Tyler Brooks
Making your own candles is a fun and relaxing activity that can be done at home. It is a simple process that can be picked up by beginners, and the end product can be enjoyed or gifted to others. The basic supplies needed include wax, a wick, a heat-proof container, a stove-top or similar heat source, and optional fragrance and dye. The wax is melted in a double boiler, poured into a container, and left to cool and solidify. The wick is then trimmed, and the candle is ready for use.
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right wax
Beeswax
Beeswax is a natural option that has a subtle sweet fragrance without the need for adding oil. However, it tends to be more expensive than other types of wax. Beeswax candles often require a larger wick due to their heavier fragrance.
Soy Wax
Soy wax is another natural option, although it is often a blend, so it is important to check the label. It is usually more affordable than beeswax. Soy flakes or soy wax pellets are commonly used in candle-making.
Paraffin Wax
Paraffin wax is the most economical option but is the least natural. It can be purchased in shredded, cubed, or block form for candle-making. Paraffin wax is often combined with other waxes, such as soy, to create a hybrid blend.
Coconut Wax
Coconut wax is also an option for candle-making, although it may be less commonly used than the previously mentioned waxes.
When choosing the right wax, it is important to consider the desired scent, cost, and naturalness of the candle. Additionally, the type of wax will impact the curing time, with some candles requiring up to two weeks of curing before they are ready to burn. The melting point of the wax can also affect the scent throw, with higher melting points resulting in a smaller scent radius.
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Picking a vessel
When choosing a vessel, it's important to consider the size of the candle you want to make. The vessel should be large enough to accommodate the amount of wax you plan to use, with a little extra space to allow for the wick and any additional ingredients like fragrance oils or dried herbs. A standard candle vessel size is 8 ounces, but you can also find smaller jars in 4-ounce sizes or larger containers if you want to make a bigger candle.
The shape of the vessel is also important. Look for a container with a wide enough opening to easily fit your hand inside, as you'll need to secure the wick in the centre and trim it once the candle has hardened. Avoid containers with narrow openings that might make this process difficult.
Another factor to consider is the material of the vessel. Glass jars are a popular choice for candle-making, as they are heat-proof and can be found in a variety of sizes. Metal containers are also an option, especially if you plan to use a double boiler method to melt your wax, as metal conducts heat well.
Finally, consider the aesthetic of your vessel. If you're making candles as a gift or to sell, you might want to choose a vessel that is decorative or matches your style or branding. You can find vessels in various colours, shapes, and materials, so take the time to browse and select one that appeals to you.
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Adding fragrance
Adding a fragrance to your candle is an important step in personalising your creation. The ratio of wax to fragrance oil is critical if you want to make a strong-scented and clean-burning candle. Most candles perform best when the wax accounts for 93% of the candle and the fragrance oil accounts for the remaining 7%. If you add more fragrance oil, you may see liquid beads of oil pool on top of the candle, and the candle may produce black soot.
The type of wax you use will influence the strength of the scent. Generally, the hotter the melting point of the wax, the smaller the scent throw will be. For example, heavier fragrances require a bigger wick.
Fragrance oils are the strongest scent option, and you can find almost any type of fragrance oil. You can also use essential oils, or dried herbs such as crushed roses, lavender, rosemary, or coffee beans, but these don't provide much fragrance.
You should always use the brand's recommended dosage amount on the package when adding fragrance oils. If you're using scented wax, then put in an amount you see fit or is recommended on the package.
Finally, curing your candles for at least seven days before lighting them will improve the strength of the scent.
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Using a double boiler
A double boiler is a two-pot setup where a larger base pot contains simmering water, and a smaller pot fits inside it to melt wax gradually. This setup is one of the safest and most efficient ways to melt candle wax without burning it. It prevents the wax from coming into direct contact with the heat source, which drastically reduces the risk of overheating or burning.
To create a double boiler, you will need a heat source, such as a stove top or hot plate, a pot of boiling water, and a pitcher or measuring glass that will sit inside the pot. The pot for the wax should be heat-safe, and preferably made of metal or glass. The pot which is fairly bigger in width than your pouring pitcher should be filled about halfway with water. Place your wax in the smaller pot and heat over medium to medium-high heat until the wax is completely melted.
It is important to monitor the temperature of the candle wax while it's melting. Use a thermometer to ensure that the wax does not exceed the temperature range of 185°F - 212°F (85°C - 100°C). If the temperature gets too high, boiling water can get into your wax, and the water may begin to bubble and splash.
Once the wax has melted, you can add colour if desired. More dye typically darkens the colour, and different waxes take on colour in different ways. Soy wax, for example, will appear more muted or pastel-like compared to paraffin, which closely matches the colour. After adding colour, stir for two minutes to ensure the dye is well-dispersed in the blend.
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Trimming the wick
Firstly, you should let your candle cure for at least 24 hours, and up to 7 days, before lighting it. This allows the wax and fragrance oils to "marinate" together and improves the strength of the scent. It is also important to let the candle fully harden before lighting it.
Before lighting your candle for the first time, trim the wick to 1/4 of an inch. This will ensure that your candle burns at the correct temperature and will prevent the fragrance from burning off before it can be appreciated. It will also prevent the candle from burning too quickly and will reduce the amount of soot produced.
You should trim the wick before each burn to remove any carbon build-up from the previous use. This will help to extend the life of your candle and ensure a cleaner burn.
The size of the wick will depend on the vessel size, the amount of wax used, and the oil ratio. If you are using a larger vessel, you will need a bigger wick. Similarly, if you are using a heavier fragrance or darker-coloured wax, you will need a bigger wick. It is important to test the wick size before committing to a large batch of candles.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need wax, a wick, a heat-proof container, a stove-top or something similar to melt the wax, and fragrance oils or essential oils (optional). Common waxes for candle-making include soy, coconut, paraffin, and beeswax. Wicks are usually made of paper, cotton, zinc, or wood.
First, measure out your wax. Then, melt the wax using a double boiler method. This involves placing a heat-safe bowl containing the wax over a pot of boiling water. Once the wax is melted, pour it into your container. Secure the wick upright using a pencil or clothespin. Add fragrance if desired. Let the wax cool and solidify. Trim the wick before lighting the candle.
The ratio of wax to fragrance oil is important for a strong-scented and clean-burning candle. Most candles perform best when the wax accounts for 93% of the candle and the fragrance oil accounts for the remaining 7%. Adding more fragrance oil can cause issues such as liquid beads of oil pooling on top of the candle or the production of black soot.
It is recommended to cure your candle for at least 24 hours to several days before lighting it to improve the strength of the scent.
