Maddie James
Candles are a popular gift and a staple of interior design, with scented candles being especially sought-after. Making your own candles is a fun hobby and can even be a lucrative business venture. To get started, you'll need to gather supplies such as wax, wicks, a double boiler, containers, fragrances or essential oils, and optional items like candle dyes and decorative elements. You can purchase candle-making kits that include these supplies, or source them individually. The next step is to follow a beginner-friendly tutorial, of which there are many available online, to guide you through the process of melting the wax, adding fragrance, securing the wick, and pouring your candle.
Characteristics and their Values for Candle Making
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wax | Shredded, cubed, chunks of the block, paraffin, soy, vegetable, beeswax |
| Wick | Cotton, wood, bamboo |
| Container | Recycled wine bottles, jars, moulds |
| Colour | Candle dyes, food colouring |
| Scent | Essential oils, fragrance oils |
| Tools | Chopsticks, straws, clothespins, thermometer, double boiler, bain-marie, heat-safe pitcher |
| Tutorials | CandleScience, Kalamazoo Candle Company, YouTube, Architectural Digest, Makesy |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing a wax type
The type of wax you choose for your candles is important, as it can affect the candle's melting point, scent throw, and overall appearance. Here are some popular options to consider:
Paraffin Wax
Paraffin wax is a common choice for candle makers. It is derived from petroleum and has a high melting point, which means your candles will burn longer. Paraffin wax also has a strong scent throw, making it ideal for scented candles. However, some people prefer to avoid paraffin wax due to its petroleum base.
Soy Wax
Soy wax is a natural, plant-based alternative to paraffin wax. It is made from hydrogenated soybean oil and has a lower melting point, resulting in a slower burn. Soy wax is known for its clean and long-lasting scent throw, making it a popular choice for scented candles. It is also eco-friendly and biodegradable, which appeals to environmentally conscious consumers.
Beeswax
Beeswax is another natural option that has been used for candle making for centuries. It has a high melting point, creating candles that burn with a bright, warm flame. Beeswax candles often have a mild, natural honey scent, and the wax itself acts as an air purifier when burned. However, beeswax can be more expensive than other types of wax and may require a higher ratio of wax to volume when making candles.
Coconut Wax
Coconut wax is a relatively new option in candle making. It is derived from coconut oil and has a high melting point, similar to paraffin wax. Coconut wax burns slowly and cleanly, with a strong scent throw. It is also known for its smooth, creamy appearance and is often used in combination with other waxes to improve their burning properties.
When choosing a wax type, consider factors such as melting point, scent throw, eco-friendliness, and cost. You can also experiment with blending different types of wax to create unique candles that suit your specific needs and preferences.
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Picking a fragrance
When choosing a fragrance, it is important to consider the scent's strength and longevity. Some fragrances may be too subtle or too overpowering, so it is important to test the fragrance before committing to it. It is also important to consider the type of wax being used, as some waxes may not hold fragrance as well as others.
Another factor to consider when choosing a fragrance is the intended use of the candle. For example, if the candle is intended to be a gift, it is important to choose a scent that the recipient will enjoy. If the candle is being made for personal use, it is important to choose a scent that you find relaxing or enjoyable.
There are a variety of fragrance options available, including essential oils, fragrance oils, and scented wax. Essential oils are natural plant extracts that provide both fragrance and potential therapeutic benefits. Fragrance oils are synthetic or natural blends that provide a wide range of scent options. Scented wax is another option, where the fragrance is already incorporated into the wax.
When adding fragrance to your candle, it is important to follow the recommended proportions. Usually, fragrance is added to the wax after it has melted and before it is poured into the container or mold. A thermometer can be used to monitor the wax temperature and determine the optimal time to add the fragrance.
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Securing the wick
Firstly, gather your supplies. You will need a wick, a container or mould, and some means of attachment such as wick stickers, glue dots, or high-temperature-resistant glue. You can also use a simple household item like a clothespin, straw, or chopstick to hold the wick in place. If you don't have any of the aforementioned adhesives, a dab of melted wax can also be used as glue.
Next, prepare your container or mould. Clean your vessel and attach the wick to the centre bottom of the container. If using wick stickers, attach the metal end of the wick to the container. Alternatively, apply a small amount of glue or melted wax to secure the wick in place.
Now, it's time to stabilise the wick. Place a Popsicle stick or chopstick on either side of the wick and rest them on the top of the container. This will provide support and keep the wick upright once you start pouring the melted wax. For an even more secure setup, you can enhance this by drilling a hole through the centre of a Popsicle stick and threading the wick through the hole.
Finally, you can make some final adjustments to the wick after the candle has been made. Keep a wick trimmer handy to trim the wick to your desired length after the candle has cooled and solidified.
Remember, the appropriate size of the wick depends on the diameter of your container or mould. Always select a wick that is suitable for the size of your candle-making project.
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Melting the wax
Melting wax is a crucial step in candle-making, and there are several ways to do it. One common method is to use a double boiler, also known as a bain-marie. This method helps prevent the wax from burning or overheating. You can purchase a double boiler or create your own by placing a heat-safe pitcher or bowl in simmering water. If you're using a heat-safe bowl, make sure it's placed on top of the pot.
When melting wax, it's important to monitor the temperature with a thermometer. This will help you determine the right time to add fragrance oils and pour the wax into containers or moulds. The ideal temperature for adding fragrance oils is around 185 degrees Fahrenheit, after which you can turn off the burner and let the wax cool to about 135 degrees Fahrenheit before pouring it into your prepared container.
To melt wax using a double boiler, start by shredding or cutting it into smaller pieces, such as cubes or chunks. This will speed up the melting process. Then, place the wax in the top portion of the double boiler, ensuring it is heat-safe. Fill the bottom portion of the double boiler with water and heat it on a stove until the wax melts.
If you're using a microwave-safe wax like Siblings wax, you can melt the wax in the microwave, eliminating the need for a double boiler. Simply follow the instructions provided with your wax for safe melting in the microwave.
Once your wax is melted, you can add fragrance or essential oils, following the recommended proportions. Stir the mixture with a spatula to ensure even distribution. It's important to note that if you plan on scenting your candles, it's best to do it while the wax is melting. You can also add colour to your candles at this stage with candle dyes. However, this step is entirely optional.
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Pouring the wax
Melting the Wax
First, prepare your workspace and gather the necessary supplies. To melt the wax, use a double boiler or a heat-safe pitcher with simmering water. Place about an inch of water in a saucepan and then put the pouring pot in the water. This ensures the wax doesn't receive direct heat. Adjust the heat to a medium-low setting to maintain a gentle boil. Check the wax temperature frequently to ensure it doesn't get too hot.
Adding Colour and Fragrance
Once the wax is melted, you can add colour and fragrance. For colour, candle dye can be added, and for fragrance, essential oils or fragrance oils can be used. It is recommended to add the fragrance just before pouring to avoid losing any scent due to prolonged heating. Stir the mixture thoroughly to ensure an even distribution of colour and fragrance.
Preparing the Molds/Containers
Before pouring, it is suggested to pre-heat your molds or containers to prevent surface chilling and obtain a smooth finish. Clean molds are essential for the best results. Secure the wicks in place using wick holders like clothespins, straws, or chopsticks.
Check the temperature of the wax before pouring. The ideal pouring temperature is between 150°F and 185°F. Pouring too hot can cause shrinkage, while pouring too cool may result in air bubbles and blemishes. Pour the wax slowly and steadily into the prepared molds or containers.
The Second Pour
After the first pour, allow the candle to cool almost completely before topping it off with the second pour. This is necessary because the wax needs to contract to come out of the mold easily. Do not pour the second pour higher than the original pour to avoid any unevenness.
Cooling and Finishing
You can accelerate the cooling process by placing the mold in a water bath or refrigerator. Once the candle is solid, you may need to do a re-pour due to wax shrinkage. Always save some wax from the original batch to ensure colour consistency. Finally, trim the wicks to the desired length.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need wax, a melting pot, a stove, a container, a wick, a thermometer, a spoon, and fragrance oil.
Candle wax is typically available as shavings, flakes, or blocks. You can buy it in bulk from craft stores or online suppliers. Soy wax, parasoy wax, and beeswax are all popular options.
Most candles perform best when the wax accounts for 92-93% of the candle and the fragrance oil accounts for the remaining 7-7.7%. Adding more fragrance oil does not make a stronger candle.
The wick should be suitable for the type and size of candle you are making. If you use a wick that is too big, your candle will burn too hot, wasting wax. If you use a wick that is too small, it will tunnel straight down the middle of your candle.
