Crafting Liquid Aroma Candles: A Step-By-Step Guide

Making liquid aroma candles is a fun and rewarding project. You can create unique scents, shapes, and colours, and experiment with different fragrances or essential oils. The process is relatively simple and only requires a few basic ingredients and supplies.

To make liquid aroma candles, you will need wax, wicks, essential oils or fragrance oils, and containers such as glass jars or metal tins. You will also need a double boiler or a metal bowl placed over a saucepan of simmering water to melt the wax.

The type of wax you choose is important. Soy wax is a popular option as it burns slowly and naturally clings to scents, but you can also use beeswax, paraffin wax, or vegetable waxes such as rapeseed or coconut wax. Essential oils are a more natural option for adding fragrance, but they can be expensive, so fragrance oils are a more cost-effective alternative.

To make the candles, simply melt the wax, add your chosen oils, secure the wicks in place, and pour the wax into your containers. Allow the candles to cool and harden completely before trimming the wicks and lighting them.

Choosing the right wax

When making liquid aroma candles, the type of wax you choose will depend on several factors, including the form of candle you want to make, whether you want to use an all-natural wax, the amount of scent throw you want, and the level of difficulty of the project. Here are some of the most common types of wax used for making candles:

Paraffin Wax

Paraffin wax is one of the most versatile and common types of wax used for candle-making. It is derived from the crude oil refinement process, making it widely available and affordable. Paraffin wax comes in different melt points, making it suitable for various applications, from votive to pillar to container candles. However, it is not considered eco-friendly, and burning paraffin candles can release soot, toxic fumes, and chemicals.

Soy Wax

Soy wax is a relatively new but popular option for candle-making, especially for those seeking natural and eco-friendly alternatives. It is made from soybean oil and sometimes blended with other vegetable oils and waxes, such as coconut, palm, and beeswax. Soy wax is known for its slow-burning properties, making it a long-lasting option. It also holds fragrances well and is ideal for container candles.

Beeswax

Beeswax is one of the oldest and most natural forms of candle wax. It is produced by bees during the honey-making process and has a naturally sweet fragrance. Beeswax candles burn brighter and longer without releasing toxic fumes. They are versatile and can be used for various candle types, including pillar, container, and taper candles. However, beeswax is more costly than other types of wax.

Palm Wax

Palm wax is derived from hydrogenated palm oils, making it a natural but environmentally controversial option. The extraction of palm oil involves clearing land, which negatively impacts biodiversity and wildlife and contributes to carbon dioxide emissions. Palm wax is a firm and brittle wax suitable for pillar and votive candles, often blended with soy wax to make it harder.

Coconut Wax

Coconut wax is a vegan and eco-friendly option, sourced from coconut oil. The refining process removes the coconut scent, making it ideal for those who want to customise fragrances without interference. Coconut wax burns cleanly and is smokeless and soot-free.

When choosing the right wax for your liquid aroma candles, consider your priorities regarding natural ingredients, sustainability, burning properties, fragrance, and the type of candle you want to create.

Adding essential oils

When adding essential oils, the general rule is to add around 2 teaspoons of oil for every 4 ounces of liquid wax. This equates to around 6-10% of the overall weight of the wax. However, it is important to note that different essential oils have different strengths, so you may need to adjust the amount accordingly. For example, if you find the aroma too strong, you can reduce the amount of oil to 5%.

The type of wax you use will also impact the amount of essential oil needed. Soy wax is a popular choice for scented candles as it burns slowly and naturally clings to scents for longer. However, it does not give off a strong scent on its own, so a hot-burning wick is necessary. When choosing a wick, avoid non-natural ones without a metal center and opt for a hemp wick, as these burn more oil.

When adding the essential oils, timing is crucial. If added too early, the oil's active compounds can be damaged, and if added too late, the oils may not spread properly through the wax. The ideal temperature to add essential oils is 185 degrees Fahrenheit.

If you want a stronger scent, you can add more essential oils, but be careful not to add too much, as this can affect the integrity of the candle.

Some popular essential oils for candles include:

• Lavender
• Cinnamon
• Peppermint
• Citrus
• Vanilla
• Rosemary
• Eucalyptus
• Citronella

You can also get creative and mix different essential oils to create unique scent profiles for your candles.

Now you know the basics of adding essential oils to your liquid aroma candles. Get creative, experiment with different oils, and enjoy the relaxing ambiance of your homemade candles!

Picking a natural wick

When making liquid aroma candles, it is important to choose the right wick to ensure the candle burns properly. Here are some tips for picking a natural wick:

Types of Natural Wicks

There are several types of natural wicks that you can use for your candles:

• Cotton Twine: Cotton twine is a popular choice for candle wicks as it is easily available and can be treated with a solution of borax and salt to make the candles burn brighter and longer while reducing smoke and ash. Cotton twine can also be dipped in melted wax to make it stiffer and easier to handle.
• Wooden Wicks: Wooden wicks, such as those made from balsa wood, can be soaked in olive oil or other types of oil to help the flame catch quicker and burn more evenly. Wooden wicks are known for the crackling sound they produce when burned and can be used with any type of wax.
• Hemp Wicks: Hemp wicks are rigid, produce very little smoke, and burn hot. They are suitable for use with all types of waxes.
• Paper: Paper wicks are typically used as the inner core of a braided cotton wick. They burn cooler and are best suited for paraffin, soy, or blended waxes.
• Natural Fibres: Various natural fibres can be used to create wicks, such as linen, jute, sisal, silk, and grass. These fibres may need to be twisted or braided together to form a wick.

Factors to Consider when Picking a Natural Wick

When choosing a natural wick, there are several factors to consider:

• Type of Wax: Different types of wax may work better with certain types of wicks. For example, zinc core wicks are best for paraffin, soy, or blended waxes, while hemp wicks can be used with any type of wax.
• Size and Shape of Candle: The size and shape of your candle will determine the length and thickness of the wick you need. The wick should be about 1 inch (2.5 cm) taller than your candle container.
• Fragrance and Colour: The addition of fragrance and colour to your candle can also impact the performance of the wick. A wick that is too large may cause the candle to burn too quickly, so it is important to test different wicks to find the right size for your specific candle recipe.
• Wick Maintenance: Some wicks may require additional steps for preparation, such as treating with borax and salt or soaking in oil. Natural wicks may also require trimming before each use to ensure a clean and even burn.

Melting wax and adding oil

Preparing the Wax

Before melting the wax, it's important to determine the amount of wax needed for each candle. A helpful tip is to fill your chosen container with wax flakes to the desired level, then measure that amount. You will need twice the volume of wax flakes as the container's capacity. This is because the flakes reduce significantly in volume when melted.

For melting the wax, a double boiler method is recommended. Fill the bottom pot of the double boiler halfway with water and place it on medium heat. Use a heat-resistant container, such as a glass pitcher, metal can, or smaller pot, for melting the wax. Place your wax flakes into this container and put it on top of the pot with water to melt the wax gently. You can also use a microwave or a wax melter, but be sure to follow safety precautions.

Adding the Fragrance Oil

The type of fragrance oil you use is important. Essential oils are natural and can provide a variety of scents, such as lavender, grapefruit, eucalyptus, cinnamon, or vanilla. Commercial fragrance oils have stronger scents but may contain synthetic compounds. For a 16-ounce candle, you can use about 10-20 drops of essential oil. If using commercial fragrance oils, use about 1 fluid ounce per pound of wax.

When the wax has melted, use a thermometer to check its temperature. The ideal temperature for adding fragrance oil is around 185 °F (85 °C). Stir in the desired amount of fragrance oil with a disposable utensil, such as a chopstick, and continue stirring gently to distribute the oil evenly.

Important Considerations

It's crucial not to exceed the wax's maximum load of fragrance oil, as this can lead to syneresis, where the wax can't hold the excess oil, resulting in liquid drops on top of your candle. Additionally, ensure that your fragrance oil is at a similar temperature to the wax, and avoid adding it when the wax is cloudy, as this can cause mixing issues.

Final Steps

After adding the fragrance oil, remove the wax from the heat source and let it cool down to around 135 °F (57 °C). Then, carefully pour the wax into your prepared containers, leaving about 1/2 to 1 inch of space at the top. Allow the wax to harden for at least 24 hours. Finally, trim the wicks to about 1/4 inch in length, and your aroma candles are ready!

Pouring wax into a container

When pouring wax into a container, there are a few important steps to follow to ensure the best results. Firstly, it is recommended to pre-heat your container to about 150 degrees Fahrenheit. This can be done using a heat gun or by placing the container in the oven on the lowest heat setting. Pre-heating the container is not necessary, but it does improve the finished product by allowing you to pour the wax at a lower temperature, reducing the formation of bubbles, and improving the adhesion of the wax to the container.

The next step is to prepare your molten wax mixture. Set up a double boiler to melt your wax, targeting a temperature of 160-175 degrees Fahrenheit. Once the wax has melted, add any desired additives such as fragrance oils or dyes, mixing thoroughly. It is recommended to add these additives in the following order:

• Additives such as vybar or stearic acid (if needed)
• Fragrance oils
• Dye (added last to ensure all other additives have mixed well with the wax)

Once your wax mixture is at the proper temperature and you have added any desired additives, it's time to pour the wax into your container. Fill the container to the desired level, leaving about 20% of the wax in the pouring pitcher for a second pour. This second pour will help to hide any seam lines and improve the adhesion between layers of wax. Allow the wax to completely cool before proceeding, which can take six or more hours.

After the initial pour has cooled, melt the remaining wax to a temperature of 185 degrees Fahrenheit. This higher temperature will increase the adhesion between the layers of wax. Re-pour the wax to a level that just barely covers the initial pour. Allow the candle to completely cool again. Once cooled, remove any supports that were holding the wick in place and trim the wick to 1/4 inch.

It is important to note that you should never leave a burning candle unattended and always burn container candles on a heat-resistant surface as containers can break.

Frequently asked questions