Maddie James
When it comes to beeswax candle making, there are various options to consider. Beeswax pellets are a popular choice as they melt faster due to their small size, and they are often refined for impurities or bleached. However, some candle makers prefer beeswax blocks as they are less refined and have a stronger fragrance. Blocks can be grated to make pellets, but this can be time-consuming and may damage your grater. To substitute a block for pellets, you can weigh the solid beeswax and use a conversion chart to determine the equivalent volume of melted wax.
Characteristics of block and pellet beeswax for candle-making
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Scent | Blocks have a stronger honey scent than pellets |
| Ease of use | Pellets are easier to work with than blocks |
| Time | Using blocks may take longer than pellets |
| Quality | Blocks are less refined and more natural than pellets |
| Melt speed | Pellets melt faster than blocks |
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What You'll Learn
Beeswax pellets melt faster
Beeswax pellets are often preferred over blocks when making candles because they melt faster. The smaller size of the pellets means they have a larger surface area-to-volume ratio, which allows them to melt more quickly than larger blocks of beeswax. This makes them ideal for candle-making, as you can simply melt the pellets without having to spend time grating or cutting up a block of beeswax.
To melt beeswax pellets, you can use a double boiler, a crockpot, or a microwave. If using a double boiler, fill the bottom of a large stock pot with water and place a smaller metal bowl or saucepan on top, resting on the lip so it hovers over the water. Place the beeswax pellets into the bowl and allow the indirect heat to melt them. The wax will start to liquify after about 2 to 3 minutes, and the melting process will be complete within 10 minutes to an hour, depending on the amount of wax and the size of the pieces. The ideal melting temperature for beeswax is between 143-151° F (61-66° C).
If you're using a crockpot or slow cooker, simply place the beeswax pellets inside and set the temperature to low to melt them slowly. You can also use a microwave to melt beeswax pellets, but be sure to use a microwave-safe container and stir the pellets occasionally to prevent overheating.
While beeswax pellets are convenient for candle-making due to their faster melting time, it's important to ensure that you're using pure beeswax pellets from a reputable source. Some mass-produced pellets may be cut with paraffin or other substances, so it's recommended to purchase from bee farms or family-owned companies that specialise in bee products and honey.
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Beeswax blocks are more fragrant
Beeswax candles have a soft, warm glow and a long burn time. Unlike paraffin candles, they burn clean and bright, releasing a faint honey scent. They are also great for drawing toxins out of the air and can help reduce the effects of allergies and hay fever.
Beeswax blocks are less refined than pellets and have a stronger, more natural honey scent. The blocks are also more fragrant than pellets, which have a less pure honey scent. If you're looking for the best-smelling candles, beeswax blocks are the way to go. The blocks smell so good that some people say they want to eat them!
However, beeswax blocks can be more time-consuming and labour-intensive to work with. To use blocks in your candle-making, you'll need to grate or shred them into smaller pieces. This can be done with a cheese grater, but it can be a slow and challenging process. On the other hand, pellets are already in small pieces, so they melt faster and are easier to work with, especially if you're short on time or energy.
If you want to add essential oils to your candles, it's important to note that beeswax doesn't hold onto scents as well as other types of wax. You can blend in a little coconut oil to give the scent more staying power. When adding essential oils, do so while the beeswax is cooling down and just before it starts to solidify. This will help ensure that the oils don't evaporate or get stuck in the leftover wax.
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How to prevent candle wax from cracking
Beeswax candles have a soft, warm glow and a long burn time. They burn clean and bright, releasing a faint honey scent. Making beeswax candles at home is a simple melt-and-pour process. However, candle-making is an art that blends creativity with precision, and even the most skilled candle makers can encounter issues such as wax cracking.
Wax cracking is usually caused by wax cooling too quickly or unevenly. This can happen if candles are cooled in a cold environment or if there is too much airflow under the candles. To prevent this, it is recommended to cool candles at a steady temperature of 18°C to 25°C for 48 hours. You can also preheat your oven to 170°F, turn it off, and place the candles inside to cool. Another way to prevent wax from cooling too quickly is to use a mold, which helps maintain a consistent temperature. Silicone molds are more flexible than plastic or metal molds, reducing the risk of cracking during demolding.
To ensure even cooling, keep the distance between jars between 2 and 3 inches, and elevate the candles with a wire rack or a towel beneath them so that they cool from the bottom up. You can also try to make the airflow under the candles more even.
Another cause of wax cracking is pouring the wax too quickly, which can trap air bubbles inside, making it difficult for the wax to cool evenly. To prevent this, pour the wax slowly, using a pouring pot. Stir the wax gently before pouring to release trapped air bubbles.
Different types of wax have varying shrinkage rates. Soy wax, for example, tends to have a higher shrinkage rate than paraffin or beeswax. Select a wax type that suits your needs and provides stable results for detailed molds. The wax should be between 170-180°F (77-82°C) when poured. If the wax is too hot, it can lead to excessive shrinkage; if it is too cool, it may not fill the mold completely.
Finally, cracking is a common problem with plant-based waxes, with rapeseed wax being particularly prone to radial cracks. If you are using plant wax, you can blend it with paraffin wax to reduce the likelihood of cracking.
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How to prevent candle wax from tunnelling
Beeswax candles have a soft, warm glow and a long burn time. They burn clean and bright, releasing a faint honey scent. Unlike paraffin candles, they do not release carcinogens like toluene and benzene.
To prevent candle wax from tunnelling, it is important to burn your candle for long enough each time so that the entire top surface of wax is melted. This is especially important the first time you burn your candle. As a rule of thumb, burn your candle for one hour per inch of its diameter. For example, if your candle has a diameter of 3 inches, let it burn for 3 hours before putting it out.
If you are making your own candles, use a thicker, sturdier wick than you would for paraffin candles. The way a wick burns will vary based on factors like the size of your container and how refined the beeswax is.
If you are dealing with an already tunnelled candle, you can try the following:
- Wrap aluminium foil around the edges of the candle, leaving the wick exposed. The foil should hang over any built-up wax areas. After a couple of hours, the wax should melt and even out.
- Trim the wick and remove any debris inside the tunnel. Using a heat gun or a hair dryer on low speed and high heat, gently heat the top surface of the candle from a distance. Scrape at the unmelted wax on the sides with a wick dipper or small metal spatula to help it melt faster. Continue heating until the entire top surface has melted and smoothed over.
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How to add scent to beeswax candles
Beeswax candles can be made using either blocks or pellets of beeswax, with the latter being a more convenient option for some. When it comes to adding scent to your beeswax candles, there are several options to consider. Firstly, it is important to note that beeswax has a natural honey-like aroma, which some may find pleasant on its own. However, if you wish to customise the scent of your candles, fragrance oils can be added.
Beeswax readily accepts fragrance oils, and a wide range of scents can be achieved, from floral and fruity to earthy and spicy blends. Essential oils are a great option for creating natural fragrances, with options such as eucalyptus, vanilla, chamomile, and frankincense. These oils can provide uplifting, invigorating, calming, or grounding effects, depending on the scent chosen. When working with essential oils, it is important to be mindful of the flashpoint, which is the temperature at which the oil can ignite. Most essential oils have a flashpoint between 100-200°F (37-93°C), so ensure the melted wax is not too hot when adding the oils.
The general guidance for scenting beeswax candles is to use 1-2 ounces of fragrance oil for every pound of beeswax. It is also recommended to work in a well-ventilated area, as the concentrated vapours of essential oils can be potent. Additionally, consider using a thermometer to monitor the wax temperature and ensure it is suitable for adding the oils.
When it comes to sourcing your beeswax, it is advisable to opt for less refined options to avoid allergies. Local apiaries, bee farms, or family-owned companies that specialise in bee products are ideal sources for high-quality beeswax. This ensures you obtain pure beeswax and avoid mass-produced pellets that may be cut with paraffin or other fillers.
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Frequently asked questions
Beeswax pellets melt faster than blocks of beeswax as they are already in small pieces. They are also easier to measure and weigh on a scale.
Beeswax blocks are less refined and more fragrant than pellets. Pellets may also be bleached and contain impurities.
Beeswax pellets are often easier to work with and more inexpensive than blocks. However, if you want a stronger scent, blocks may be preferable as they retain the natural scent of beeswax better than pellets.
