FAQ – Candle Making Questions Answered
If you are a newbie candle maker, these may be some of the questions you need answers to. If you have others, please use our ‘Contact Us’ page, and we will do our best to answer you.
What is the basic equipment needed for candle making?
You will need the following basic equipment:
a double boiler or its equivalent, a wax or sugar thermometer, kitchen scales, measuring cups and spoons, dipping /pouring can and bowl, wicking needle or large darning needle or skewer, molds,
What materials will I need?
wax and wax additives, wicking, wax glue and mold seal
dye powders (optional), oil based scents (optional)
Why does my dipped candle look lumpy?
You either dipped too fast with the first dip, or the wax was too cold.
What causes a candle to sputter and flicker while burning?
There is probably water in the wick. Make sure the wick is sealed at the bottom of the mold before you put the candle in the cooling bath. You could also have allowed water to get into the liquid wax.
How can you clean a dirty candle?
Use a nylon stocking and white spirit to gently rub over the candle.
What causes air bubbles on the surface of a molded candle?
Air bubbles can occur if the wax is poured too fast, or if it is placed in the water bath too soon. Did you tap the mold to remove air, right after pouring?
What causes cracks in a molded candle?
The candle was allowed to become too cold before topping up, or your water bath for cooling was not at room temperature (you don’t want icy water).
In pouring a molded candle, what keeps layers from joining?
The wax is poured too late, or at too low a temperature.
What causes a soap like appearance to a molded candle?
Too much stearin can cause this look.
What do you do if a candle will not come out of a mold?
This may be because there was not enough stearin in the wax.
If the cooling is too slow it will cause insufficient contraction. In a flexible mold, if the candle does not come out easily,usually its because you have let the candle get too cold before removal. Place the candle in hot water and melt the candle out of the mold.
What causes a ring of discoloration around the top of a candle?
Dirty wax is the cause, so clean all utensils and molds well before using them.
Why is there a sink-hole in my candle’s center?
This is natural shrinkage as the candle cools. Poke holes around the wick, and top up the candle with melted wax as it cools.
Why is the flame too small?
You have used too small a wick.
Why does the wick drown out and not stay lit?
The wick is either too small, or it is clogged with dye pigment. You may need to re-melt the wax, and use a larger wick.
The Candle Wick – A Critical Part of Your Candle
Although most people usually first look at a candle’s shape, color or fragrance, candle makers know that it’s the wick that decides the candle’s quality.
The wick of a candle acts like a fuel pump, drawing wax that has been liquefied by the flame up into the burn zone, or flame. The wick size determines the amount of fuel to be drawn into the flame. Too large a wick, and too much fuel caused the flame to flare and soot; whereas too little fuel and the flame will sputter out.
The Wick Makes the Flame
Wicks consist of fibers that are either twisted, braided or knitted together. These fibers must have the ability to absorb the liquefied wax and carry it upward by capillary action. All wicks are generally made from cotton or cotton-paper combinations. Some have stiff cores made from metal or paper.
Over 100 unique types of wicks are marketed today. Wick choice is determined by the type of wax used in making the candle, as well as the candle’s size and shape. The addition of color and fragrance materials can also impact wick choice. Choosing the correct wick is critical so that the candle can burn cleanly and properly, so it’s necessary for the home candle maker to select a wick of the proper size, shape and material.
Types of Wicks
High-quality wicks are made from braided or knitted fibers to encourage an even and consistent burn. Twisted wicks are of lower quality than braided or knitted wicks. Their loose construction allows liquefied wax to reach the flame more quickly, so they burn faster. These twisted wicks are useful when you desire a quick burn, for example in birthday candles.
Flat wicks are either flat-braided or knitted and are usually made from three sections of fibers, either all-cotton or a cotton-paper combination. They have a consistent burn, and will curl as they burn, so the wick will not need trimming. They are the most common type of wicks, and can be used for taper and pillar candles.
Square wicks are braided or knitted in the round, so have more dimension than flat wicks. Like flat wicks, they will curl as they burn, so they also self-trim. They are the best choice for beeswax candles, as they draw the wax more evenly. This is important, especially with colored or scented candles, when the pigments or fragrances can clog the wick. Square wicks are most frequently used in commercial taper and pillar types of candles.
Cored wicks are also braided or knitted, but include a core material to keep the wick straight and upright while it burns. They have a round cross section, and their stiffness depends on the materials used as the core. Common core materials for wicks are cotton, paper, zinc or tin. Cored wicks are generally used in jar candles, votives and devotional lights, so the wick stays upright as the wax liquefies. They are a ‘must’ in gel candles.
Wick sizes refer to the diameter of the finished candle, and apply to paraffin wax candles. Other waxes, such as beeswax, will need different sized wicks. Since it is the wick that determines how well the candle will burn, it is important to learn all you can about wicks as you begin making your own candles
The Development of Candle Making Wax
As we study the history and development of candles over centuries we find that candles have been developed from a variety of fats, oils and wax-like substances originally derived from animals, plants and minerals. The word “wax” is a generic term and describes a material with these characteristics:
- It is solid at room temperature, but liquefies at higher temperatures
- It has a mainly hydrocarbon structure, and burns with a yellow flame
- Burning wax will emit some soot
- It is water repellent and insoluble in water
- It has a smooth texture, and can be polished or buffed
- It has low toxicity
- It has little or no odor
“A tallow candle, to be good, must be half Sheep’s Tallow and half Cow’s; that of hoggs mekes ‘em gutter, give an ill smell, and a thick black smoak”.
- Anonymous, 18th Century
Most early civilizations depended on the common raw materials at hand to create candle wax, mainly tallow rendered from their domestic animals. In Europe and the Mediterranean area, sheep’s tallow was found to make the best tallow candles, followed by that from cattle fat. The tallow from pigs gave off a bad smell and a thick smoke, so was used mainly by the poor.
Beeswax was used for candles in China as early as the Tang Dynasty (618-907 A.D.) Beeswax was introduced to Europe in the Middle Ages, but was rarely used in homes because of its great expense. It was, however, used in church candles because it was thought that bees originated in Paradise. In Japan, extracts from tree nuts were used to make candle wax, and in India the fruit of the cinnamon tree was boiled and used to make their candle wax.
Tallow was the typical everyday candle wax until the 18th century. New types of waxes were developed as new raw materials were found. With the development of the whaling industry, spermaceti wax was brought to the public. It made a more desirable clean-burning, low-odor wax.
In the mid 1800’s, stearin wax and paraffin wax were developed. Stearic acid, from animal fats, was widely used in Europe. Paraffin wax, a naturally-occurring waxy byproduct derived from petroleum refining, was developed, and became the standard wax for making candles. Many candle waxes today are a combination of stearin and paraffin.
In recent years, synthetic and chemically-created waxes, including gels, were developed for specialty candle making. Ecologically friendly soy wax and palm wax, both made by hydrogenating their respective vegetable oils, have become common waxes for chandlers, both commercially and for home candle makers. Soy wax, in particular, is gaining in popularity with home candle makers.
Today, paraffin is still the most frequently used candle wax worldwide. Beeswax is also used but in significantly smaller quantities. Stearin candle wax is mainly used in Europe. Soy wax, palm wax, gels, and other synthesized waxes are also now used in candle making, in a variety of blends and combinations, and are increasing in popular use.
Making Your Own Candles – an Introduction
For thousands of years, candles were a necessity. Now candle making is a popular hobby that many people enjoy for a variety of reasons. People make candles for their own personal use, as gifts for others, or as family or educational projects with children. Others have made a successful business of making and selling a variety of candles – both novelty and traditional types.
If you want to create candles for yourself, or as gifts for others, you’ll find it rewarding and extremely easy to do. Most of your local craft stores carry supplies and the tools you will require in order to make your own candles. There are also many internet sites that supply candle making equipment and waxes.
The basic supplies include wax, wicks, and candle molds. Because this is such a popular hobby, craft suppliers have made readily available fragrances, colors and decorations for your candle making. Any other supplies needed for candle making can be found at home, in your own kitchen.
Once you have your candle making supplies, the first step is to prepare the wax for pouring into the mold. Wax will burn if you try to melt it directly on the heat. Instead, use a double boiler. If you don’t have one available, use a large pot filled with water and another smaller pot containing the unmelted wax inside it. Heat slowly, until the wax has liquefied and has reached about 160F degrees. Now, support the wick in place centered in the mold and pour the wax in. Since wax shrinks as it cools, you will need to reserve some wax to top it up.
Your new candle should cool for at least six hours before you try to separate it from the mold. You’ll find it easier to remove the mold if you put the whole thing into the freezer for around half an hour. Another method to make removing the candle easier is to spray non-stick cooking spray or a commercial releasing agent into the mold before you pour the wax in.
With all the different fragrances, colors, and decorative items now available, and your own imagination, you can create an endless variety of candles. You can even make your own molds, using found items whose shape appeals to you. Some candle makers use liquid latex in order to create unique candle molds. Because this type of mold is very flexible, it requires a support before you attempt to pour in the wax. You can make a support by cutting a hole in a strong piece of cardboard, just large enough for the mold to slip through to its lip. Once it is supported, the wax can be poured in.
If you have an entrepreneurial spirit, selling candles can become a lucrative business. It can be very rewarding to take love of the hobby and your own talent and turn it into a money making business. You can buy all your supplies in bulk at wholesale prices once you set up a business. Attractive packaging and a marketing ’story’ will contribute to your success.
How to Make Soy Candles
Soy candles are becoming more popular, as they are considered natural and eco-friendly, and burn cleaner and slower than paraffin candles. Although soy wax costs a little more, many candle makers are switching to it, replacing the more common paraffin wax.
Soy vegetable wax is made from the oil extracted from flaked soybeans, which is then hydrogenated. Most soybeans used for soy wax are grown in the central United States. Soy candles appear to burn cleaner than paraffin candles. This is another reason why they are gaining in popularity. Scented candles made with soy wax will throw off more scent than paraffin candles, and seem to have a cleaner smell.
Since soy wax is 100% vegetable by-product and not a petroleum by-product, it is non-toxic and non-carcinogenic. Since the soy candles produce little or no soot, there won’t be a buildup of black soot to damage room surfaces or to affect people with allergies or breathing problems. Soy candles are environmentally safe, biodegradable and soy wax is easily cleaned up with just soap and water.
Soy and paraffin wax candle makers both use the same techniques and equipment. The only real difference is the type of wax used. To make candles, heat the soy wax to about 150 degrees Fahrenheit, over a water bath, as in a double boiler. Do take care not to get the wax too hot as your candles will have a yellowish appearance.
When the wax is fully melted you can add candle dye to color it. Remove it from the heat before you add your chosen fragrance. Fragrance is measured by weight – for each pound of wax you will use an ounce of fragrance oil. Stir it in gently, so that the fragrance is completely absorbed into the wax, and the wax is clear.
Once you have added the fragrance, pour the wax into your prepared mold. Take care to keep the wax warm enough, since if its poured at too low a temperature, the candle may crack. Somewhere between 95 and 110 degrees Fahrenheit is optimum. Allow the candle to cool naturally in the mold.
Because soy wax is a softer wax than paraffin, its probably not suitable for some pillar, taper or novelty candles. If you want to make these types, either keep them short and fairly wide, or use paraffin wax. Soy wax works well for floating candles up to 3 inches in diameter, votive candles or container candles.
Candle making is a bit like cooking – you’ll need to do some experimenting to find out what works best for you. Soy wax and paraffin wax both hold scent and color, but it’s always fun to add some variety in your candle making, whether you are making candles for your own pleasure or for your business.
How to Make Scented Candles
Many of us love scented candles, and enjoy the ambiance they add to a room. Certain scents evoke different feelings – romance, relaxation, meditation or energy. Scented candles will bring warmth and aroma, enhancing the atmosphere of your room. Scented candles even emit their fragrance even when the candle is not lit
The right fragrance oils for your scented candles are generally available at most craft stores, or you can find them online. Oil-based fragrances are better than water or alcohol-based scents because oils are closer to wax in their chemical composition. Water based oils will simply not mix with wax.
Scented candles are made the same way as regular candles. Decide which kind of wax you are going to use – soy, palm, paraffin or beeswax. You can also make scented gel candles. Because gel candles are less dense, they do not hold as much scent as wax candles. So, if you want a highly scented candle, choose your wax carefully. Soy wax candles will burn more slowly andemit more scent than others.
Start by melting the wax. Be careful how you do this – waxes will burn, so do not melt them directly on the heat. Use a double boiler . If you don’t have a double boiler, then two pans, one larger and one smaller will work. Put water into the larger one, and then support the smaller pan (with your wax) into it. Wax should be melted completely at around 160-180 degrees.
While the wax is melting, prepare your mold by adding the wick to the mold. Many molds have a small hole at the bottom, or adhere the wick to the bottom of the mold with adhesive. Tie the top of the wick around a long spoon or a stick, and lay it across the top, keeping the wick straight and vertical.
When the wax is melted, remove it from the heat and add the fragrance oil – one ounce of fragrance oil per pound of wax. Using too much fragrance oil can cause problems, such as pools of liquid within the candle, or the finished candle not burning properly. Mix the oil in well, but be careful not to allow bubbles to form. Keep records of the amount of fragrance oil you use in proportion to the amount of wax so you can duplicate your results. Now, pour the molten wax into your prepared mold, saving some was to top it off after it has partly cooled.
By using scents and colors in your candle making, you have much more variety in your creations. Scented candles are appreciated as gifts, especially if they are handmade. Give a loved one a gift of a candle with the essence of relaxation. They’ll love it!
Tips for Making Gel Candles
Gel candles are gaining in popularity with both candle makers and candle lovers. Although they burn in a similar way to wax candles, they are made a little differently. Because the gel does not harden like other waxes, gel candles are always made and kept inside a container, preferably a glass one.
Both wax and gel candles are made from oils. The basic difference is gel candles are made with 95% mineral oil and 5% polymer resin. As the powered resin is mixed with the mineral oil, it becomes a solid jelly, referred to as gel wax. Gel wax comes in three different states: high density, medium density, and low density. Higher density wax can hold more fragrance, and will hold any decorations suspended within the candle. It is harder to pour and takes longer to meld.
The steps that go into making a gel candle are similar to those in making regular wax candles. Instead of melting the gel wax in a double boiler, it can be melted in a stainless steel pot over regular heat. It is essential to use a thermometer, as the gel must be melted at 200F degrees. Some gel candle makers use an electric pot with a separate heating element and a temperature dial. A metal knitting needle works well to stir the gel wax. Broad stirrers, such as a spoon will cause bubbles to form. Always remember that gel candle wax, with the high heat required to melt it, can catch fire, so have a chemical fire extinguisher at hand.
You can easily change the color of the gel by using dyes. Liquid candle dyes are perfect as they are translucent and are specifically made for candles. A small amount of dye will go a long way – you may only need a single drop! Fragrances can also be added to the liquid gel, but that is more complex than we can cover here.
Before you pour your gel into your container, you’ll need to insert a wick. Do not use a pre-waxed wick, as the hot gel will melt the wax and make the candle cloudy. Raw wicking can be purchased and cut to length. Fasten it to the bottom of your container with a dab of glue. You should slip a short ‘neck’ over the wick and slide it down, so that the candle will not burn down right to the bottom, possibly cracking the container.
Gel Candles, with Inserted Decoration
You can add decorations into to the wax so that they float within the candle. Ensure any embedded objects are non-flammable. Add small sea shells or clear colored glass nuggets to make your own unique candle – a personalized gift for a special occasion or a special person!
Which Candle Making Wax Will You Choose?
With the growing popularity of candle making, many of the supplies have become more available, more diverse and of better quality. Candlemakers are on the lookout for more environmentally friendly products, and since wax is the main component in candle making, this is where strides have been made.
Candle wax in most commercial candles is paraffin, refined from petroleum. This is because it is still inexpensive, readily available and dyes easily. Paraffin can be used alone or with an percentage of stearin. It is generally purchased already mixed. Although paraffin can be used alone, the added stearin will allow your candles to release from rigid molds much more easily, and improves the burning quality.
New types of natural waxes are refined from vegetable and plant materials, such as soy, palm, or bayberry. Soy wax is one of the most popular natural waxes available. It is made by separating soybean oil and hydrogenating it. Because it is both eco-friendly and a locally grown renewable resource it has gained in popularity with candle makers.
Another natural and a renewable wax resource is palm oil. Unfortunately large areas of rainforest have been cleared in order to plant palm plantations. This devastates the local ecosystems and further endangers the populations of rain forest animals. However, the WWF (World Wildlife Fund) has taken steps to develop and define the best cultivation practices for sustainable palm plantations. If you plan to use palm wax make sure you’re buying an eco-friendly product. Bayberry wax, made from bayberries, as its name suggests, is available in America. It is mainly used for Christmas candles.
Because of the growing interest in making candles out of natural products, there has been a resurgence of interest in beeswax for candle making. Beeswax is available in sheets, pre-dyed, natural or bleached white with a honeycomb pattern on the surface, or in block form.
Beeswax
Although it is more expensive than other waxes, its pleasant honey fragrance, warm light and the hardiness of the product make it desirable.
Gel wax, a relatively new product, has a clear, rubbery texture but works the same as more traditional wax. It cannot be poured into a mold, but instead must be poured into a container, preferably a clear glass one. It is available in different densities, and you choose according to how scented you wish the candle to be.
Low density gel wax is best for lower scent candles and can be poured at a lower temperature. Medium density gel wax is the most popular. If you require a heavier scent, then choose high density gel wax. These candles are easy to make, and you can get some unique and lovely results with colors as you pour the wax into its container.
By experimenting with the different waxes available, you’ll soon find the one that has the most appeal for you. But, try them all, so you understand the characteristics of each. You will certainly have some fun, as well as a sense of accomplishment, as you create your own unique and beautiful candles
