Brooke Martin
Candles are a great way to set the mood and create a cosy atmosphere. Making your own candles at home is a fun and rewarding project, and it's easier than you might think! You can make candles with just a few simple ingredients, such as wax, wicks, and oils. You can even get creative and use essential oils to add a natural fragrance to your candles. In this guide, we'll walk you through the process of making your own oil-infused candles, including choosing the right ingredients, preparing your workspace, and adding your unique scent. So get ready to roll up your sleeves and create something special!
How to make oil-infused candles
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Wax, wicks, essential oils, jars |
| Type of wax | Soy wax, paraffin, beeswax, coconut wax, olive oil |
| Type of wicks | Natural hemp-based wicks, organic cotton wicks |
| Type of jars | Mason jars, old baby food jars, spaghetti sauce jars |
| Scent | Essential oils (e.g. lavender, grapefruit, eucalyptus), fragrance oils |
| Process | Melt wax, add essential oils, anchor wicks to jars, pour wax into jars, cool wax, trim wicks |
| Benefits | All-natural, relaxing, eco-friendly, cost-effective |
| Tips | Use disposable stirring device, test burn, check burning point of essential oils |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right oil
Fragrance oils are manufactured to deliver consistent and long-lasting results. They are created to work well with different types of wax, such as paraffin and soy wax, ensuring a safe and reliable option. These oils are also tested for exceptional performance and adhere to safety and purity standards, often being free from harmful chemicals like phthalates. When selecting a fragrance oil, opt for those that are crafted to provide an excellent hot and cold scent throw, ensuring your candles maintain their aroma over time.
It is also important to consider the desired strength of the scent and the environment in which the candle will be used. For instance, warm and spicy scents like cinnamon or cedarwood are perfect for winter candles, while citrus or floral fragrances are more suited for spring and summer creations. If you're looking for an all-natural option, choose fragrance oils derived entirely from plants. These natural oils will provide true-to-life scents without the use of synthetic ingredients.
Additionally, pay attention to the compatibility of the fragrance oil with your chosen wax. Some oils may require specific treatment to ensure proper burning and evaporation. Ready-to-use fragrance oils are also available, making the process simpler. These oils can be poured directly from the bottle, eliminating the need for additional preparation. Remember to always follow the recommended usage instructions provided by the manufacturer to ensure the best results.
Finally, consider the cost and availability of the oils. Fragrance oils can vary in price, and some suppliers may offer discounts for bulk purchases. Compare prices and look for sales to find the best value for your chosen oil. By carefully considering these factors, you can choose the right oil for your oil-infused candles, ensuring a pleasant and consistent aroma.
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Selecting a wick
Selecting the right wick for your candle is crucial if you want to avoid problems and create high-quality candles. The type of wick you select will determine how your candle burns, its scent throw, and whether it produces unnecessary toxins.
There are several types of wicks to choose from, including:
- Natural wicks: Traditional candle wicks release butane gas as they burn, so some people opt for natural hemp-based wicks instead. Hemp wicks are made from 100% organic hemp, are biodegradable, and non-toxic. They can be purchased pre-tabbed or in a spool to make any desired candle height.
- Wooden wicks: Wooden wicks are a relatively new addition to the candle-making industry. They are made from wood from FSC-certified mills, which means they meet stringent social and economic sustainability requirements. Softwood wicks are superior to hardwood wicks as they produce a unique crackling sound when they burn. Wooden wicks are ideal for natural waxes such as soy and waxes that can hold a lot of fragrance oil. They are meant to be used in containers and should not be used in pillars or votives.
- Cotton wicks: Organic cotton wicks are another option and can be purchased at local craft shops, candle supply stores, or online.
- Wire core wicks: These wicks have a wire core that helps them remain standing straight while the candle is being poured and when it is lit. They are widely used and can be used for votives, pillars, and gel candles.
- CD series wicks: These wicks are a favourite among seasoned candlemakers as they are flat braided with a special paper filament woven around them.
When selecting a wick, it is important to consider the type of wax, fragrance oil, dye, and container you are using, as these factors will influence the recommended candle wick type. For example, soy wax has a longer, slower burn time than paraffin wax, so a thinner wick may be best. Additionally, the amount of fragrance oil, dye, and type of wax will affect how wooden wicks burn. It is recommended to test burn your candles to ensure you have selected the proper wick and to avoid disappointment.
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Preparing the container
To prepare the container for your oil-infused candle, you'll need to select the right vessel and ensure it's clean and dry. Mason jars are a popular choice, but you can also use old baby food jars or spaghetti sauce jars as long as they can withstand heat and won't shatter. If you're repurposing old jars, give them a good wash and dry them thoroughly before using them for candle-making.
Once you've selected and prepared your container, it's time to attach the wick. You can use organic cotton wicks, natural hemp-based wicks, or even make your own wicks with all-cotton string. Avoid synthetic fibres as they don't burn cleanly. Centre and secure the wick to the inside bottom of the jar using a bit of melted wax or glue. Alternatively, you can use wick stickers or a glue gun if you have one handy.
To keep the wick upright and centred, place a wick holder or a horizontal chopstick across the top of the jar. Tape the wick to the chopstick to ensure it stays in place. If you're using a thicker wick or lantern wick, you may need to adjust the thickness to control the brightness of the flame and how long the candle burns.
Before pouring the wax, it's important to test burn your candle to ensure the wick is the right size for the container and scent. This step may take some time to perfect, but it's crucial for the candle's performance and safety. Once you're satisfied with the test burn, you can move on to the next step of pouring the wax and adding your oil infusion.
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Melting the wax
Firstly, gather your wax. You can use wax flakes or repurpose old candles that have lost their aesthetic appeal. Soy wax is a popular choice for candle-making, but you can also use paraffin or beeswax. Coconut wax is another option and creates a beautiful, natural candle.
Next, prepare your workspace. Candle-making can be messy, so use a disposable container to melt your wax in. A pot or saucepan specifically designated for candle-making is ideal. Ensure your work area is heat-resistant and well-ventilated, as you will be applying heat to the wax.
Now, it's time to melt the wax. Place your wax flakes or broken-down old candles into your pot or saucepan. Turn the heat to a low-medium setting. Soy wax, in particular, melts fairly easily, but you may need to turn up the heat slightly if it's taking longer than a few minutes. Stir the wax frequently with a wooden or disposable utensil, such as a chopstick, to ensure even melting. Avoid using metal utensils, as the wax will stick to them.
Once your wax is completely melted, it's time to add your essential oils. This is where your candles become truly infused with fragrance. Add 80-102 drops of your chosen essential oil(s) directly into the melted wax. The exact amount will depend on the type of essential oil you're using and the desired potency of the scent. Remember to opt for pure, high-quality essential oils to avoid producing toxins when the candle is burned.
At this stage, it's important to stir the wax and oil mixture thoroughly to ensure the oils are evenly distributed. Take your time with this step, as it is crucial for creating a consistent fragrance throughout your candle.
After combining the wax and oils, you're ready to start pouring your candles. However, the wax mixture should not be too hot when poured, as this can affect the candle's texture and appearance. Allow the wax to cool slightly before proceeding to the next step of pouring it into your prepared jars or containers.
Remember, melting the wax is a crucial step in the candle-making process. Take your time, follow safety precautions, and enjoy the process of creating your own oil-infused candles.
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Adding oil and pouring the wax
To make oil-infused candles, you will need candle wax, a wick, a vessel, and essential oils. Popular wax options include soy, paraffin, and beeswax, while wick options include natural hemp-based wicks or organic cotton wicks. Essential oils such as lavender, grapefruit, eucalyptus, ginger, and marjoram can be used to scent your candles.
Once you have gathered your supplies, follow these steps for adding the oil and pouring the wax:
Adding the Oil
- Melt the wax in a pot over low to medium heat. Soy wax flakes should melt fairly easily, but you can slightly increase the heat if it is taking longer than a few minutes.
- Stir the melted wax with a wooden or disposable stirring device, such as a chopstick. Avoid using metal utensils as the wax will stick to them.
- Add your essential oils directly into the pot. Use 80-102 drops, depending on the type of essential oil and its potency. For a stronger scent, you can add up to 100 drops.
- Stir the mixture gently to ensure the oil is evenly distributed throughout the wax.
Pouring the Wax
- Prepare your vessel by anchoring the wick to the bottom of the jar using a bit of wax or purchased anchors. Alternatively, you can use glue or a glue gun to secure the wick.
- Tape the wick upright to a horizontal chopstick or pen/pencil, ensuring it is centred and straight.
- Carefully pour the melted wax and oil mixture into the prepared vessel. Fill the jar almost to the top, leaving a small gap to allow for the wax's expansion as it solidifies.
- Let the wax stand until it solidifies completely. This usually takes about an hour at room temperature, but you can also refrigerate it to speed up the process.
- Once solid, cut the wick to the desired length. For proper burning, trim the wick to 1/4 inch above the wax.
It is important to note that essential oils have different burning points, so be sure to test burn your candle to ensure it burns properly and that the wick is suitable for the scent and container.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need wax, wicks, and essential oils. Popular wax options include soy, paraffin, and beeswax. Natural wicks made from hemp or organic cotton are preferable to traditional candle wicks, which release butane gas when they burn. Essential oils can be extracted from raw plants via steam distillation or cold pressing.
You will need a disposable stirring device, a pot, a heat source, and containers for your candles. Mason jars, old baby food jars, or spaghetti sauce jars can work well. You will also need something to anchor your wicks in place, such as a chopstick, pencil, or glue.
First, melt your wax in a pot over low to medium heat. Then, add your essential oils directly to the pot. The number of drops will depend on the type and potency of the oil. Next, anchor your wicks to the bottom of your containers using wax or purchased anchors. Tape the wicks upright, then pour the wax-and-oil mixture into the containers. Let the candles stand until solid, then trim the wicks as needed.
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