Candle Making: A Soothing Journey of Fragrance and Memories
Making your own candles is a creative and rewarding activity. To get started, you will need the following materials and tools:
Supplies:
Candle wax: This forms the base of your candle. Common types are beeswax and soy wax. Each type has its own properties and melting points. We advise against using paraffin. You can read more about this in our blog.
Wicks: The choice of wick is crucial for an even burn. The thickness and material of the wick should be matched to the diameter and type of wax of the candle. Read more about this in our blog.
Melting Equipment: Use a double boiler or melting pot to safely melt the wax. It is important to heat the wax in a bain-marie to prevent overheating and fire hazard.
Molds or Moulds: Depending on the desired candle design, you can choose silicone molds, glass holders or other heat-resistant shapes.
Colorants and fragrance oils (optional): To personalize your candles, you can add special colorants and fragrance oils. Make sure they are compatible with candle wax.
Stir sticks and thermometer: A stir stick helps to mix additives evenly, while a thermometer is essential for monitoring the temperature of the melted wax.
Mounting Materials: Use wick feet or glue to hold the wick in place in the mold or holder
The number of candles you can make with 1 kilogram of candle wax depends on the size and volume of the candles you want to make. To calculate how much wax you need for a specific candle, you can use the following method
Fill the mold or container with water to the desired level and then pour the water into a measuring cup to measure the volume in milliliters (ml).
Multiply the measured volume of water by 0.84 to get the weight in grams of the wax needed. This is because candle wax has a density of approximately 0.84 g/ml. For example, for a container with a capacity of 200 ml you will need 200 ml x 0.84 = 168 grams of wax.
This method allows you to estimate how many candles you can make with 1 kg of wax. For example, if you are making candles that require 200 ml of wax each (approximately 168 grams of wax per candle), you can make approximately 5 to 6 candles with 1 kg of wax. Please note that this is an estimate and the actual number may vary based on factors such as the type of wax and any additives.
The drying time of homemade candles varies depending on factors such as the type of wax, the size of the candle, and the ambient temperature. In general, it is recommended to let candles cure at room temperature for at least 24 hours for best results.
It is important not to speed up the setting process by placing the candles in the refrigerator, as this can lead to cracks or other imperfections in the candle.
Please note that exact drying time may vary, so it is advisable to be patient and ensure the candle is fully cured before lighting.