MAKING CANDLES INTRODUCTION

In this section we are going to actually learn how to make candles.

Some candles are easier to make than others. Although, all candles in this book are relatively easy to make. This book doesn’t contain information on difficult, complex or extremely time consuming candles.

This does not mean that the candles are boring. It just means the candles are simple and easy to make.

For example, you will be learning how to make multi-colored candles. Granted, this takes longer than making a single color candle, but for the most part, making multi-colored candles is easy and quick.

Here are some of the candles you will be learning to make:

  1. Ice candles
  2. Shell candles
  3. Water candles
  4. Tin foil candles
  5. Angled candles
  6. Jam jar candles
  7. Chunky candles
  8. Scented candles
  9. Floating candles
  10. Tapered candles
  11. Cinnamon candles
  12. Single color candles
  13. Egg shaped candles
  14. Multi-colored candles
  15. Rolled beeswax candles
  16. Orange scented candles

At the end, you will learn about some common candle problems and how to solve them!

Important Note On Making Candles:

Please Note: To save time and repetition, when writing directions for making candles, I will often simply say “melt wax” or something to this degree. It is assumed that you have already determined how much wax, dye, stearin, fragrance, etc. that you will need. It is also assumed that you know what the temperature of the wax should be before pouring.

Although I would love to be able to give exact temperatures, the fact is, the temperature the wax should be at the time of pouring will depend on the wax you are using, the mould you are using and what you are trying to achieve.

It’s important to note that there is a difference between the melting temperature and the pouring temperature. Please be sure you know what the pouring temperature is before you make your candles.

Always keep your thermometer in the wax to ensure you don’t go past the proper pouring temperature. Once your wax reaches it pouring temperature, remove it from the heat.

Pouring Temperatures

Although pouring temperatures may vary slightly from wax to wax and from project to project, there are some general rules you can follow when pouring wax.

Pouring Temperatures For Containers:

When pouring wax into containers such as jam jars, the wax should be poured at 71º to 82º C (160º to 180º F).

Before pouring the hot wax into the glass jar or any jar, you should perform some tests to make sure the jar can withstand the heat. This is an extremely important safety precaution.

To ensure the jar can withstand the heat, first place the jar in a sink and fill with hot tap water. If the jar survives, then try filling the jar with near boiling water. If the jar does not break then chances are it should be safe for pouring hot wax into it. However, you must still proceed with caution whenever pouring hot wax into any jar or mould.

In most situations, wax is poured at 71º C (160º F) into glass jars.

Pouring Temperatures For Moulds:

These general guidelines will help you when the manufacturer does not provide instructions.

When a manufacturer does provide instructions then those instructions should be followed.

100% Beeswax Candles:

Pour wax at 77º C (170º F)

Plastic  Moulds:

Pour wax at 82º to 88º C (180º to 190º F)

Metal Moulds:

Pour wax at 93º C (200º F)

It Is Assumed

Throughout this book it is assumed, unless otherwise stated, that you are using paraffin wax.

If you are planning on using beeswax then you will simply need to make some adjustments. For example, when using beeswax candles the chances are that you will not be adding dye or fragrance. Therefore, these steps will not apply to you.

Also, since beeswax doesn’t shrink when it cools, you won’t need to fill the “gaps” with more wax as would the person making a candle from paraffin wax.

As I have stated many times, and as I will probably state many times more, my preference is for beeswax candles. However, the simple fact of the matter is not everyone wants beeswax candles due to the higher price. In addition, paraffin wax is a great wax to learn the art of candle making with before progressing to moulded beeswax.

There is no doubt that beeswax can be, but doesn’t necessarily have to be, more challenging than paraffin. So often for beginners, it’s a good idea to begin with paraffin and once comfortable, try making beeswax candles.

Throughout this book, should you wish to use beeswax instead of paraffin wax, then go right ahead. Just use some common sense and make the necessary adaptations.

Let’s Continue to Candle Priming

Before actually making your candles, it’s important to learn how to properly prime your wicks…

Continue to Candle Priming