowl or container of wax inside a pot of boiling water on the stove. The warm water will transfer heat to the metal container, melting the wax. You will need about 12 ounces of wax to fill a standard jar candle.
As the wax melts, use a thermometer to monitor the temperature, aiming for between 160 and 185 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature range is ideal for ensuring a good scent throw, which is the radius around the candle where the scent will reach as it burns. Once the wax reaches the target temperature, remove the container from the heat.
If you are making scented candles, now is the time to add your fragrance. The ratio of wax to fragrance oil is important for a strong-scented and clean-burning candle. Generally, you should use 1 ounce of scent oil for every 1 pound of wax. However, too much oil can weigh down the wax, so be careful not to overdo it.
At this point, you can also add colour to your candle using candle-specific dye. Avoid using non-candle dyes as they can alter the wax composition and affect the solidifying process. With the wax melted and any desired additives included, you are now ready to move on to the next step of pouring the wax into your container and inserting the wick.
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Pouring the wax
When it comes to pouring the wax, there are a few key steps to follow. Firstly, prepare your wax by melting it in a double boiler or oven. A double boiler involves placing a metal container with wax into a pot of simmering water on the stove, ensuring even heating. Alternatively, melt the wax in an oven-safe container. This method allows for multiple scents and colours.
Once melted, use a thermometer to check the temperature, aiming for 160-185°Fahrenheit. Remove the wax from the heat source when it reaches this temperature range. Add your chosen fragrance oil, aiming for a ratio of 1 ounce of oil per pound of wax. Essential oils are natural but can be volatile when heated, so consider fragrance oils for a stronger, longer-lasting scent. Stir the oil into the wax with a spoon.
Before pouring the wax, secure your wick in the centre of your vessel with a wick sticker or hot glue. Ensure the wick is centred and stable using a clothespin or stick. Then, carefully pour the melted wax into your container. Adjust the wick if needed while the wax is still hot and liquid.
Allow the wax to cool and solidify, which can take 20 minutes or longer. The wax will harden faster when in contact with the jar. You can add scent during this time, but be aware that essential oils are more likely to produce black soot if too much is added. Once the wax is solid, trim the wick, and your candle is ready!
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Frequently asked questions
You will need wax, a wick, a pot, a heat-proof container, a stove-top, and essential or fragrance oils for scent. You can also add dye to colour your candles.
Common waxes for candle-making include soy, coconut, paraffin, and beeswax. Soy wax is a popular eco-friendly option, while beeswax is the only natural wax. Paraffin wax is the most common commercial wax, but it is derived from petroleum and releases potentially harmful chemicals when burned.
You can use essential oils or fragrance oils. Essential oils are natural and smell beautiful, but they can be volatile when heated and often have a lighter scent. Fragrance oils tend to produce a stronger, longer-lasting scent and are easier to work with.
The ratio of wax to fragrance oil matters if you want to make a strong-scented and clean-burning candle. Generally, you should use 1 ounce of scent oil for every 1 pound of wax.
