Ben Carter
Candles are typically made using paraffin wax, a by-product of petroleum that is relatively cheap and holds scent and colour well. However, it is not the most sustainable option, as it releases potentially harmful chemicals when burned. To make candles without paraffin, you can use soy wax, beeswax, or old candles. Soy wax is made from hydrogenated soybean oil and is a popular eco-friendly option for candle makers as it is biodegradable, renewable, and produces very little soot when burned. It also has a slower burn time, so your candles will last longer. Beeswax is another natural alternative that has a subtle sweet fragrance, though it does not retain scent or colour as well as soy or paraffin wax. When making candles, it is important to consider safety precautions, such as protecting your work area with newspaper or wax paper and ensuring proper ventilation to disperse any fumes from melting wax and adding fragrances.
How to Manufacture a Candle Without Paraffin
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wax Type | Soy wax, beeswax |
| Wax Form | Shavings, flakes, blocks |
| Wax Weight | 1 lb of soy wax = 18 oz of liquid |
| Wax Melting Point | 170–180 °F (77–82 °C) |
| Wax Melting Technique | Double boiler, stovetop |
| Container Type | Glass, porcelain, tin, recycled/reusable |
| Wick Type | Cotton, wood |
| Scent Type | Organic essential oils |
| Scent Load | 6–10% of wax weight |
| Scent Temperature | 60°C–65°C/140°F–149°F |
| Dye Type | Liquid |
| Dye Load | 3-4 drops |
| Cooling Time | 24 hours |
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What You'll Learn
Use soy wax
Soy wax is a popular plant-based alternative to paraffin wax, which is derived from crude oil and can emit harmful chemicals when burned. Soy candles are known for their long burn time, excellent cold throw, and opaque white finish. They also burn more evenly in small glass jars compared to other types of candles. Soy wax is natural, affordable, and customisable, making it a great option for beginners.
To make a soy wax candle, you will need a heat source, such as a stovetop or a hot plate, to melt the wax. You will also need a pouring pitcher or a jar to melt the wax in, as well as containers to pour the melted wax into. Mason jars, straight-sided containers, and apothecary jars are all popular options.
Before you begin, it is important to measure out your wax. The easiest way to do this is to fill your container with wax pellets or flakes and then weigh it using a kitchen scale. This will help you determine how much scent oil to use. For one 8-ounce candle, you will need 1.5 cups of soy wax flakes.
To melt the wax, create a double boiler by filling a saucepan with water and placing a heat-proof container inside. Heat the water to a boil, then reduce to medium-low heat and add the wax. Stir occasionally until the wax reaches a temperature of 185°F (85°C).
Once the wax is melted, remove it from the heat and add your choice of essential oils or fragrance oils. Mix well with a wooden stick. Then, secure a wick to the bottom of each container using glue or a wick sticker, and centre the wick by threading it through a clothespin or using a wick bar.
Carefully pour the melted wax into your prepared containers, filling them to about 1/4 inch (6 mm) from the top. Allow the candles to cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, remove the clothespin or wick bar and trim the wicks to 1/4 inch (6 mm). You can then light your candle or seal it and store it for later.
For a strong scent, it is recommended to let soy candles cure for at least one week before burning.
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Use beeswax
Beeswax is a natural alternative to paraffin wax, which is derived from petroleum. It has a subtle sweet fragrance and can be used to make candles without any added scent. However, you can also experiment with different essential oil combinations to create unique varieties.
To make beeswax candles, you will need a few basic supplies, including a stovetop or similar heat source to melt the wax. You can use a double boiler method by placing a canning jar ring in a pot of water and setting a mason jar on top, or simply melt the wax in a glass bowl over a pot of boiling water. You will also need a container for your candle, such as a jar, tin can, or teacup, and a wick. If using a jar, it is recommended to secure the wick at the bottom with hot glue, and for all containers, you may want to wrap the wick around a skewer laid on top to keep it centred.
For the wax, you can use beeswax pellets or shred a block of beeswax with a cheese grater. You can also add coconut oil to help the candles burn slower and make the beeswax go further. Melt the wax and any additional oils, then pour the mixture into your container, leaving about an inch of space at the top. Allow the wax to harden for around 1-2 hours, then trim the wick to around 1/2 an inch.
Beeswax candles are slow-burning and require thicker, sturdier wicks than paraffin candles. You may need to experiment with different wicks to find the perfect size for your container and wax combination.
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Opt for organic essential oils
When making candles without paraffin, opting for organic essential oils is a great way to create natural, aromatic candles. Essential oils are derived from plants through distillation and are 100% natural, highly concentrated extracts. They offer more than just fragrance, as they can positively influence your mood and well-being.
There are many benefits to using essential oils in candle-making. Firstly, they allow you to create custom, all-natural scents while avoiding synthetic fragrances and harmful chemicals often found in store-bought candles. By making your own candles with essential oils, you control what goes into them, ensuring a safe and healthy burning experience.
When choosing essential oils for candle-making, consider selecting oils with higher flash points (above 150°F) and strong aromas. Oils with higher flash points are safer for candle-making and can withstand higher temperatures without igniting. Examples of essential oils with strong aromas and good performance in candles include lavender, cedar, and patchouli. These oils have excellent scent throws, both when the candle is lit and unlit, and do not significantly discolour the wax.
It is important to note that essential oils are generally more expensive than fragrance oils due to the amount of natural material required to produce them. However, you can conduct thorough testing and use lower concentrations of essential oils (below 10%) to reduce the expense.
By opting for organic essential oils in your candle-making process, you can create natural, safe, and beautifully scented candles that can elevate your space and positively impact your well-being.
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Use recycled containers
If you want to make candles without paraffin, you can use recycled containers. This is a great way to be resourceful and reduce waste. You can reuse old candle jars or other glass containers, such as food containers like pickle jars. It is important to ensure that the containers are heat-compatible, as using a non-heat-compatible container can be dangerous.
To make candles using recycled containers, you will need to clean and dry your containers thoroughly. You can then fill the containers with wax pellets or melt down old candles to create new ones. If melting down old candles, you will need a pot of boiling water to melt the wax. You can also add scent oils to your wax if desired.
Once your wax is melted, prepare your containers by sticking your wicks in place with double-sided tape or stickers. You can use tweezers to position the wick accurately. Make sure the wick is tight and upright, as a droopy wick will affect the burn. You can use a wick positioning tool or cocktail sticks, skewers, or similar items to help with this.
After your candles have fully set, trim the wicks with scissors or wick trimmers. You can save any offcuts that are a reasonable length and put them into a metal wick holder to create another functioning wick. And that's it! You've created a recycled candle that's kind to both your eyes and the planet.
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Pick cotton or wood wicks
When it comes to candle wicks, you can choose between cotton or wood wicks. Cotton wicks are made from braided cotton or synthetic fibres and are typically stiffer than wooden wicks. To help the cotton wicks retain their structure, a core stiffener or wax coating is often added. While lead was once used as a core stiffener, it has since been banned due to health concerns. Today, paper and synthetic fibres are commonly used as core stiffeners. Cotton wicks are easy to maintain, self-trimming, and less expensive to produce, making them a popular choice for candle manufacturers.
On the other hand, wooden wicks offer a unique and rustic appearance, as well as a soft crackling sound that many find pleasant. The flame of a wooden wick interacts with the wood's molecules, creating a natural wood combustion that adds to the overall experience. Wooden wicks are all-natural and untreated, sourced directly from trees. However, they require more maintenance than cotton wicks, as they need to be trimmed regularly to ensure proper burning. Additionally, wooden wicks can be more difficult to light and may take a few tries.
When deciding between cotton or wood wicks, consider your priorities in terms of ease of use, cost, and the overall experience you want to create. Cotton wicks are simple, cost-effective, and widely used, while wooden wicks offer a more rustic and ambient experience but may require more effort to maintain and use.
If you decide to use cotton wicks, you can find pre-waxed and pre-tabbed cotton wicks in candle-making kits, which can be a convenient option for beginners. These kits provide essential materials like fastening stickers and centering devices, making the candle-making process more accessible.
For wooden wicks, you will need to source them separately, as they are not commonly included in candle-making kits. You can find wooden wicks in various types, such as flat, booster, and spiral or tube styles. Flat wooden wicks are suitable for thinner waxes, while booster or spiral wicks are recommended for thicker waxes like beeswax. Keep in mind that wooden wicks may require adjustments during the candle-making process, as their performance can vary with different wax blends.
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Frequently asked questions
Soy wax and beeswax are both eco-friendly alternatives to paraffin wax. Soy wax is made from hydrogenated soybean oil and is biodegradable, renewable, and produces very little soot when burned. Beeswax is natural and has a subtle sweet fragrance, but it doesn't hold scent or colour well.
Soy wax is more affordable than beeswax and holds scent and colour better. It also has a slower burn time, so your candles will last longer.
You will need a stovetop or something similar to melt the wax, a container to hold the candle, a scale to measure the wax, and a melting pot. You can also add essential oils and fragrance oils to your candle, as well as a wick and fastening stickers to secure the wick to the bottom of the container.
First, measure out your wax by filling your container with wax pellets and using a scale to find the weight. This will help you know how much scent oil to use. Next, add the wax to your melting pot and heat until it is completely melted. Then, add your desired amount of essential or fragrance oil and mix. Finally, pour the liquid into your container and secure the wick to the bottom with fastening stickers. Allow the candle to cool and harden for 24 hours before trimming the wick and using your candle.
