
Follow 8 easy steps to make candles
If you start your own candle making business, deciding on the types of candles to make and sell is both exciting and occasionally challenging. With a variety of fragrances, waxes, and accents (like pressed flowers) available, this process requires significant thought and creative energy. However, making candles at home can be quite simple with careful planning and the right tools. In these simple steps I will cover how to make scented candles.
You will need Tools and Materials for candle making
Learn about candle making materials and tools from here:
Wax: Making candle wax typically available in wax shavings or wax flakes, which can be bought in bulk online or from your local craft store. Popular options include Paraffin wax and natural waxes like beeswax and soy wax.
Wicks: Essential for every candle, wicks are typically made from paper, cotton, zinc, or wood.
Fragrance Oils: Scented candles derive their fragrance from essential oils or fragrance oils, which are added into the melted wax during the candle-making process.
Spatula: A heat-proof spatula is essential for stirring wax and ensuring an even melt.
Heat-proof container: A heat-proof container such as Mason jars, glass jars, or even tin cans is ideal for candle making. The size of the container determines the size of your candle, with larger containers resulting in larger candles.
Double boiler: A double boiler evenly distributes stovetop heat, ensuring controlled warming, and is perfect for melting wax. You can either use a store-bought double boiler or create one by placing a metal bowl on top of a pot with a small amount of water in the bottom.
Thermometer and Paper towels: Use a candy thermometer, a digital infrared thermometer, or a deep-fry thermometer to measure the temperature of your wax. Opt for paper towels to wipe away the melted wax, which is perfect for cleaning up wax drips.
Pencils: During the curing process, you’ll require popsicle sticks, pencils, chopsticks, or similar lightweight, straight items to stabilize the wick.
Candles making at home involves gathering a few specific items, a bit of preparation, and a little time. But it’s easier than you might think. Here’s a step by step guide to help you through the candle making process.
1. Prep containers and supplies
You can buy votive holders or specific candle jars from a craft store, but empty Mason jars or even tin cans will also work for your candle-making project. Just make sure you like the look of the vessel—most poured candles cannot be removed from their container before burning.
To get started on how to make wax candles, ensure that your candle containers are clean and dry, and place them on a flat surface. Keep your wicks, fragrance oils, and Popsicle sticks, chopsticks, or other wick holders nearby. Here’s a detailed guide to help you through the process.
2. Measure the wax
Use your candle containers to measure the wax flakes or shavings. Since shavings take up more space than melted wax, measure approximately twice the container’s volume in flakes per candle to ensure you have enough wax.
3. Melt the Wax
Pour the wax flakes or shavings into a double boiler and heat slowly. Stir the melting wax gently with a spatula to prevent bits from sticking to the sides. Keep an eye on the temperature with a candy thermometer: paraffin wax melts at around 100°F, soy wax at about 124°F, and beeswax at approximately 145°F.
4. Add Fragrances
Once the wax is melted, you can enhance your candles with captivating fragrances. To infuse your candles with enticing scents, consider how to make candle oil fragrances. You have various options: single-note fragrances, pre-blended oils, or creating your own combinations.
For essential oils, add 30-40 drops per eight-ounce candle for optimal aroma. Stir the wax thoroughly to distribute the scent evenly throughout the mixture. This step allows you to personalize your candles with delightful fragrances, adding a unique touch to your homemade creations.
5. Stabilize the Wick
Center the wick in each candle container by securing it to the bottom with a drop of melted wax or Super Glue. Ensure the wick is firmly in place and upright, as this will ensure an even burn. Place two sticks across the top of the container, sandwiching the wick to keep it upright while the wax hardens.
6. Pour the Wax
Carefully pour the melted wax into the candle containers, filling them just below the rim. Pour slowly to minimize air bubbles, which can affect the candle’s appearance and burn quality. If melted wax gets on your clothes, call an online laundry service.
7. Wait for the Candle to Cure
Clean up any melted wax spills on your work surface or the outside of the containers using paper towels. For hardened wax, use hot water to clean the spills effectively. After that Allow the candles to cure. Soy candles take about four hours to harden and three to four days to fully cure, paraffin candles cure in about two days, and beeswax candles take up to ten days. Once cured, remove the stabilizing sticks and trim the wick.
8. Ready to use
Your candles are now ready to use, gift, or sell. Light them to enjoy the beautiful light and aroma. Candles make great gifts and can also be a profitable item for an online store. Be sure to follow fire safety tips when lighting candles. Read more related topic Candle Care Tips.
From the above discussion we can say that, Making candles is a straightforward process that involves melting wax, adding fragrance, pouring into molds, and setting wicks. If you still don’t understand how to make scented candles after reading this blog, don’t worry, We have been teaching people candle making in Richmond for years. You can come to our office and learn how to work. Book now