Jessie Taylor
Making candles is a fun and therapeutic activity that can be done at home with a few basic supplies. The process is simple and involves melting wax, adding fragrance, and pouring the mixture into a container. You can use a variety of waxes, such as soy, beeswax, or paraffin, and add fragrance oils or dried herbs to create scented candles. The ratio of wax to fragrance oil is important for a strong-scented and clean-burning candle, with most candles performing best at a ratio of 93% wax and 7% fragrance oil. Once the candle has hardened, you can trim the wick and enjoy your homemade creation!
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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 added oils. It is a more expensive option and can be challenging to work with due to its high melting point, which can affect the scent throw. Beeswax is a popular choice for those seeking a more eco-friendly and sustainable option.
Soy Wax
Soy wax is another natural alternative that is often more affordable than beeswax. It is a blend, so it is important to check the label to understand the specific composition. Soy wax has a lower melting point compared to beeswax, which can result in a stronger scent throw. It is a versatile option that is widely used by candle makers.
Paraffin Wax
Paraffin wax is the most economical option and is commonly used by candle makers. However, it is the least natural of the wax options. Paraffin wax typically has a higher melting point, which can result in a smaller scent throw. It is important to note that paraffin wax may not be suitable for those seeking more natural and organic alternatives.
Coconut Wax
Coconut wax is a lesser-known option that is natural and has a strong scent throw. It is more expensive than soy wax but offers a unique, creamy texture that is appealing to some candle makers. Coconut wax is known for its slow and even burn, making it a good choice for those seeking a consistent performance.
Blended Waxes
You can also create your own blended wax by combining different types of waxes, such as soy, coconut, and paraffin. Blended waxes allow you to customise the properties of your candle, such as scent throw, burn time, and texture. However, blending waxes can be more complex and may require experimentation to find the right ratios and combinations.
When choosing the right wax, consider factors such as cost, natural ingredients, scent throw, and burn time. Each type of wax has unique properties, so it is important to understand how they will affect the performance and characteristics of your candle.
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Preparing your workspace
Firstly, make sure you have a double boiler or a similar setup to melt your wax. This can be achieved by placing a heat-safe bowl, tall glass measuring cup, or candle pourer in a pot of water, or simply placing the melting pot inside a larger pot of water. This will ensure that the wax does not come into direct contact with the heat source and burn. If you are using an oven, you can melt the wax in an oven-safe container.
Next, gather your wax. Common types of wax for candle-making include soy, beeswax, coconut, paraffin, or a blend of these. You will need to measure out your wax, which can be done by filling your chosen container with wax pellets and then using a scale to weigh the amount needed. This will help you determine the correct amount of scent oil to use.
You will also need a wick, which can be made of paper, cotton, zinc, or wood. Ensure you have wick stickers to secure the wick to the base of your vessel. Additionally, if you plan to scent your candle, have your chosen fragrance oils or dried herbs ready.
Finally, prepare your workspace by laying out all the necessary tools and ensuring you have enough space to work safely and effectively. Keep in mind that you will need somewhere to leave your candles to cure for at least 24 hours, or ideally several days, after pouring them.
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Melting the wax
Prepare Your Work Area:
Before you begin, make sure you have a clean, flat surface to work on. Candle-making can be a messy process, so it's a good idea to lay down some newspaper or a plastic tablecloth to catch any spills. You'll also need a heat source, such as a stovetop, oven, or slow cooker.
Prepare Your Wax:
The type of wax you use is important. Common options include beeswax, soy wax, or paraffin wax. You can use wax pellets or shred/cube the wax yourself. Measure out the desired amount of wax using a kitchen scale. The amount of wax you need will depend on the size and number of candles you want to make.
Create a Double Boiler:
To create a double boiler, fill a large pot or saucepan with water and place it on your heat source. You want the water to be deep enough to cover at least halfway up the sides of your melting pot. Place your melting pot, heat-safe bowl, or tall glass measuring cup inside the pot or on top of it. This will prevent direct contact between the heat source and the wax.
Melt the Wax:
Turn the heat to a medium-high setting and bring the water to a lively simmer. Add your wax to the melting pot or bowl and stir occasionally until it is completely melted. If you're using a slow cooker, you can add the wax directly to the cooker and heat it on a low setting until melted. Be careful not to overheat the wax, as it can burn or produce dangerous fumes.
Add Fragrance (Optional):
If you want scented candles, now is the time to add your fragrance oils or dried herbs. Follow the recommended dosage on the package, as too much fragrance oil can affect the performance of your candle. Stir well to ensure the fragrance is evenly distributed throughout the wax.
Pour the Wax:
Once your wax is melted and any additives are incorporated, it's time to pour it into your candle containers. Use a pencil or clothespin to secure the wick upright in the centre of each container. Carefully pour the hot wax around the wick, filling the containers to the desired level.
Remember always to exercise caution when working with hot wax and heat sources. Always follow safety guidelines and never leave melting wax unattended. With these steps, you'll be well on your way to creating beautiful, personalised candles!
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Adding fragrance
Choosing the Right Fragrance
The first step in adding fragrance to your candles is selecting the right scent. Fragrance oils are a popular choice for candle-making due to their longevity and ability to retain their aroma over time. They are specially formulated to withstand the heat of burning candles, ensuring that the scent lingers in your space. Fragrance oils offer a wide range of options, from cosy fireplace scents to inviting jasmine fragrances and fresh linen aromas. You can also find unique blends that mimic popular designer perfumes or fabric softeners. With fragrance oils, you can be assured that your candle will provide a consistent and long-lasting fragrance experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer a more natural approach, essential oils are an excellent option. However, it is important to note that pure essential oils can be challenging to work with as they evaporate quickly when mixed with hot candle wax. This can affect the overall quality of your candle's scent. Nonetheless, essential oils like eucalyptus, lavender, and orange offer many relaxing and calming sensations, making them a popular choice for creating soothing candles.
Preparing Your Work Area
Before adding fragrance, it is crucial to prepare your workspace. Ensure you have a clean, flat surface that can be dedicated to the candle-making process for several hours while the candles set and cool. Gather all the necessary materials, including your chosen fragrance oils or essential oils, carrier oils (such as jojoba oil or fractionated coconut oil), a small glass bottle for blending, a heat-proof glass bowl, and a pan of hot water. Having everything within reach will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Blending Your Fragrance
Once your workspace is ready, it's time to blend your fragrance. If you're using fragrance oils, refer to the recommended usage percentage on the product page and start with low percentages. You can add 30-35 drops of fragrance oil for every 160 grams of wax flakes, adjusting the amount for stronger scents. If you're using essential oils, a good starting point is 10-20 drops for a 16-ounce candle. You can experiment with different oils and adjust the ratios to create a unique scent profile. For a well-rounded fragrance, consider using base, middle, and top notes. For example, combine woody cedarwood as your base note, soothing lavender as the middle note, and zesty orange as the top note for a calming yet invigorating scent.
To blend your fragrance, use a dropper to add the desired number of drops of essential oil into your glass bottle. Then, fill the bottle with your chosen carrier oil, leaving some space at the top. Securely seal the bottle and gently shake it to mix the oils. This process ensures that the oils combine effectively.
Now, it's time to incorporate your fragrance into the wax. After melting your wax, remove it from the heat and let it rest for a minute or two. Maintaining the wax in a liquid state, add your fragrance oil or essential oil blend. Stir the mixture continuously for around 90 seconds to ensure that the fragrance is thoroughly mixed into the wax. At this point, you can also add colour with dye if you wish to create visually appealing candles.
Cooling and Pouring
After adding the fragrance, allow the scented wax to cool. The ideal temperature range for pouring is 55-60 degrees Celsius. Gently tap the container on your work surface to remove any air bubbles from the wax. When the wax has reached the optimal temperature, slowly pour it into your chosen candle container. Be careful to pour closer to the glass and not too close to the wick to avoid creating sinkholes or bubbles.
Once you've poured the wax, make any necessary adjustments to the wick, ensuring it remains centred and straight. Allow the wax to set fully before moving or touching the container, which typically takes around 2-3 hours.
Final Steps
After the wax has hardened, remove any centring tools used for the wick, being cautious not to disturb the wick itself. Trim the wick to about a quarter of an inch, and your scented candle is now ready to be enjoyed. Remember to trim the wick each time before lighting your candle to ensure a safe and optimal burning experience.
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Curing and trimming
Curing is an important step in the candle-making process. It allows the wax to harden and the fragrance molecules to disperse evenly throughout the candle. The recommended curing time varies depending on the type of wax used. For vegetable waxes, it is suggested that they cure for at least 10 to 14 days to achieve optimal scent throw. However, some sources recommend a curing time of up to two weeks for all types of wax. During the curing process, it is important to keep the candles at room temperature and away from windows or drafts that can cause them to cool more quickly. Placing them on a wire cooling rack is also recommended, as solid surfaces can absorb heat and cause the wax to cool too rapidly.
Once your candles have cured, it is important to trim the wicks to the appropriate length before burning. The recommended wick length is 1/4 inch, as this will promote a clean and even burn. Using a wick trimmer is the best tool for the job, as it is designed to trim wicks to the ideal length and provides easy access to the wick, even in deep jars. If you do not have a wick trimmer, sharp scissors or nail clippers can be used as a substitute. However, these tools may not provide as clean of a cut, especially when trimming wicks in deeper containers. Regular wick trimming helps to prevent mushrooming, which is the formation of a unique mushroom-shaped cap on the wick that can cause excess smoke and soot. It also helps to maintain a steady flame, reduce dripping, and prevent the candle container from overheating or cracking.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need a stovetop or something similar to melt the wax, a heat-proof container, wax (soy wax, beeswax, paraffin wax, etc.), a wick, and essential or fragrance oil for a scent.
The best way to melt the wax is to make a double boiler by adding water to a saucepan/pot and placing a heat-safe bowl with wax inside it. This avoids burning the wax.
The ratio of wax to fragrance oil is 93:7. Adding more fragrance oil does not make the candle stronger, and adding too much oil may cause the candle to produce black soot.
Candles can take anywhere from 45 minutes to 3 hours to fully cool, depending on the temperature and type of wax used.
You should let your candle cure for at least 24 hours to a few days before lighting it to improve the strength of the scent.
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