Brooke Martin
There are many ways to refill candles, and it can be a fun and rewarding process. You can buy candle refill kits, which are easy to use and allow you to repurpose glassware of any kind. Alternatively, you can make your own candles by melting wax and adding a wick. This can be done on a stovetop, in the oven, or with a candle warmer. It's important to follow safety guidelines when refilling candles, such as using a protected surface and being careful when pouring hot wax. With the right tools and knowledge, you can create unique candles that bring warmth and ambiance to any room.
Where to Refill Candles
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| At Home | Use a candle refill kit, wax kit, or boil out the wax using a candle warmer or boiling water |
| Refill Services | The Outer Banks Candle Co., NOTES Candle, Lovelight Handmade, Swan Creek |
| Stores | Craft stores, Amazon |
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What You'll Learn
Removing wax from old candles
Freezing Method:
- Place the candle jar in the freezer overnight.
- The next day, take the jar out of the freezer and turn it upside down. The wax should pop right out.
- If the wax is stubborn, use a spoon or butter knife to gently lift and remove it.
Boiling Water Method:
- Place your candle on a protected surface, like a dish towel or a pan lined with tin foil, to catch any overflow.
- Boil some water and pour it into the candle jar, filling it about halfway. The hot water will melt the wax, which will then float to the surface.
- Allow the water to cool completely, then remove the wax from the surface.
Oven Method:
- Preheat your oven to 200 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Line a baking sheet with aluminium foil and place the candle jar upside down on the foil.
- Put the baking sheet in the oven and keep an eye on it. After about 15 minutes, the wax should pool on the foil.
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the candle jar cool before cleaning with soap and warm water.
Hairdryer Method:
- Hold the candle jar with an oven mitt.
- Turn on your hairdryer to a warm setting and use it to heat the candle jar from the sides and bottom.
- Once the wax is soft, use a butter knife to lift or scrape it out of the jar.
- Clean the jar with warm, soapy water and a sponge to remove any remaining wax residue or soot.
Once you have removed the wax from your old candles, you can reuse the jars for storage, decoration, or even make new candles by adding new wicks and pouring in melted wax. You can purchase wax refills, blocks of wax, fragrance oils, and wicks from craft stores or online.
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Choosing the right wick
Firstly, the type of wax is important. Different types of wicks work best with different types of wax. For example, the CD series of wicks is a popular choice for seasoned candlemakers as they are compatible with harder-to-melt viscous waxes of both paraffin and vegetable base (soy). On the other hand, the ECO series of wicks is specifically designed for natural waxes like soy and palm wax.
Secondly, the size of the wick matters. The width of the candle will determine the size of the wick needed. If the wick is too small, it will tunnel through the wax as it burns. Jars can trap some heat, so the wick can be slightly smaller than the equivalent width of a pillar candle.
Thirdly, the fragrance load and type of fragrance oil should be considered. Some fragrances are harder to burn and require larger wicks. A higher concentration of fragrance oil does not necessarily mean a better hot throw, and too much oil can lead to a weaker flame. It is important to note that some fragrance oils do not mix with mineral blend waxes.
Lastly, safety should be a priority when choosing a wick. A wick with a taller neck helps ensure safety by preventing the bottom of the candle from burning since there is no wicking left.
It is important to note that wick selection is an individualized process, and experimentation may be necessary to find the correct size and style of wick for your candle. Testing your candles before use is crucial to ensure proper wick selection and optimal performance.
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Melting wax
One common method is to use a double boiler, also known as a wax kit. This involves placing a small pot containing the candle inside a larger pot filled with water. Bring the water to a simmer, and the wax will gradually melt. This method is suitable for most types of wax, as it provides indirect heat and prevents overheating. It is important to note that different types of wax have different melting points, so the time required to melt the wax may vary.
Another approach is to use a candle warmer or a stovetop on a "warming" setting. These devices are designed to heat wax and release its fragrance. They can be effective in melting small amounts of wax, but may not be suitable for larger quantities. Additionally, some people opt to use their oven for melting wax. This method involves preheating the oven to a specific temperature, such as 200°F, and placing the jars with wicks and wax pastilles inside for a set amount of time until the wax fully melts.
For those seeking a mess-free option, boiling water can be utilised to melt the wax. This technique involves placing the candle jar on a protected surface, such as a pan lined with tin foil, and then pouring boiling water into the container, leaving some space at the top. As the hot water melts the wax, it will float to the surface. Allow the water to cool completely before removing the wax. This method not only melts the wax but also helps to clean the jar, making it ready for refilling.
When melting wax, it is important to take safety precautions. Ensure that you are in a well-ventilated area and use heat-resistant containers and tools. Always monitor the melting process to avoid overheating or spilling hot wax. Once the wax is melted, you can add essential oils or fragrances if desired, creating a personalised scent for your refilled candle.
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Adding scent
When adding scent to your candles, it is important to use fragrance oils that are specifically designed for candle-making. These fragrance oils are flammable and can be dangerous if not used properly. Always add your fragrance oil when your wax is at the right temperature—this will help it bind to the wax and give your candle a stronger scent. The recommended temperature for adding fragrance oil to soy and paraffin wax is 180–185°F (82–85°C), while for palm wax, it is 200–205°F (93–96°C). Stir the oil into the wax for several minutes to ensure it is fully incorporated.
It is also important to use the correct amount of fragrance oil. Using too much oil can cause it to separate from the wax, creating an uneven, "gooey" appearance and a potential fire hazard. It can also weaken your candle's scent throw and cause the wick to clog. Each type of wax has a recommended fragrance oil load, so be sure to check this before adding your oil.
When making scented candles, it is also important to use the right size and type of wick. If the wick is too small, it may not burn the wax properly, affecting the scent throw. Additionally, certain types of wicks may not perform well with natural waxes like soy.
To add scent to your candles, you can either purchase a candle-making kit or source the materials individually. Craft stores often sell blocks of wax, fragrance oils, and wicks, allowing you to create custom-scented candles. You can also melt down old candles or tealight candles and add new fragrance oils to create new scented candles.
When melting wax, you can use a double boiler or a candle warmer. If you are reusing an old candle jar, you will need to remove the old wax first. This can be done by boiling water and pouring it into the jar, causing the wax to melt and float to the surface. Once the water has cooled, remove the wax. Clean the jar with hot, soapy water, dry it thoroughly, and then it's ready to be refilled.
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Pouring wax into the vessel
When preparing to pour wax into a vessel, there are several steps to follow. Firstly, it is important to ensure that the wax is melted correctly. This can be done by using a double-boiler system, heating the wax to between 180°F and 185°F. It is important to note that the temperature range may vary slightly depending on the type of wax and the desired finish. For example, when pouring into clamshell molds, it is recommended to pour at a slightly lower temperature of around 150°F. Additionally, the use of additives such as UV stabilizer or Vybar 260 can be incorporated at this stage to enhance the colour and finish of the final product.
Once the wax has reached the desired temperature, it is time to add any fragrances or dyes. Fragrances can be added at a rate of 0.5 to 1.5 ounces per pound of wax, with 1 ounce being the most common amount. Liquid dyes can be added drop by drop, while dye blocks should be cut into small pieces to facilitate faster melting. It is important to stir the mixture thoroughly to ensure that the additives are evenly distributed.
Before pouring the wax into the vessel, it is recommended to preheat the glass containers to a temperature between 125°F and 149°F. This helps improve the side adhesion of the wax to the container. It is also important to ensure that the vessel is placed on a level surface to avoid any spillage.
When pouring the wax, it is generally recommended to stop pouring when the wax level is about half an inch below the rim of the vessel. This allows for the addition of more wax in the centre to create an even surface. For best results, it is advised to use clean molds and to avoid placing the filled vessel in a water bath or refrigerator immediately after pouring, as this can affect the finish of the wax.
In some cases, a second pour may be necessary to achieve the desired finish. This is especially true for larger candles or when using waxes that are prone to shrinkage. For a two-pour process, it is important to allow the first pour to cool almost completely before topping it off with the second pour. This helps to create a smooth and even surface.
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Frequently asked questions
Candle refill kits can be purchased from companies such as Outer Banks Candle Co. and NOTES. You can also make your own refill kits by purchasing candle-making supplies from craft stores.
You will need a glass vessel, wax, a wick, a stove or oven, and (optionally) fragrance oils or scented candles.
You can remove excess wax from old candle jars by boiling water in a pot and then pouring it into the jar. Allow the water to cool, then remove the wax. You can also place the jar in boiling water until the wax melts and floats to the surface.
