With their calming scent and warm light, candles can help you make a dull space cozier and more inviting. Not only do candles add warmth to any place, they also serve a great gift. To top it up, candles have their own set of uses in home decor too. In this article, we will tell you how you can make a variety of candles at home and even gift them to your loved ones.
See also: Add a glowing touch to your home, with candles
Candle making: Materials required
Before we begin the fun process of candle making, here is a list of things that you should gather:
Wax: You can choose from paraffin, soy, beeswax or a mixture.
Wick: The size of the wick depends upon the shape of the candle.
Fragrance: You can choose your favorite fragrance oil to add aroma and freshness to your space.
Dye: Choose a dye to add color to your candle and to make it look aesthetically appealing.
Melting pot: Get a melting pot to melt the wax. If you do not have a melting pot, a double boiler also works well.
Thermometer: A thermometer helps check the temperature of wax.
Molds: get molds to shape your candle.
How do you choose the right wax for candle making?
There are mainly three types of wax:
- Paraffin wax: It is an affordable option and is easy to work with. It also has various melting points so you can choose according to your preference.
- Beeswax: Beeswax has a natural aroma and is often used to make luxurious, high-quality candles.
- Soy wax: Soy wax is an eco-friendly wax and burns evenly.
Candle-making process
Here is the process you can follow to make a candle at home:
- The first step is to prepare a workspace. Start by choosing a well-ventilated area to allow the fumes to escape. The next step is to cover your table with a tablecloth and the surrounding surface with newspapers so you don’t create a mess.
- The next step is to melt the wax. Start by determining the number of candles you need to make and then melting the wax in appropriate amounts. If you are using a melting pot, you can directly melt wax in it but if you are using a double boiler, you can put water in the bottom container and the wax in the top container.
- Check the wax temperature at regular intervals and make sure it does not exceed its melting point as it can end up ruining the wax. Stir the wax as it melts to ensure even consistency.
- Once the wax has melted, you can add your favorite fragrance oil. Some popular fragrances include lavender, citrus and vanilla.
- You can also add a dye specifically made for candles to add colors to your candles. Stir the mixture properly once you have added the fragrance and color.
- To prepare the wick, cut it to your preferred length and attach it to the center of the mold with an adhesive. It is essential to choose a wick with an appropriate diameter as well. With a small wick, the candle may tunnel, and with a larger wick, there may be too much smoke.
- Now, gently pour the hot wax into the mold and leave some space at the top to prevent it from overflowing. Make sure that there are no bubbles and that the wax settles evenly.
- Let the wax cool for a few hours; the wick should be about ¼ inches higher than the candle. If you gift this candle to someone, you could do a quick test before packing it.
FAQs
How to clean the spilled wax during the candle-making process?
To clean spilled wax, let it cool naturally and then scrape it off. If some wax is still left, you can use a heat gun to melt it and then clean it with a paper towel.
Is it safe to make candles at home?
Yes, it is entirely safe to make candles at home, but ensure you do it in a well-ventilated area.
Can I reuse old candle wax to make a new one?
Yes, you can reuse old wax to make a new one. You can melt the leftover wax, strain it to remove any dirt and debris, and then make a new candle.
How to prevent air bubbles in candles?
To prevent air bubbles in candles, gently pour hot wax into the mold and let it settle as you run it. Tap the container once you’re done to release the trapped air. You can also use a heat gun to get rid of bubbles.
What type of wax should I choose to make candles?
There are three types of wax, i.e., paraffin wax, soy wax, and beeswax, and they all have different burn times as well as fragrances. You can choose one among them according to your preferences.
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