Maddie James
Making candles at home is a fun and simple DIY project that can be done in a few simple steps. It is a great way to save money and create a beautifully lit, aromatherapy-infused atmosphere in your home. With a handful of materials, some of which can be found at home, you can craft beautiful, fragrant candles. These make great gifts for your friends and family or even for special occasions such as weddings.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time | 20 minutes to 4 years |
| Workspace | Plenty of workspace and somewhere to leave them to cure |
| Materials | Wax, wick, heat-proof container, pot, bowl, stove, fragrance oil, dye, mould, skewer, thermometer, kitchen scale, glue |
| Wax | Soy wax, beeswax, wax pellets, wax flakes, wax shavings |
| Wick | Paper, cotton, zinc, wood |
| Scent | Essential oils, fragrance oils, dried herbs |
| Colour | Candle-specific dye |
| Mould | Metal |
| Troubleshooting | Sinkholes, air pockets |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing a vessel and wax type
Choosing the right vessel and wax type is an important step in the candle-making process. The vessel you choose will determine the overall look and feel of your candle, while the wax type will affect the candle's burning properties and scent retention.
When selecting a vessel, you have several options. You can choose from votive holders, specific candle jars, empty Mason jars, tin cans, or even recycled glass jars. Ensure your containers are heat-proof, clean, and dry, and always place them on a flat surface. The size and shape of your vessel will also influence the size and shape of your wick, so keep that in mind when making your selection.
For the wax, you have a variety of options to choose from, each with its unique properties:
- Beeswax: Beeswax is a natural wax that has a high melting point, making it ideal for candles that will be burned for extended periods. It also has a pleasant, subtle scent and is often used in combination with other waxes.
- Soy Wax: Soy wax is another natural option that is popular among candle makers. It has a lower melting point than beeswax, and it tends to contract as it sets, which can cause sinkholes in the candle's surface. However, soy wax is known for its ability to hold fragrance oils well.
- Paraffin Wax: Paraffin wax is a common type of wax used in candle making. It is derived from petroleum and has a high melting point, making it suitable for long-burning candles. Paraffin wax is also known for its ability to hold fragrance oils effectively.
- Blended Wax: You can also opt to blend different types of wax to create unique properties. For example, blending soy and beeswax can result in a candle with improved scent retention and a higher melting point.
When choosing your wax, consider the burning properties you desire, the type of vessel you've selected, and the overall aesthetic you wish to achieve. Additionally, always ensure you are using good quality wax to ensure a clean and slow burn.
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Preparing the wick
Once you have selected the appropriate wick, it's time to prepare it for your candle. If using a mould, fix the wick to the bottom of the mould according to the instructions. You can use wick putty or strong tape to secure the wick and prevent wax from leaking out. Place a pencil, skewer, or stick across the mould's opening, then pull the wick up through the centre and tie it to the stick to keep it taut. If using a container, attach the wick sticker to the wick and place it in the centre of the vessel. Use hot glue or a wick sticker to secure the metal bottom of the wick to the bottom centre of the container.
To ensure your wick is the correct size, refer to a wick guide provided by candle-making suppliers. These guides are typically based on the type of wax and the size of the vessel. You can also use your candle container as a measuring tool. Fill the container with wax flakes or shavings, keeping in mind that melted wax takes up less space. As a general rule, use about two containers' worth of flakes per candle.
After preparing the wick, you can move on to melting the wax and adding any desired fragrances or colours. Remember to trim the wick before using your homemade candle!
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Melting wax
Firstly, measure out your wax. You can do this by filling the container that will become your candle with wax pellets or flakes. Use a kitchen scale to weigh the wax, which will also help determine the amount of scent oil needed later. Next, prepare your double boiler by filling a larger pot halfway with water and placing it on a stove over medium heat. Place a metal container, such as a melting pot, into the water, ensuring it is fully submerged.
Now, add your wax to the melting pot. The amount of wax needed will depend on the size of your container and the number of candles you are making. As a general rule, melted wax takes up less space, so use about two containers' worth of flakes or pellets per candle. Heat the wax until it reaches a temperature between 160 and 185 degrees Fahrenheit. Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature.
While the wax is melting, you can prepare your wick by attaching it to the centre of your vessel or mould using wick stickers, hot glue, or putty. Place the wick holder, such as a pencil or skewer, across the mould or container to keep the wick taut.
Once the wax has fully melted, remove the metal container from the hot water. At this stage, you can add fragrance oils or essential oils to the melted wax if you want scented candles. Stir well to distribute the scent evenly. Allow the wax mixture to cool slightly before pouring it into your prepared mould or container.
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Adding scent and colour
Adding a scent and colour to your candle is a great way to personalise it and make it unique. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you add fragrance and colour to your homemade candle:
Adding Scent:
Firstly, decide on the type of scent you want to add to your candle. You can choose between essential oils, fragrance oils, or dried herbs. Essential oils are the most natural option and offer a more subtle scent, while fragrance oils are stronger and more synthetic. Popular choices include rosemary and lavender essential oils. Measure out your chosen oil using a kitchen scale, following the general rule that fragrance oil should make up around 7% of your candle. Once your wax has melted, stir in the scent so that it is well distributed.
Adding Colour:
When adding colour to your candle, it is important to use candle-specific dye to avoid altering the wax composition and affecting the solidifying process. Add the dye to your melted wax, stirring well to ensure an even distribution of colour.
Combining Scents and Colours:
You can also get creative by combining different scents and colours to create unique candles. For example, you could pair complementary scents and colours, such as lavender and purple, or rosemary and green. Alternatively, you could create candles inspired by specific themes or seasons, such as a fresh and floral spring candle or a warm and spicy autumn candle.
Remember to always work in a well-ventilated area when adding scents and colours, and wear protective gloves if necessary. Enjoy the process of experimenting with different combinations to find your favourite scented and coloured creations!
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Pouring and curing
Now that your wick is in place, you can pour the wax into your container. If you are using dye or essential oils, add these to the melted wax before pouring. You can also add dried herbs, like dried lavender or rosemary, for a natural scent. The wax will start to harden as soon as it touches the sides of the container, so work quickly.
If you are using a mould, tie the wick to a stick or pencil placed across the mould, so that it remains taut once the wax is poured. You can also use wick putty or strong tape to prevent the wax from leaking out.
Once you have poured the wax, place the mould or container in a cold-water bath to speed up the cooling process. You can also gently tap the sides of the container to help release air pockets.
After the wax has cooled and set, remove the candle from the mould. If you used a mould, the end of the candle that was at the base of the mould will be the top of the candle. Trim the wick at the top to 1/4 inch, and trim the wick at the other end so that it is flush with the candle.
Your candle now needs time to cure. This usually takes about two weeks. During this time, you may notice a dip or hole around the wick, known as a sinkhole. This is common, especially with soy wax, and can be fixed by pouring a small amount of extra wax into the gap.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need wax, a heat-proof container, a stove or slow cooker, a pot, a wick, and fragrance or essential oil.
You can use wax pellets or flakes. Soy wax and beeswax are popular choices.
After melting your wax, add your fragrance or essential oil. Stir the mixture for a few seconds.
