Illuminate your life by entering the booming candle business.
Light is a guiding force in life. This article discusses candlemaking. From a necessity in times of electricity shortages to a household item, candles have come a long way.
Candles have become a decorative item that enhances the atmosphere. They give a place a cozy and elegant look, which is why they’re popular among urbanites.
Learn How To Make Your Own Candles
Let’s start with what you need to have:
- Wax
Different waxes are available.
Paraffin Wax
Paraffin wax is the most popular type. Paraffin wax is used to make candles. They are cheap and readily available in grocery stores. It’s best for beginners because supplies are plentiful.
Wax Gel
This is a mixture of oil and resins, not wax. But it has standard wax qualities like scent retention, color absorption, and wick holding capacity. This isn’t a good start.
Beeswax
Honey making naturally produces wax. This wax can be used to make pillars, votives, containers, or rolled candles. The only downside to this wax is its price.
Soy Wax
A few decades ago, soy wax became popular. The popularity of this wax is due to its eco-friendliness. Cheaper than beeswax Its soft texture remains even after it’s fully cooked.
- Wicks
Candlewick sizes vary. Using the right candle wick is important. For small, medium, and large candles, use LX 10, 16, and 26 wicks. These sizes are easily available with a stabilizer that lets the thread stand on its own.
- Double Boiler
This tool melts wax without burning it. As the water in the metal pan boils, the wax in the upper bowl begins to melt without burning.
- Candle Dye
Candle dyes are block, liquid, and flake. Candle dye and soy wax don’t mix. Consider this when making candles.
- Candle Molds
Molds vary in size and shape. Candle moulds include plastic, metal, and silicon. Using soy and gel wax to make candles is wasteful. Paraffin and beeswax mold candles are best.
- Candle Jars
Candles are elegant in jars. They’re available in a variety of sizes.
- Essential Oils
Perfume oil captivates the mind. There are many scents available, including rose, jasmine, apricots, almonds, sandalwood, and chocolate. Essential oils can irritate if not measured.
Candles are easy to make. You’ll use Paraffin wax because it’s easy to get and use.
Go Step-By-Step.
- Using a double boiler, melt the wax. A double boiler keeps wax from coming in direct contact with heat, preventing it from melting. Wax melting is complete when it becomes transparent.
- Position the wick in the mold. Tie a thread to your wicking needle and let it pass through the hole at the base of the mold. If the wick isn’t straight, tie it with a pencil. Put sealant at the bottom of the mold so no wax leaks out.
- Pour paraffin wax into the mold. Before pouring, use a thermometer. Paraffin needs 180-190F. As you pour, watch the wick. Pour the wax slowly so no air bubbles form. By doing this, you ensure the candle will burn evenly later. Add fragrances to taste.
- Wait for the candle to harden but not completely cool. This takes 2 hours. Now push the bamboo stick into the candle vertically. Leave only an inch of candle unburnt. This allows the wax to contract, preventing sinkholes. After it cools, fill the crater.
- Once the candle has cooled, remove it from the mold. Put it in the fridge if you can’t get it out. The candle is lit.
