Step-to-step candle making guide with Craft HQ fragrance oils
Safety first!
Before you make a start with any of your wax or fragrance oil it’s important to ensure you are safe.
Wearing appropriate PPE is important when working with hot substances and chemicals such as fragrance oils.
We recommend not only ensuring you have the appropriate apron and gloves available but if you have your sights on continuing in the candle making adventure, then it's also a good idea to keep set of clothes that you only use for candle making.
For more information on appropriate PPE, have a read of the blog PPE for making wax melts & candles
What else do I need?
Ensure you gather all of your equipment before you start making your candles, rather than stopping to find items half way through. This will help ensure your making process runs as smoothly as possible.
Your equipment list...
- PPE
- Stove
- Double Boiler (Not Essential)... Alternative Option: Saucepan & Metal or Glass Bowl
- Scales
- Thermometer
- Jug x 2
- Large Metal Spoon
- Kitchen roll
TOP TIP: We recommend keeping a set of bowls and spoons solely for candle making and investing in some more for the kitchen. Fragrance oil residue can linger on equipment, even after a good clean. No one wants their dinner tasting of perfume!
1. Prepare your jars
Give your candle jars a quick wipe, if needed, with a clean piece of kitchen roll to remove any dust.
Using the stick’um pads provided, attach the wicks to the base of the jar, leaving roughly a 1cm gap between each metal base. It is important to place these as central as possible to ensure the candle burns level and avoids tunnelling.
Place your wick tip through the hole in the wooden wick holder so that the wooden holder sits on top of your jar. Do this for both wicks - it will help hold them in place when pouring. The wicks can be twisted around the wooden holder for extra support, although it is not essential. If you choose to do this, make sure to do prior to pouring the wax.
Find a flat, level surface and place your jars ready for pouring. It is ideal to find a space where they will not need to be moved - you need to keep them as still as possible while the wax is setting.
TOP TIPS: If you’re wicks are not staying in place, tie a rubber
band around each end of the wooden holder either side of the candle glass to secure them. The rubber will get the wooden holder traction against the glass jar.
The best place for your candles to set will be somewhere at room temperature, away from any drafts and out of direct sunlight.
2. Melting your wax
One of the most popular methods is to melt it down using a double boiler. Don’t panic if you don’t have one, you can easily replicate this method by placing a glass or metal dish over a saucepan of boiling water. This is the most common method when starting on your candle making journey.
Place your glass or metal bowl over a pan of boiling water, or set up your boiler. Heat the wax steadily at a medium heat, stirring regularly.
When the max begins to melt pop in your thermometer. Once it has reached a temperature of 71°c you are ready to add your fragrance oil. Be careful not to overheat your wax!
Temperature
The temperature of your wax will literally make or break the quality of your candles.
- If the temperature is too hot, you will not only risk burning yourself but burning off the fragrance oil before it properly combines with it.
- If the temperature is too cool, then the fragrance oil with not correctly mix with it.
Both of these circumstances will result in a poorly scented candle.
If you are using our candle making kits with soy container wax heat your wax to 80 degrees, add your fragrance oil at 71 degrees and pour into your candles around 55-60 degrees.
TOP TIP: We recommend that you DO NOT use a microwave to heat your wax. The wax temperature is much easier to control using the boiler method.
3. Add your fragrance
It’s important to not add your fragrance oil too early or too late.
Once you have added your oil, use your spoon to MIX THOROUGHLY!
Mixing your fragrance oil into your wax is a highly important part of the process. A quick swish with a spoon and away you go simply won’t cut it.
As a standard rule of thumb mixing for a minimum of 2 - 3 minutes will give you a quality scent throw and a candle everyone will be jealous of.
TOP TIPS:
Try mixing with your spoon clockwise for a set count, then repeat in the other direction. This will give you an accurate mix time each and every time you make your candles.
Keep an eye on the temperature of the mixture and make sure you start pouring it before it starts to set. Leaving it too late will result in a gloopy, uneven pour.
4. Let’s pour!
It’s time for the fun part! Now you have your molten wax and fragrance oil combined, let's pour it into your candle jars.
Ensure your candle jars are still on a flat level surface, with the wicks nice and central.
Simply pour the wax slowly and carefully into the jar, avoiding any spillages. Pouring evenly and slowly will ensure your wax cools and hardens with a smooth surface and adheres to the jar.
Leave a 2cm gap from the top of the poured wax, to the top of the glass jar. You will be left with some extra wax mixture. This can be used to make a mini wax melt, mini candle or disposed of.
TOP TIPS: The wicks can be moved aside slightly for better access for pouring. Just remember to move them back the the centre once you have finished pouring.
Whilst the wax is setting, it's a good idea to check on your wicks every 5-10 minutes, as the wicks can migrate to the side if the wooden wick holder is not fully secure.
5. Leave to cure
Once your scented candles are solid it’s time to let them cure.
Put simply, leave your candles a while before using them to give fragrance oil the best chance to combine with the wax. We recommend leaving your candle to cure for 1-2 weeks.
TOP TIP: Always avoid leaving your candles in an area that is sensitive to moisture. Ensure that your candle is completely dry before use, as when any lit candle and water mix, it can have an adverse combustible reaction.
Explore more
Share this
Popular posts
Leave a comment