Chloe Adams
Making candles at home is a fun and simple activity that can be done by anyone. With a few specialized items, some planning, and a little time, you can craft beautiful, fragrant candles. Candle-making is part science, part craft, and can be a great way to express yourself creatively. It can also be a cost-effective way to achieve a beautifully lit, aromatherapy-infused atmosphere in your home, and homemade candles make great gifts for friends and family. There are many different types of candles you can make, from jar candles to floating candles to infinity candles, and you can use various materials, such as soy wax, beeswax, or paraffin wax.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time | 20 minutes |
| Container | Jar |
| Wax | Beeswax or soy |
| Wick | Cotton, paper, zinc or wood |
| Pot | Melting pot |
| Oil | Essential or fragrance oil |
| Stove | Stove-top |
| Temperature | 140-185°F |
| Curing | Leave to cure before lighting |
| Trimming | Trim wick to 1/4 inch before lighting |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing wax type: Soy, beeswax, or paraffin wax
When it comes to making candles at home, the wax you choose depends on your preferences, the type of candle you're making, your budget, and how eco-conscious you want your project to be.
Paraffin wax is the most common type of candle wax and has been used in standard candles for hundreds of years. It is the most popular ingredient for candles on shelves today. It is also the least expensive option in most cases. Paraffin wax is derived from the oil industry's byproducts, which gives it a bad name for some. It holds onto fragrance and colour well, making it a popular choice for candle brands. It is available in various melting points, which makes it perfect for creating everything from container candles to thick pillars.
Soy wax is a natural, plant-based wax made from soybean oil. It is renewable and typically easy to handle, measure, and melt. It is also more eco-friendly compared to paraffin wax. However, there are some concerns about deforestation, fertilizers, and pesticides within the soybean industry and production process. Soy wax doesn't hold fragrance as well as some other waxes, and it can be a bit more difficult to work with. It is also temperamental with temperature and can shrink and 'frost' with white spots. Soy wax is often recommended as the best candle wax for beginners due to its ease of use and clean-burning properties.
Beeswax is produced by honeybees and is secreted from their abdomens. They use the wax to create honeycomb, which serves as the structure of the hive and storage for honey. The honeycomb is harvested, drained of honey, and melted down over hot water to produce commercially available beeswax. It is an all-natural product, but it has a higher price point and is not considered vegan or environmentally friendly. Beeswax has a subtly sweet natural scent and a tougher, more solid nature, making it ideal for crafting free-standing pillar candles. It has a high melting point, which means it takes longer to melt than other types of wax, and it solidifies very quickly once removed from the heat source.
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Preparing wicks: Paper, cotton, wood, or zinc
Wicks can be made from a variety of materials, including paper, cotton, wood, and even zinc. Each type of wick requires different preparation methods. Here is a detailed guide to preparing wicks made from these materials:
Paper Wicks
Paper wicks are a natural option for candle-making, but they require careful preparation due to their tendency to burn quickly and intensely. To make paper wicks, start by cutting thin strips of paper. Prepare the paper strips by twisting them tightly, and then braid three strips together to form a thicker braid. This braided wick will burn better than a simple twisted wick and will be self-consuming, eliminating the need for trimming.
Cotton Wicks
Cotton wicks are a popular choice for homemade candles. To prepare cotton wicks, start with plain cotton string. Cut the string to the desired length, adding 2-3 inches to account for shrinkage when coated in wax. Next, soak the string in a solution of Borax and salt for 24 hours. After soaking, allow the wick to dry completely for 2-3 days. Finally, dip the dried wick in candle wax to give it structure and improve its performance.
Wooden Wicks
Wooden wicks create a unique, woodsy ambiance with a slight crackling sound when burned. To prepare wooden wicks, start by cutting balsa wood sticks to the desired length, ensuring they are about 1 inch taller than your container. Next, soak the wood in olive oil or similar oil (coconut, avocado, or palm oil) for at least 20 minutes to aid in burning. Remove the wick from the oil and wipe away any excess with a paper towel. Finally, attach one end of the wick to a metal wick tab to hold it in place when you pour your candle wax.
Zinc Wicks
Zinc wicks are less commonly mentioned in homemade candle-making, and there is limited information on their preparation. However, zinc wicks are typically thin, flat strips of zinc that can be purchased or cut to size. These wicks are often used in combination with other materials, such as cotton, to improve burning characteristics.
Remember, preparing wicks is an important step in candle-making, and choosing the right materials and methods will ensure your candles burn effectively and safely.
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Adding fragrance: Essential oils or fragrance oils
Adding Fragrance to Homemade Candles
There are two main types of oils used to add fragrance to homemade candles: essential oils and fragrance oils.
Essential Oils
Essential oils are concentrated liquids derived from organic plant matter. They contain the strongest scents of a particular plant, root, or flower. For example, popular essential oils include ginger, marjoram, jasmine, and sandalwood. They are often used for aromatherapy and wellness, as they bring benefits to the mind and body.
When using essential oils, it is important to ensure they are pure and do not produce toxins when burnt. A smaller wick is generally the best choice, as essential oils have lower flash points than synthetic fragrance oils and require less heat to release their aroma effectively. A narrow container helps prevent tunneling and ensures an even, long-lasting burn.
To add essential oils to your candle, first melt your wax in a heatproof glass bowl over a pan of hot water. Then, add about 35 drops of essential oil per 100ml of wax and mix for a good 2 minutes to allow the molecules to bond. Finally, pour the mixture into your chosen container and leave it untouched overnight.
Fragrance Oils
Fragrance oils are highly concentrated synthetic or natural aroma compounds that have been mixed with a scentless carrier oil. They are specially formulated to provide a strong, long-lasting scent and are cheaper than essential oils. Popular fragrance oil scents include jasmine, orange blossom, and leather.
The process of adding fragrance oils to candles is similar to that of essential oils. First, melt your wax, then remove it from the heat and let it rest for a minute or two. At this point, you can add your chosen fragrance oil, following the measuring guide provided by the manufacturer. Finally, carefully pour the mixture into your chosen container and allow it to cool for around 24 hours before cutting the wick to your preferred length.
Whether you choose to use essential oils or fragrance oils, the most important thing is to ensure that you are using safe, non-toxic ingredients that will create a pleasant and relaxing atmosphere in your home.
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Melting wax: Using a double boiler or oven
Melting wax can be a messy affair, so it is recommended to set up newspaper or paper towels around your work area. You can use a double boiler or an oven to melt the wax.
A double boiler is an efficient and economical way to melt wax for candle-making. It is also safer than other methods as it provides some separation from the intense heat of the hot pan and the wax. To create a double boiler, fill a large saucepan about halfway with water and place it on the stove to heat. Place your wax in a pouring pitcher, clean coffee can, or smaller saucepan. Put the smaller container inside the larger saucepan and heat over medium-low heat until the wax is completely melted. You can carefully add more water to the larger saucepan as needed to prevent the water from evaporating. Use a thermometer to monitor the wax temperature. When melted, add colour (if desired) and mix thoroughly. If you are adding fragrance, first remove the wax from the heat and gently stir it in. Most wax should be heated to 185 degrees Fahrenheit before adding fragrance, but always check your wax supplier's instructions. Remember never to leave the double boiler unattended, and once you use a pan for melting wax, it should not be used to prepare food.
You can also use a hot plate with your double boiler setup to avoid cross-contamination with utensils used for food.
There are two methods for using a double boiler. In the first method, you want the water level to be just high enough so that it does not touch the bowl—it is better if the bowl is heated by steam than by water. In the second method, the water comes one to two inches up the side of the bowl. This method is easier to pour from, but too much water will cause the bowl to float, which is unsafe.
Alternatively, you can use an oven to melt the wax. However, this method is not described in the sources provided.
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Pouring and curing: Techniques to avoid sinkholes
When making candles at home, pouring and curing are crucial steps that can make or break your final product. Sinkholes, in particular, are a common issue that can ruin your candle. Here are some techniques to help you avoid sinkholes and create smooth, problem-free candles:
Choose the Right Wax
The type of wax you use can impact the likelihood of sinkholes forming. Harder waxes like pillar and votive waxes, which have higher melting points, tend to be more prone to sinkholes. On the other hand, softer waxes with lower melting points, such as single-pour container waxes, are less likely to develop sinkholes. Soy wax, specifically soy 464, is a good option as it rarely causes sinkhole issues.
Control the Temperature
Temperature fluctuations are a primary cause of sinkholes. When wax is heated, it expands, and when it cools, it contracts and shrinks. To prevent sinkholes, minimise temperature variations as much as possible. Avoid pouring at lower temperatures, especially with waxes like parasoy, as they cool too quickly and can lead to sinkholes. Instead, maintain a consistent temperature throughout the process.
Warm Your Jars
If you're using jars or containers for your candles, make sure they are warm before pouring in the wax. This helps slow down the cooling process and prevents the wax from clinging to the sides and creating cavities. You can preheat your jars using a heat gun or by placing them in a warm spot, such as an unheated oven or an insulated box.
Poke Relief Holes
While your candle is setting, use a tool to poke relief holes around the wick. This technique allows trapped air to escape and liquid wax to fill in any sinkholes that may be forming. After the first pour, your candle may have a crater down the centre, which can be fixed with a second pour of wax.
Cure in a Controlled Environment
The environment in which your candles cure can impact sinkhole formation. If your house is cold, consider curing your candles in a warm spot or a box that matches the batch size. This helps regulate the temperature and prevents the wax from cooling too quickly, reducing the chances of sinkholes.
By following these techniques and paying close attention to temperature control, you can significantly reduce the occurrence of sinkholes in your homemade candles. Remember that practice makes perfect, so don't be discouraged if you encounter some challenges along the way. Happy candle-making!
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Frequently asked questions
You will need wax, a wick, a pot, essential or fragrance oil for scent, and a stove-top or slow cooker. Common wax options include beeswax, paraffin wax, and soy wax. Candle wicks are usually made of paper, cotton, zinc, or wood.
You can use votive holders, specific candle jars, empty Mason jars, tin cans, or coconut shells. Avoid using plastic, terracotta, or wood.
You should aim for 1 ounce of scent oil for every 1 pound of wax. If you add too much oil, it can weigh down the wax.
Soy candles should cure for at least one week before burning.
