Ben Carter
Candles have been used as a source of light for thousands of years, and animal fat has been used as fuel since before recorded time. Making candles from animal fat is a fairly easy endeavour, and it's possible to use any animal fat, from beef tallow to deer tallow, or even pork lard. Once the fat has been rendered down, it can be melted and poured into a container with a wick, and allowed to cool and set.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Materials | Animal fat, such as beef tallow, deer tallow, or lard |
| Container | Pre-molded containers or jars |
| Wick | Cotton, string, or spare length of string |
| Temperature | 155-160 °F for pouring, 160-165 °F for adding fragrance, 180 °F for beeswax |
| Additives | Essential oils, beeswax, paraffin wax, scented crayons, or fragrance oils |
| Cooling | A few hours |
| Storage | Refrigerate when not in use |
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Rendering fat
Rendering animal fat for candles is a practice that dates back thousands of years. People have been burning candles made from animal fat for centuries, and it's a fun and frugal way to put ALL of your home-raised beef to good use. You can use any animal fat, from beef tallow to deer tallow, or even lard from pigs.
To render the fat, you will need to melt it down. This can be done using a double boiler or a heat-safe container placed in a pot of boiling water. If using a double boiler, simply melt the fat over low to medium heat until it is fully melted. If using a heat-safe container, stir the fat occasionally until it is completely melted. You can also add beeswax or paraffin wax to the tallow to help it harden and create a longer-burning candle.
When melting the fat, it is important to supervise the process at all times and to wear oven mitts when handling hot melt pans. It is also crucial to work in a well-ventilated area to prevent the buildup of fumes. Before melting the fat, be sure to cut your wicking to the desired length, about an inch taller than your chosen candle container.
Once the fat is melted, you can begin to create your wax mixture. For dipped candles, a ratio of 3 parts tallow to 1 part beeswax or paraffin works well. You can then dip your wicks into the wax mixture, using tongs if necessary, and lift them out slowly while turning to ensure an even coating. If adding essential oils or fragrances, wait until the wax reaches a temperature of around 160-165 degrees Fahrenheit before incorporating them.
After your candles have cooled and set completely, you can trim the wicks as needed and enjoy your homemade, rendered-fat candles!
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Preparing the wick
Cutting the Wick
First, measure the wick by placing it next to your chosen candle container. Cut the wick about one inch taller than the container. This ensures that the wick extends slightly above the candle for easy lighting.
Centering the Wick
To keep the wick centred in the candle, wrap it around a stainless steel straw or a pencil. This will help the wick stay in the middle of the candle as you pour in the melted fat.
Choosing the Right Wick
If your container is larger than 3 inches in diameter, use more than one wick to prevent tunnelling. This will ensure that the candle burns evenly and that the wax melts uniformly.
If you are making dipped candles, you will prepare the wick differently. Place the wicks, preferably made of cotton, into the melted wax mixture one at a time. Use tongs if needed to handle the wicks safely. Slowly lift the wicks out of the wax while turning them to ensure they are evenly coated.
Setting the Wick
Once you have prepared the wick, it is time to set it in the candle. Carefully pour the melted fat into your chosen container, being cautious to avoid spills. Allow the candle to cool and set completely before trimming the wick. For lard candles, this may take a few hours.
Remember to always follow safety precautions when working with hot wax and open flames. Enjoy creating your unique candles from fat!
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Melting the fat
Before melting the fat, you should render it down. This involves cooking the fat until it becomes a liquid. You can use a double boiler or a heat-safe container to melt the fat. If you don't have a double boiler, you can place your fat in an oven-safe bowl over a pot of boiling water. Stir the fat occasionally until it is fully melted.
It's important to monitor the temperature closely to avoid overheating. Beeswax, for example, fully melts at 180 degrees Fahrenheit, so you would want to heat your mixture to this temperature. If you are adding fragrance oils or essential oils to your candles, you should do so when the wax reaches a temperature of around 160-165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Once the fat is melted, you can filter it to reduce sediment. This involves pouring and straining the melted fat from one container to another. You can then pour the hot fat into your candle holders.
If you are making dipped candles, you will need to place your wicks into the wax mixture and lift them out slowly while turning them to ensure they are evenly coated. For other types of candles, you can cut your wicks to about an inch taller than your desired candle holder and wrap the wicking around a stainless steel straw or a pencil to keep it in the middle.
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Adding scents
Adding a scent to your candle is a great way to personalise it and create a unique atmosphere. You can use essential oils or fragrance oils to add scent to your candles, but make sure they are designed for candle-making. You can find these oils at craft stores, home décor retailers, or candle supply stores.
Before adding your chosen oil, it is important to prepare your candle wax at the right temperature. The ideal temperature range for adding fragrance is between 175ºF to 185ºF (80ºC to 85ºC). If your fragrance is very viscous, you may need to heat the wax to 60ºC. Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature throughout the process.
Remove the wax from the heat source before adding your fragrance. For a light scent, add 3-4 drops of oil to the melted wax. If you prefer a stronger scent, add several more drops. Stir the mixture with a toothpick, starting with small circles close to the wick and working outwards.
Allow the wax to cool and harden completely. This will enable the oil to settle into the wax and enhance the scent. Trim the wick to the appropriate length for your type of wax.
You can create unique scents by combining two oils, such as vanilla and rose or lavender and pine. However, be cautious not to add too much fragrance oil, as this can cause issues like candle sweating, a weakened scent throw, and even fire hazards. Most waxes will not hold more than 12% fragrance, with store-bought candles typically containing 6-10% fragrance.
Always test your scented candle before using it to ensure it burns properly and safely.
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Pouring and setting
When making candles from animal fat, it's important to take the necessary safety precautions. Wear oven mitts when handling hot melt pans and always work in a well-ventilated area. It's also important to never pour melted fat directly into an open container, as this could be a fire hazard. Instead, use pre-moulded containers or jars for your candles.
Before pouring, you'll need to prepare your wicks. Cut the wicking material about an inch taller than your desired candle holder. Wrap the wicking around a stainless steel straw or a pencil to ensure it stays in the middle of the candle. Place your wicks into the melted fat one at a time, using tongs if necessary, then lift them out slowly while turning them to ensure they become evenly coated.
Once your wicks are coated, it's time to pour the hot fat into your chosen containers. Fill each container to the desired level, leaving some space at the top. Work quickly and cautiously to prevent spills and ensure a smooth pour.
As the fat begins to cool, you can add essential oils to it if desired. Add your chosen oils to the cooling fat and stir gently to mix them in.
Finally, allow your candles to cool and set completely before trimming the wicks. It may take a few hours for the candles to cool and set fully. Once cooled, your candles are ready to use!
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Frequently asked questions
You can use any animal fat, such as beef tallow, deer tallow, or lard.
You can use a double boiler, or place your fat in an oven-safe bowl over a pot of boiling water. Alternatively, you can use a can or a heat-safe jar.
Heat the fat over medium-low heat until it is completely melted. If you are adding beeswax, heat the mixture until it reaches 180 degrees Fahrenheit.
Yes, you can add essential oils or fragrance oils to your candles. Add the fragrance when the wax reaches a temperature of 160-165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Cut a piece of string wick about one inch taller than your desired candle holder. Wrap the wick around a pencil or a stainless steel straw, then carefully pour the melted fat into the candle holder.
