Illuminate your life by taking up candle business which is making a gushing success with the present day demand.
It is truly said that light is a guiding force in one’s life. In this article, we are going to talk about one should light that is candle making. From a commodity of necessity in the times of electricity shortages, from its usage in ritual purposes, to the times where it has been catching the fancy of people and making its place in every house of every street, candles have come a long way.
Candles have become more of a decorative and beautifying commodity that enhances the ambiance of the physical space. They gives a cozy and elegant look to the place, it is because of this characteristic that it is becoming more and more popular among the residents of urban cities.
Candle making is a magical combination of basic raw material and artistic streak. There are various types, designs, sizes, shapes, colors and scents of candles that can be offered from the same set of basic raw material.
Learn how to make your own candles.
As you read along, you will be acquainted with all the necessary materials and processes that you need to undertake in the preparation of candle making. Whatever I am going to tell very easy and simple to understand but you can later substantiate your learning by going through diy candles.
Let’s first talk about the material that you need to have, which is as follows:
Table of Contents
1. Wax
There are different types of wax available in the market.
Paraffin wax
Most commonly used and widely available wax is Paraffin wax. Paraffin wax is normally used in preparing homemade candles. They are inexpensive and can be easily available in any grocery store. For beginners of candle making, it is best as there is no dearth of availability.
Gel wax
It is not exactly a wax but a mixture of oil and resins. But it has all the standard quality of wax that is scent retention quality, color absorbent, capacity of holding wick in place. This is not advisable for beginners. To work with gel, it is important to have some practice. Because it is a requirement of the wax to carry on the process while the wax is hot. Once you get the knack of it, you can make anything of every design and shape. The cost of gel wax is not higher.
Beeswax
The wax is naturally occurring material derived during honey making process. It has natural scent of honey. You can make any kind of candle from this wax, be it free standing pillar candle, votive candle, container candle, rolled candles. The only drawback of this wax that it is very expensive.
Soy wax
The soy wax becomes much more popular a few decades ago. The popularity of this wax is attributed to its environmental friendly quality. It is cheaper than beeswax. But there is one drawback to it retains its soft texture even after it is fully prepared. So the option of making a burn free- standing candle is automatically eliminated. You can think of making container homemade candle. It is also good scent absorber wax. Retains the scent for the longer duration.
2. Candle wicks
Candle wicks are available in different sizes. Choosing the right candle wick while making candles is important. For smaller candle, medium size candle, large sized candle, you need candle wick of LX size 10, LX size 16 and LX size 26 respectively. These sizes are easily available in market with a stabilizer that let the thread stand up straight in their own.
3. Double boiler
It is used to melt down the wax without letting it burn. The water is placed in the metal pan and the water begins to boil, the wax placed in the upper bowl begins to melt down without letting the wax burning.
4. Candle dye
Candle dye is available in block, liquid and flake dyes. Soy wax and candle dye doesn’t get along. Keep this in mind while making homemade candles.
5. Candle molds
Molds are available in different sizes and shapes. Types of candle molds available in the market are plastic molds, metal molds, silicon molds. While making candles, keep in mind that using only soy wax and gel wax is absolutely wasteful. Paraffin and beeswax is best suited for candle molds.
6. Candle jars
Jars give an elegant look to the candles. They are easily available in different variety and sizes.
7. Essential oils
Fragrance oil stimulates a captivating effect on brain. There are different variety of scents available that you can use at your pleasure like rose, jasmine, apricots, almonds, sandalwood, chocolate fragrances etc. Be cautious while using essential oils as they might create irritation if used unmeasured.
Now let’s answer the core question of how to make a candle.
It is quite simple to make homemade candles. I am taking the case of Paraffin wax as it is easily available and easy to use.
Let’s go step by step.
Step 1: With the use of double boiler melt down the wax by putting it on the burner. Double boiler ensures that wax is not in direct contact with the heat, ensuring that the wax is not burned off. Transparent texture of the wax signals the completion of melting down process.
Step2: Next step is the positioning of your wick in the mold. For this you need to tie a thread to your wicking needle and let it pass through the hole at the base of the mold and it should extend beyond the top of the mold. Tie the wick by anything say pencil to ensure that the wick is completely straight.
Seal the bottom of the mold to make sure that no wax leaks out of the mold for that put the sealant at the bottom.
Step 3: This steps involves the pouring in of paraffin wax into the mold. Before pouring in, check the temperature by thermometer. For paraffin it should be between 180- 190F. While pouring also look at the positioning of the wick. Pour the wax slowly so that it leaves no scope for the formation of air bubbles. By taking care of this part, you are ensuring that the when the candle will burn evenly later on. You can also add fragrances according to your likes.
Step 4: Now wait for the candle to turn harder but not to cool down completely. It will take up to 2 hours for this to happen. Now you need to take the bamboo stick and push it inside the candle in the vertical direction. Push it to the point that it leaves only an inch of candle go untouched. By doing so, you are allowing your wax to contract leaving no scope for sinkholes. After it cools down, fill in the depression that you have created.
Step 5: As the candle cools down properly, take the candle out of the mold. You can also put it in the fridge if you are facing difficulty in letting it out. Now your candle is ready to burn.
I hope this answers your how to make candles question very well. Look for diy candles post to know more.
Some of the types of candles includes;
1. Pillar candle
In pillar candle making, one thing that needs to be kept in mind that it is wicked at the right place that ensures that the after burning the wax is not dropped unevenly on the plate or the place it is kept. They burn free standing without any additional support. You can make basic white colored candles, multi- colored layered candles, etc.
2. Votive candles
They are basically cylindrical in shape and commonly used at offering and payers in church. It has subtypes like basic votive candles, glass votive candle holder, citronella votive candles (protects you from big attacks, at the same time enhances the ambiance of the place. Imagine dining out in the evening of winters on your roof top and lit citronella candles around you to mark out the circumference where pest are prevented from attacking you and you are enjoying a magical dinner date with your loved ones, an experience worth remembering).
3. Rolled candles
Wondering how to make a candle that is rolled? Sound confusing. But it’s quite easy to make rolled homemade candles. They are made from the roll able sheets of wax. Things to keep in mind is that wick should be placed at the Centre and rolling of wax sheets should be cautiously folded. Making candles of any length and breath, small or large, single colored or multiple colors is possible.
4. Container candles
Container candles are different from votive candles as they are made in a container. They are burned inside the container. There are many versatile designs available that you can choose from depending on your theme and location. It is one of the cheapest yet amazing home decor items. You can easily make container homemade candles. While making candles, you can use basic container, marbled container, multi- layered candles. You can give own personal touch the way you like.
I hope this definitely answer your question of how to make a candle. You are now well equipped with all the necessary information required to know how to make your own candles with personalized touch. Get yourself started to make amazing decorative candles to gift your friends and family.