Tyler Brooks
Candles are a great way to create a cosy and relaxing atmosphere in your home, and making your own candles is a fun and therapeutic activity. Whether you're crafting candles for yourself or as a gift for friends and family, candle-making is a simple DIY project that can be done at home. The basic supplies you'll need include wax, a wick, a heat source, and a vessel or mould. You can also add essential oils or fragrance oils to create scented candles. With different types of candles like pillars, container candles, and wax melts, there are endless possibilities for customisation and creativity. So get ready to roll up your sleeves and dive into the world of candle-making!
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time | 20 minutes to 4 years |
| Cost | $36 for materials for 6, 8-ounce candles |
| Space | Plenty of workspace |
| Equipment | Double boiler, wax melter, stovetop, melting pot, large pot, kitchen scale, amber jars, clothespin, oven, microwave, moulds |
| Wax | Paraffin, beeswax, soy, palm oil, coconut oil |
| Wick | Natural cotton, sized based on vessel size and wax used |
| Scent | Essential oils (lavender, eucalyptus, lemongrass, peppermint, grapefruit, rosemary, black pepper, tea tree, cinnamon), fragrance oils, dried herbs |
| Colour | Dye |
| Curing Time | 24 hours to 2 weeks |
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Choosing the wax
The most common types of wax used for candle-making include paraffin wax, soy wax, beeswax, carnauba wax, and palm wax. Paraffin wax is the most widely used and economical option. It is a white or colorless, solid wax made from petroleum, with a wide range of uses beyond candles, including skincare products and food additives. Paraffin wax has clean and reliable burning qualities, and it produces a better scent throw than other waxes. It can be used to make various types of candles, such as pillars, containers, votives, and tealights. If you're a beginner, paraffin wax is a good place to start, as it is readily available and easy to work with.
Soy wax is a natural alternative to paraffin wax, often favoured for its sustainability. It is made from hydrogenated soybean oil and is available in different forms, including soy wax flakes. Soy wax is suitable for container candles, votives, and tealights. It is usually more affordable than beeswax but may come in blends, so be sure to check the label.
Beeswax is another natural option that is highly regarded as one of the best candle waxes on the market. It has a subtle, sweet fragrance and can be used to make a wide range of candles, including pillars, tapers, votives, and containers. However, beeswax tends to be more expensive than other options.
Carnauba wax is the hardest natural wax available and is suitable for those seeking a firmer, soy-free vegan candle base. Because of its high melting point, pure carnauba wax is challenging to work with, and it is recommended to dilute it with coconut oil or a similar substance. Carnauba-based candles require larger wicks or high-temperature wicks to compensate for the high melting point.
Palm wax is another option that can be used for container candles, votives, and tealights. It is a soft, natural wax that is biodegradable and eco-friendly.
When choosing your wax, consider the desired scent throw, which refers to the radius around the candle where the scent will be noticeable. Generally, the hotter the melting point of the wax, the smaller the scent throw. Therefore, if scent is a priority, you may want to opt for waxes with lower melting points, such as soy wax or palm wax.
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Picking a vessel
There are a variety of vessels to choose from, each with its own unique benefits. Glass jars are a popular choice, as they allow you to see the colour and texture of the candle. They are also easy to find and relatively inexpensive. If you plan to reuse your jars, be sure to clean them thoroughly between uses. You can put them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and place them in the oven at 200°F until the wax melts. Then, carefully wipe the containers clean with a paper towel.
Another option is to use tins or metal containers. These are great if you want to create a more industrial or rustic look. They are also durable and can be easily transported without worrying about breakage. Ceramic containers are also an option and can add a touch of elegance to your candle. However, they may be more expensive and less durable than glass or metal vessels.
When choosing a vessel, it is important to consider the size and shape. The vessel should be large enough to accommodate the desired amount of wax and have a wide enough opening for easy pouring. It should also have a stable base to prevent the candle from toppling over. Additionally, consider the colour and design of the vessel to ensure it complements the scent and aesthetic of your candle.
Lastly, it is important to ensure that your chosen vessel is safe to use with candles. Some materials may not be heat-resistant or suitable for direct contact with flame. Always do your research and choose a vessel that is specifically designed for candle-making or has the appropriate safety precautions in place.
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Adding scent
Adding a scent to your candle is a great way to personalise it and create a unique product. The type of wax you use can make a difference to the scent of your candle. For example, soy wax transmits the scent of essential oils extremely well, whereas beeswax has a distinctive natural smell. Paraffin wax, which is the most popular base for candles, is a byproduct of crude oil and is known to emit chemicals such as toluene and benzene when burned.
To add a scent to your candle, you can use essential oils or fragrance oils. Essential oils are trickier to work with as their properties vary from oil to oil. Popular essential oils include lavender, grapefruit and eucalyptus. You will need around 80-100 drops of essential oil to scent your candle, depending on the type of oil and how strong it is.
If you are using fragrance oils, the ratio is usually 1 ounce of fragrance oil per 1 pound of wax. You can find almost any type of fragrance oil, so you can get creative and experiment with different scents.
To add the scent to your candle, simply add the essential oil or fragrance oil to your melted wax and stir well with a wooden stick. It is recommended that you let the wax and oil cure together for at least 7 days before lighting the candle to improve the strength of the scent.
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Preparing the wick
To prepare your wick, start by cutting it to the appropriate length. The wick should be long enough to reach the bottom of your vessel with about an inch to spare. You can use a wick holder or glue to secure the wick to the bottom of your vessel. If using a wick holder, place it at the bottom of your vessel and thread the wick through the centre, leaving a small amount of excess wick at the top. If using glue, apply a small amount to the bottom of your wick and secure it to the centre of your vessel, again leaving a little excess wick at the top.
Once your wick is secured, it's time to add the wax. Melt your chosen wax in a double boiler or slow cooker, following the package instructions for the correct melting temperature. Once the wax is melted, carefully pour it into your vessel, leaving about an inch of space at the top. Centre the wick and adjust it so that it is straight and secure.
At this point, you can add essential oils or fragrance oils to your candle if desired. However, be sure to follow the recommended dosage on the package to avoid over-scenting your candle.
Finally, allow your candle to cure and harden. This typically takes around 24 hours, but it's best to let it sit for at least 48 hours to ensure the wax is fully hardened. After curing, trim the wick to about half an inch in length, and your candle is ready to burn!
Remember, the type of wick you use will depend on the specific wax, vessel, and scent combination you have chosen. Always refer to a trusted candle-making guide or expert for specific instructions and safety precautions when preparing your wick and creating your candle.
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Melting and pouring
Melting wax can be done in a few different ways. One way is to use a double boiler, which involves placing a medium-size stainless steel pot filled with water on the stove and then placing a smaller pot or pitcher containing the wax inside it. This method is safer than melting wax directly over heat. Another option is to use a heavy-duty pan or pot and melt the wax directly over a steady heat, being careful not to exceed the wax's melting point. If using this method, it is recommended to keep baking soda on hand as it can act as a fire extinguisher for wax fires.
When melting wax, it is important to never leave it unattended. You should also measure out your ingredients beforehand, including the wax, fragrance oil, dye, and wicks, to ensure you have the correct proportions for your vessel and the number of candles you plan to make.
Once the wax has melted, you can add fragrance oil and stir carefully for 2-3 minutes to blend. If using dye, this can also be added at this stage and stirred until evenly dispersed. Then, remove the mixture from the heat and allow it to cool slightly above your pouring temperature.
When pouring the wax, check the temperature and pour slowly and steadily into your container. Pouring too quickly can cause the jar to break and create air pockets. The wax should be poured to about 1-1.5 inches below the rim of the container. After pouring, allow your candles to set and cure for at least 24 hours before lighting, maintaining a moderate room temperature.
Finally, clean any drips from the container and trim the wick to the appropriate length.
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Frequently asked questions
Basic supplies include a stovetop or something similar to melt the wax, a pot, wax, a wick, and a container for your candle. You can buy kits from candle suppliers, or source the materials yourself.
Common types of wax include beeswax, soy wax, and paraffin wax. Beeswax is natural, long-lasting, and sustainable, but can be more expensive. Soy wax is natural and usually more affordable than beeswax. Paraffin wax is the most economical but is the least natural option.
Essential oils or fragrance oils can be added to your candle to create a desired scent. Essential oils are the most natural option, but fragrance oils are stronger. Dried herbs, like crushed roses, lavender, or rosemary, can also be used but they don't provide much fragrance.
