Katrina Rosales
Candles are a great way to create a cosy atmosphere, and making your own at home is a fun and easy way to get creative. You can make candles with fragrance oils by melting wax in a heatproof bowl over a pan of hot water, adding your chosen oil, and pouring the mixture into a jar. The amount of oil you use will depend on the strength of scent you want, but it's important not to add more than 10% oil, as this can affect the integrity of the candle. You can use essential oils, but these can be more expensive and can evaporate when mixed with hot wax. Fragrance oils are a great alternative, as they are cheaper and last longer. You can find them in an array of scents and can even buy blends that mimic designer perfumes.
Characteristics and Values of Making Candles with Fragrance Oils
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wax | Soy wax |
| Heat | Low-medium |
| Container | Heatproof glass bowl |
| Stabiliser | Attached to the bottom of the wick |
| Fragrance Oil | 6-10% of the overall weight of wax |
| Essential Oil | 1 ounce of oil for every pound of wax |
| Oil Type | Synthetic, natural |
| Scent | Fruits, flowers, foods, woods, spices |
| Scent Strength | 5-10% |
| Cure Time | Minimum of 10 days |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right fragrance oil
The fragrance oil you choose will depend on the scent you want to create and the type of candle you are making. Fragrance oils are synthetic and are the most widely used fragrance agent for scented candles. They are relatively cheap and easy to get hold of, making them a good option for beginners. You can find fragrance oils in an endless array of scent combinations, from specific fruits, flowers, foods, woods, and spices to blends that mimic designer perfumes or colognes.
If you are looking for a more natural option, essential oils are a great choice. They are concentrated oils extracted from various plants, seeds, spices, woods, and fruits. However, they can be exceptionally expensive, especially for larger candles. Essential oils are excellent for small candles like beeswax tea lights, where a small amount can create a luxurious fragrance.
When choosing a fragrance oil, consider the percentage of oil to wax. Fragrance oils typically range from 6-10% of the overall weight of the wax, while essential oils are usually around 6-7%. The type of oil and the desired scent strength will determine the amount needed. For stronger scents, you may need less oil, and for soy wax candles, a longer curing time of at least ten days is recommended.
The melting point of the wax is also important. Fragrance oils should not be exposed to high temperatures, so keep the wax below 200°F after adding the oil. For essential oils, the heat should be low to medium, as they can evaporate easily when mixed with hot wax.
Finally, consider the availability of the oil. Fragrance oils can be easily found online or at local aromatherapy or craft stores. Essential oils may be more limited in variety but can still be sourced from specialty stores or online retailers.
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Melting the wax
To melt the wax, start by putting the wax into a heatproof glass bowl and placing it over a pan of hot water. Leave it until the wax melts completely. Be careful not to get the wax too hot, as this can affect the fragrance oil. The ideal temperature for the wax is below 200°Fahrenheit.
If you are using soy wax, you can also melt it directly in a pot over low to medium heat. Stir the wax with a wooden stick, such as a chopstick, as it melts. Be careful not to let the wax get too hot, and adjust the heat as needed.
Once the wax has melted, remove it from the heat and let it rest for a minute or two. It's important that the wax remains in a liquid state, so don't let it cool too much. At this stage, you can add your fragrance oil. The amount of oil you use will depend on the type of wax and oil you are using, but generally, you will need around 6-10% of the overall weight of your wax in oil. For a stronger scent, you may need less oil, and for a milder scent, you may need more.
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Adding the oil to the wax
Firstly, prepare your wax. Place the wax in a heatproof glass bowl and set it over a pan of hot water. This method ensures that the wax melts evenly and safely. You can also melt the wax in a pot over low to medium heat, being careful not to burn it. Soy wax is a popular choice and generally melts fairly easily.
Once the wax has melted, remove it from the heat source and let it rest for a minute or two. It is important to keep the wax in a liquid state, so it doesn't start setting before you add the oil. The ideal temperature for the wax is below 200°Fahrenheit; higher temperatures can burn off the fragrance oil, diminishing its scent.
Now, carefully add your chosen fragrance oil. The amount of oil you use will depend on the type of oil and the desired strength of the fragrance. A good rule of thumb is to use roughly 6-10% of the overall weight of the wax. For example, in a 100g candle, you would use about 91g of wax and 9g of oil. If you prefer a stronger scent, you can use less wax and increase the oil proportionately. However, do not add more than 10% oil, as it can affect the integrity of your candle.
If you are using essential oils, you will need approximately 80-102 drops for a strong scent. The exact amount will depend on the type of essential oil and its potency. For example, you can use oils like lavender, grapefruit, or eucalyptus to achieve your desired fragrance profile. Remember, essential oils are more susceptible to evaporation when mixed with hot wax, so work quickly and avoid overheating the wax.
Stir the oil into the wax gently with a disposable wooden stirrer or chopstick. Ensure that the oil is evenly distributed throughout the wax. At this stage, you can also add dye to your candle if desired, being careful not to get the wax too hot.
With the oil and wax combined, you are now ready to move on to the next step of pouring the wax into your chosen mould or jar.
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Using essential oils
Step 1: Choose the Right Essential Oils
The first step is to select the essential oils you want to use. You can opt for a single scent or blend different oils to create a unique fragrance. Popular essential oils for candles include lavender, bergamot, eucalyptus, clary sage, cinnamon, grapefruit, and rosemary.
Step 2: Prepare Your Materials
Gather all the necessary materials, including wax, wicks, a double boiler for melting wax, a thermometer, containers for your candles, and your chosen essential oils. Soy wax and beeswax are popular choices due to their natural properties and ability to hold scents well.
Step 3: Melt the Wax
Use a double boiler to melt the wax over low to medium heat. Soy wax has a lower melting point, making it easier to release essential oil scents effectively. Once melted, remove the wax from the heat and allow it to cool down to around 49-54°C.
Step 4: Add Essential Oils
Add your essential oils to the cooled wax, stirring gently for a thorough mix. The amount of oil can vary, but a general guideline is about 10-15 drops per cup of melted wax, or 30-35 drops per 160g of wax. Adjust the amount based on the desired scent strength and the potency of your essential oils.
Step 5: Prepare the Container and Wick
While the wax is cooling, prepare your container by anchoring the wick in place with a bit of melted wax. Tape the wick upright to a horizontal chopstick or pen/pencil. Ensure the wick is centred and secure at the bottom of the container.
Step 6: Pour and Set
Once the wax and oils are mixed, carefully pour the mixture into your prepared container. Let it stand until solid, which typically takes about an hour.
Step 7: Trim the Wick
Finally, trim the wick to your desired length. This step is crucial, so pay attention and cut the wick longer than the vertical height of your jar. You can always cut it down again after the candle has set.
Tips:
- Essential oils are derived from organic plant matter and contain the strongest scents of that particular plant.
- When using essential oils, a smaller wick is generally best. This helps maintain a steady burn and prevents the oils from burning off too quickly.
- For a stronger scent, consider using fragrance oils in addition to essential oils. However, fragrance oils may contain synthetic compounds, so always check the ingredients.
- Always use pure and natural essential oils to avoid producing toxins when burned.
- You can add colour to your candles, but be sure to research candle-safe options.
With these steps and tips, you can create beautifully scented, natural candles using essential oils. Enjoy the relaxation and ambiance that your homemade candles bring!
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Setting the wick
Preparing the Wick
Before you begin, it's important to choose the right type of wick for your candle. Natural hemp-based wicks are a popular choice as they burn cleaner than traditional wicks, releasing fewer by-products. Cut the wick to an appropriate length, ensuring it's long enough to reach the bottom of your jar or mould and extend a little above the top. You can always trim it later, so it's better to start with a longer wick.
Anchoring the Wick
Now, take your wick and anchor it securely to the bottom of your jar or mould. This can be done using a small amount of melted wax or a purchased anchor. You can also use glue to attach the stabiliser at the bottom of the wick to the inside base of the jar. This will ensure the wick stays in place as you pour in the wax.
Supporting the Wick
As the wax cools, it's important to support the wick to keep it centred and upright. You can use a wick holder, or get creative with household items like skewers, pencils, or chopsticks. Tape or wrap the wick around your chosen support to keep it in place. This will prevent the wick from falling over or becoming misaligned as the wax sets.
Trimming the Wick
Once the wax has fully hardened, you can trim the wick to your desired length. This is a delicate step, so be careful not to cut the wick too short. Ideally, the wick should be slightly longer than the vertical height of your jar. You can always trim it down later if needed, but it's best to start with a longer wick for a slower, more even burn.
Troubleshooting
If your candle shrinks in the middle during the cooling process, you can fill it back up by gently reheating some wax and slowly pouring it into the jar. Be careful not to overfill it, and always allow the wax to cool completely before lighting your candle.
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Frequently asked questions
Fragrance oils are cheaper, easier to get hold of, and will last longer than essential oils. They are also easier to work with as they don't evaporate as easily when mixed with hot wax.
A good rule of thumb is to use 6-10% of the overall weight of your wax. This equates to roughly 30-35 drops of oil for every 160g of wax flakes.
Soy wax is a good option as it melts fairly easily. If using soy wax, make sure to let the candle cure for at least 10 days before burning.
You will need a heatproof bowl, a pan, a jar or mould, a pencil or bamboo stick, and a natural hemp-based wick.
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