Scented candles are very popular, while enjoying candles, we also think about making candles by ourselves.
I’ve learned about that a lot of private label candles that are hand poured, so whether you’re preparing for your own candle business or just want to experience the joy of making candles, this tutorial will give you some help.
Ok, before start, we need to make some preparations.
1) Wax flakes – soy wax is highly recommended, but of course coconut wax, paraffin wax, beeswax, etc.
2) candle jars – must be heat-resistant jars, which is a safety issue. We recommend using previously burned candle jars.
3) heat-proof container – for example a pot.
4) Essential oils – prepare your favorite flavors without too much, this oil needs be for candle makings.
5) Candle wicks – cotton core or wood core, choose what you like.
6) Wick centering device or chopsticks – Keep your wick centered and straight.
7) Wick trimmer – cut the wick to suitable length will ensure the candle burns perfectly at the first time.
8) Thermometer -for temperature control, during wax melting, we need to use thermometer to control the wax temperature, ensure the wax will not get too hot.
After you’ve done your prep work, make sure you have a clean, flat surface to work on. Also protect the work area with newspaper or paper towels.
Step 1: Prep container
First of all, you need to figure out the capacity of your jar ,10oz, 12oz, 16oz are all good choices.
Second, choose a jar u would like to use. If you already have your favorite candle jar, you can remove the wax from the jar and reuse the container. Once your candle jar is clean, dry and ready to go, it’s time to move on to the next step.
- Step 2: Measure wax
Usually, the wax capacity is 80% of the jar capacity.
For example, the jar (water) capacity is 10oz, the wax capacity is only 8oz.
If you don’t have a way to measure it accurately, there is an easy way to determine: Fill your container with wax flakes, double this amount, this is the amount of wax you need to make one candle.
- Step 3: Melt wax
Pour the measured wax flakes into the pot and heat slowly by low heat, stirring constantly during the process, make the wax can be heated evenly. It’s good to keep 60-70 degrees Celsius, don’t let the temperature get too high.
- Step 4: Add essential oils
Once the wax is completely melted, we can add essential oils to it. Pls kindly note that let the wax temperature goes down to 60-65 Celsius firstly, or the oil will be evaporated in a second.
I know a lot of people who want their candles to have a strong scent to fill the room, but that doesn’t mean the more essential oil the better. Generally, the amount of essential oil is 5%-10% of the wax. If there is more, it will be wasted, because when the candle burns, the excess essential oil will overflow and Rapid volatilization at high temperatures.
- Step 5: Attach the wick
Before pouring the candle, you’ll need to attach the wick to the bottom of the jar, making sure they are all placed on a flat bottom. Then attach the wick, super glue is the fastest, or dip the wick bottom in liquid wax, then quickly stick them on the bottom of the jar (don’t be nervous, try to keep the wicks in the center of the container). Then let sit for 5 minutes for the wax to harden.
- Step 6: Pour wax
Pour the liquid wax into the candle jar. Be careful pls, not to pour it on your candle wick. If you are a beginner, I recommend pouring it in two times. If the first time the wax is uneven or has bubbles, the second time remedy is possible.
- Step 7: Stable wick
To prevent the candle wick from swaying in the liquid wax, you need to stabilize it in place. A wick core holder is necessary, and a pair of chopsticks or pencils is also help.
- Step 8: Have a cup of coffee
Ok, you’re almost there, it’s time to sit down, have a cup of coffee, and take a good rest – let the candle set for 3-4 hours, be patient pls, and let it harden naturally.
- Step 9: Cut wick
- It’s an exciting time, your candle is done, for the first perfect burning – Less soot volume, more evenly burning. You need to trim your wick, it should be between 0.3 inches and 0.5 inches.
- Step 10: Make more
Another benefit of waxing in two pourings is that when you finish the first time and the candle has hardened, you can add dried petals or crystals to make your candle richer.
Easy right? Let’s start!!
