Jessie Taylor
Oil candles are easy to make and are a great option in an emergency, as they require fewer supplies than traditional wax candles. You can use any kind of oil, such as olive, palm, or coconut oil, as long as it is in liquid form. To make an oil candle, you will need a wide-mouthed jar, a wick, and the oil of your choice. You can also add fragrance or essential oils to your candle to create a pleasant scent. If you want to make your own fragrance oil, you will need to use a steam distillation kit to distill natural ingredients such as pine needles. However, this process can be complex and time-consuming. Once you have your supplies, simply follow the easy instructions available online to create a beautiful and functional oil candle.
How to Make Oil Candles
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Oil | Olive oil, meat grease, palm oil, coconut oil, etc. |
| Container | Wide-mouthed mason jars, lantern, squatty-style half-pint jars |
| Wick | All-cotton string, synthetic fibres, lantern wick |
| Scent | Fragrance oil, essential oils, dried herbs, pine essential oil |
| Other Materials | Wire, matchstick, paper clip, wick holders, glue, chopsticks |
| Benefits | Quick and easy to make, fewer supplies needed, can be made in an emergency |
| Downsides | Oil may be difficult to light, synthetic fragrance oils may be hazardous |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right oil
When making oil candles, it is important to choose the right oil for a safe and effective candle. Here are some factors to consider when selecting your oil:
Type of Oil
The type of oil you choose will impact the burning properties of your candle. Some oils may produce smoke, while others burn more cleanly. Olive oil is a popular choice for oil candles as it burns cleanly and won't produce smoke. Other liquid oils, such as coconut oil or palm oil, can be used but may not burn as cleanly as olive oil. Meat grease can also be used, but it is important to store it in the fridge until you are ready to use it.
Scent
Adding a scent to your oil candle is a great way to create ambiance and set the mood in any room. Fragrance oils or essential oils can be added to your chosen oil to create a pleasant aroma. When selecting a scent, consider the size of the room where the candle will be used. Stronger scents are more suitable for larger rooms, while more subtle scents, such as lavender or vanilla, are better for smaller spaces. Citrus and floral scents are stimulating and can increase focus and alertness, making them ideal for workspaces or bedrooms. Woody scents, like oakmoss or sandalwood, create a warm and cozy atmosphere, perfect for winter or Christmas candles.
Container
The container you choose for your oil candle is important, especially if you are adding a scent. Narrow containers, such as short, wide-mouth mason jars, are ideal for oil candles with smaller wicks, as they prevent tunneling and ensure an even burn. Glass, enamel, and tin containers are heat-resistant and suitable for candle-making, while delicate items like wine glasses may be prone to cracking.
Wick
Selecting the right wick is crucial for oil candles. A smaller wick is generally best for oil candles with added scents, as it helps maintain a steady burn and maximizes the scent throw. Cotton or wood wicks designed for use with oil are good choices, while synthetic wicks should be avoided as they do not burn cleanly.
Safety
When making oil candles, it is important to prioritize safety. Use a heat-safe container and avoid synthetic wicks to reduce the risk of fire hazards. Additionally, be cautious with the oil level to ensure the wick is consumed slowly and does not burn too quickly.
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Picking a jar
When choosing a jar, it is also important to consider the size and volume. Smaller jars may be more stable and easier to work with, but they will also hold less oil and may require more frequent refills. On the other hand, larger jars can accommodate more oil and burn for longer durations but may be bulkier and require more oil to fill.
The shape of the jar is another factor to consider. Squatty-style jars are often preferred for oil candles as they provide a good balance between volume and ease of use. They hold a sufficient amount of oil while still being easy to create the candle in and manage the wick.
It is also essential to ensure that the jar is clean and dry before using it for candle-making. Any residue or moisture in the jar can affect the quality and burning of the candle. Additionally, the jar should have a wide enough mouth to allow for easy access to the wick for lighting and adjusting as needed.
When selecting a jar, it is also worth considering the decorative aspect. Clear jars can be preferred as they allow you to showcase the oil and any added decorations, such as dried herbs or simple household items. You can also decorate the jar externally to match your aesthetic preferences or the theme of the space where the candle will be placed.
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Preparing the wick
Firstly, select an appropriate wick material. It is recommended to use an all-cotton string for the candle wick, as synthetic fibres may not burn cleanly. You can use kitchen string or cotton twine, which can be easily sourced. Ensure the wick is long enough to reach the oil in your chosen container.
Next, prepare a wick holder to keep the wick centred and upright. You can use chopsticks, skewers, or any similar item. If you're feeling creative, you can even make a decorative wick holder using items like dried twigs or small branches. Just ensure they are dry and stripped of any leaves.
Now, it's time to secure the wick to the wick holder. You can do this by wrapping the wick tightly around the base of the wick holder several times and then using a small amount of hot glue or adhesive to hold it in place. Alternatively, you can use a glue gun to directly glue the wick to the inside bottom of your chosen container, ensuring it is centred.
Once the wick is secured, you can trim the wick to the desired length. Leave enough wick above the oil level to light it easily, but not so much that it becomes a fire hazard. A good rule of thumb is to have the wick no longer than twice the diameter of your container.
Finally, if you're using a wide-mouthed container, consider adding a wick holder across the top to further stabilise the wick and prevent it from falling into the oil. This can be as simple as resting a chopstick or skewer across the top of the container, with the wick running through the centre.
By following these steps, you'll have a well-prepared wick that will burn efficiently and safely in your oil candle.
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Adding fragrance
Fragrance oils are cheaper and can be purchased online or from specialist stores. They are manufactured to deliver a strong scent, so a little goes a long way. Essential oils, on the other hand, are pricier but are associated with aromatherapy and wellness benefits. You can purchase pure essential oils online or from health and wellness stores.
If you want to make your own fragrance, it is possible to make essential oils at home through steam distillation. However, this process requires specialist equipment and knowledge, and it is a time-consuming and expensive process. You would need to source chemicals such as benzyl benzoate, diethyl phthalate, and TMAocthydronaphthalenes, and then formulate the oil into a fragrance oil. In some countries, you will also need to have the oil tested and approved for use in candles.
An alternative method to add fragrance to your candles is to use dried herbs. You can also add decorative elements to the jar to make the candle more aesthetically pleasing.
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Lighting the candle
Lighting an oil candle can be a little tricky compared to a wax candle. The wick of an oil candle is supplied with fuel as the oil level goes down. To light the candle, carefully hold a lit match or lighter to the wick. You may need to adjust the wick's position to ensure it is centred and fully coated in oil. If the wick is too high, it may not light properly, and if it is too low, it could be submerged in oil, which will extinguish the flame.
Once the wick is lit, you may need to adjust the flame height by moving the wick slightly up or down. If the flame is too high, it may smoke or produce soot. If the flame is too low, it may flicker or go out.
It is important to note that oil candles should never be left unattended, as they can be a fire hazard. Always burn the candle on a heat-resistant surface and keep it away from flammable materials. Ensure that the oil is at room temperature before lighting, as cold oil may not burn properly.
If you are using a container for your oil candle, such as a mason jar, it is important to choose a container that is wide enough to allow you to reach the wick easily. Shorter jars are generally better for oil candles, as they make it easier to access the wick and prevent the oil from splashing or spilling.
When lighting an oil candle, always exercise caution and follow basic fire safety guidelines. Keep a fire extinguisher or a bucket of sand nearby in case of emergencies. Do not attempt to light the candle if the wick is wet or if there are any debris or foreign objects in the oil.
By following these instructions and staying vigilant, you can safely enjoy the warm glow and unique ambiance of your homemade oil candle.
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Frequently asked questions
You can use any kind of liquid oil, such as olive oil, palm oil, coconut oil, or meat grease. However, it's important to note that some oils may produce smoke, whereas olive oil burns cleanly.
You can use any kind of wide-mouth mason jar that will allow you to easily reach the wick. Shorter jars are better for oil-based candles, as they make it easier to access the wick.
Use an all-cotton string for the candle wick. Synthetic fibres will not burn cleanly. You can use kitchen string or any kind of wire to support the wick, such as a paper clip or copper wire.
You can add your favourite candle scents, fragrance oils, or essential oils to your oil candle. You could also add dried herbs for a natural scent. However, creating your own fragrance oils at home can be challenging and may require specialised equipment and knowledge.
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