Chloe Adams
Candle-making is a fun, rewarding, and increasingly popular hobby. It is a great way to save money, create thoughtful gifts, and add a cosy touch to your home. The process is relatively straightforward, and the tools and methods are almost as simple today as they were thousands of years ago. You will need a few basic supplies, including wax, a wick, a stovetop or similar heat source, a container, and any desired fragrances or dyes. You can use natural waxes like beeswax or soy wax, or more affordable options like paraffin wax. To make a candle, first measure and melt your wax, then add any desired fragrances or dyes. Next, secure your wick in the centre of your container and pour in the wax. Allow the wax to set, then trim the wick, and your candle is ready to use!
Preparing New Candles
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wax | Soy wax, Beeswax, Paraffin wax |
| Container | Repurpose old jars, teacups, tins, new glasses, porcelain containers |
| Wick | Flat-braided cotton, thinner for small candles, thicker for larger candles |
| Scent | Essential oils, fragrance oils, dried flowers |
| Color | Dye, crayons |
| Mold | Mold-release spray, non-stick cooking spray |
| Melting | Stovetop, microwave, double boiler |
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What You'll Learn
Measure wax and melt
The first step in preparing new candles is to measure the wax. This is done by filling the container that will be used for the candle with wax pellets. The weight of the wax can then be determined using a kitchen scale. This measurement is important as it helps calculate the amount of scent oil needed. If you are using a mould, you can simply fill it with wax to measure.
Once you have measured your wax, it's time to melt it. You can use a stovetop, a melting pot, or a double boiler for this step. If using a double boiler, allow the wax to melt for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring frequently. You can also melt wax in the microwave at 30-second intervals until it is fully liquified. Remember to protect your work surface with newspaper or paper towels, as melted wax can be difficult to remove.
While the wax is melting, you can prepare your wick by attaching it to the bottom of your container. Use a wick sticker or hot glue to secure the metal bottom of the wick to the centre of the container. If using a mould, fix the wick to the bottom according to the instructions, using wick putty or strong tape to prevent wax leakage. Place a pencil, skewer, or stick across the mould opening and pull the wick up through the centre, tying it to keep it taut.
At this point, you can add fragrance oils and dyes to your melted wax, creating your desired colour and fragrance. Simply pour the additives into the melted wax and stir. You can also add chopped crayons to your melting wax to create different hues. Fragrance oils can be added according to the instructions on the wax package.
Now that your wax is melted and fragranced, it's time to pour it into your prepared container or mould. Leave a small amount of wax in the boiler to use later for topping off your candle. Centre the wick by sandwiching it between two chopsticks or similar implements laid across the top of the container. Allow the wax to set for at least four hours at room temperature.
If your candle has an uneven surface after hardening, simply reheat the reserved wax and pour it over the imperfections. Allow this final layer to harden, then trim your wick to less than half an inch. Your candle is now ready to light and enjoy!
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Prepare wicks and containers
Preparing wicks and containers is an essential step in candle-making. Here is a detailed guide:
Firstly, select an appropriate container for your candle. You can reuse old containers such as cleaned-out food jars, or purchase new glass or porcelain containers. Ensure the container is heat-resistant and avoid materials that can melt or catch fire, like plastic.
Next, measure how much wax will fit in your chosen container. This step is crucial for calculating the amount of scent oil needed, as a general rule, use 1 ounce of scent oil for every 1 pound of wax. Double the amount of wax needed to melt, as you will need extra wax for topping off your candle later.
Now, prepare your wick. Use wicks with metal tabs at one end, which help the wick stand upright in the container. The type of wick depends on the size of your candle; thinner wicks are suitable for small candles, while thicker wicks are meant for larger candles. Flat-braided cotton wicks are a good all-purpose option.
Attach the wick to the centre of your container before pouring in the wax. Use a wick sticker or hot glue to secure the metal bottom of the wick to the bottom centre of the container. You can also dip the wick in melted wax and quickly stick it to the bottom. To keep the wick centred while the wax sets, lay two chopsticks or a pencil across the container, sandwiching the wick between them.
Finally, pour the melted wax into your prepared container. Ensure the wick remains centred and adjust it if necessary while the wax is still hot and liquid. Leave a small amount of wax in the boiler for topping off your candle later. Allow the wax to set for at least four hours at room temperature.
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Add 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 adding fragrance and colour to your homemade candle:
Choosing the Right Wax
Firstly, it is important to choose a wax that will hold fragrance and colour well. Beeswax, for example, has a subtle sweet fragrance and a pale golden colour, so it may not be the best option if you want a strong scent or a different colour. Soy wax, on the other hand, is a great natural option that will take on any fragrance and colour of your choice. Paraffin wax is the most economical option, but it is the least natural.
Adding Scent
When it comes to adding a scent to your candle, fragrance or essential oils are a great option. A good rule of thumb is to use one ounce of scent oil for every one pound of wax. However, it is always best to follow the instructions on your wax package for how much fragrance to add. You can also use dried flower petals to add a subtle scent to your candle.
Adding Colour
There are a few different ways to add colour to your candle. One option is to use candle dye, which you can add directly to your melted wax. Another creative way to add colour is to use crayons! Simply chop up crayons in a similar colour family and add them to your melting wax. This will give your candle a unique hue.
Mixing and Pouring
Once you have added your fragrance and colour, simply stir the mixture for a few seconds until it is well combined. Then, carefully pour the wax into your prepared container or mould. If you are using a container, make sure the wick is centred and secured before pouring in the wax.
Curing and Trimming
Allow your candle to cure and harden at room temperature for at least four hours. Once it is fully hardened, you can trim the wick to less than half an inch. Your candle is now ready to be lit and enjoyed!
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Pour wax into moulds
Now that your wax is melted and fragranced, it's time to pour it into your moulds. If you're using a mould, you won't need a container for your candle, but you will need to fix the wick to the bottom of the mould. You can use wick putty or strong tape to do this. Place a pencil, skewer, or stick across the mould opening and pull the wick up through the centre, tying it to the stick to keep it taut.
If you're using a container, attach the wick by dipping it in the melting wax and sticking it to the bottom of the container. You can also use a wick sticker or hot glue to secure the metal bottom of the wick to the centre of the container.
When pouring the wax, hold the wick in place and try not to pull on it. Leave a small amount of wax in the boiler to top off your candle later. Lay two chopsticks across the top of the container to sandwich the wick and keep it centred while the wax hardens.
If you're adding any decorations, such as dried flower petals, do this before pouring the wax into the mould or container. You can also add a matching fragrance oil to enhance the scent of the petals.
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Allow candles to cure
Allowing candles to cure is an important step in the candle-making process. Curing allows the fragrance oils and wax to bond and helps the candle burn more effectively. The curing process can take up to two weeks, so it's important to be patient.
To start the curing process, trim the wick to the appropriate length. If the wick is too long, it may produce a large flame or black smoke when lit. Once the wick is trimmed, light your candle and let it burn for two hours. This initial burn time will create a memory band in the wax, which will help the candle burn more evenly in the future.
After the initial burn, extinguish the flame and allow the candle to cool completely. The cooling process can take several hours. Once the candle is cool, check the memory band. If it is uneven, use a hairdryer on a low setting to soften the wax and smooth it out.
Repeat the process of burning and cooling the candle for two-hour intervals over the next two weeks. This will help strengthen the memory band and improve the candle's burn time. After each burn, trim the wick to maintain a length of less than half an inch.
By allowing your candles to cure thoroughly, you will enjoy a longer-lasting and more fragrant burning experience.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need wax, a wick, a melting pot, a container for the candle, and fragrance and dye (optional).
You can use beeswax, soy wax, or paraffin wax. Beeswax is natural and has a subtle sweet fragrance, but can be expensive. Soy wax is also natural, but usually comes as a blend. Paraffin wax is the most economical, but the least natural.
Measure how much wax you need to fill your container, then double it. That’s how much wax you will need to melt.
While the wax melts (or as it cools off), add your wick to the container. Use a wick sticker or hot glue to stick the metal bottom of the wick to the bottom centre of the container. Then, use a clothespin or stick to wrap the top of the wick around so it will stay centred once you pour in the wax.
You can add fragrance and dye to the melted wax to give it colour and fragrance. You can also adhere dried petals to the side of the container with some wax and a paintbrush.
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