How to Start Candle-Making With Simple DIY Tools
Thinking about starting candle making with simple DIY tools? If you’ve ever been impressed by the homely glow and calming scent of a candle, you’ll love the idea of making your own.
Candles not only brighten up a room but also fill it with delightful fragrances, and creating them yourself is a fun and fulfilling hobby.
As we proceed, we’ll guide you through the step-by-step process of candle making, including the tools and supplies you’ll need, tips for choosing quality materials, and the different types of candles you can create.
Steps on How to Start Candle-Making With Simple DIY Tools
Here are the breakdown steps on how you can get started with simple DIY steps:
1. Set Up Your Work Area
There is one thing about wax that can be a little complicated and that is when it is in its liquid form. To prevent yourself from getting into a fix, it is recommended that you lay newspaper or paper towels on your work surface.
These should be used to place your tools for instance the thermometer and spatula. This way, you will have your jars or containers and wicks within reach when the process progresses fast.
Wax may spill once it dries, do not be too concerned as you can easily remove it using a fingernail.
2. Melt the Wax
Melt the wax under a double boiler. Pour water into the bottom pan, place approximately half a pound of wax into the top pan of a double boiler and melt the wax. Mix the wax with a spatula and try to reduce the chunk sizes, it takes about 10-15 minutes to melt.
This temperature should be monitored; it should be within the range of 160°F and 170°F. In case it gets hotter, remove it from the heat source.
3. Attach the Wick
When the wax is melting, center the wick to the container and make it stick to the bottom. Some wicks come with a sticky tab, but if yours doesn’t, try this trick: submerge the metal base of the wick into the melted wax, then place it at the bottom middle of the jar.
Put out the flame and let the wax remain on the surface for a couple of minutes so that the wick cannot move or fall off.
4. Add Fragrance Oils
When the wax has completely melted, you can then put your fragrance oils. The directions that come with your wax will tell you how much fragrance it is safe to use.
If you do not have instructions, then the best practice is to use one ounce of fragrance for every pound of wax.
5. Cool and Pour the Wax
After adding the fragrance oil, let the wax cool for a few minutes until it reaches about 130-140°F. This temperature ensures the wax sets nicely. Use your thermometer to check.
Once cooled, carefully pour the wax into your container, holding the wick gently to keep it centered.
Don’t tug too hard, as it might loosen from the bottom. Save a small amount of wax in the boiler for later once the wax sets, you’ll likely see a dip in the center that will need topping off.
6. Keep the Wick Centered
The wick might wobble in the liquid wax, but keeping it centered is important for an even burn.
Lay a pencil, chopstick, or similar item across the top of the container, and position the wick between them. This will grip it in place while the wax hardens.
7. Let the Wax Set and Top Off
As the wax cools, it might form a sinkhole in the middle. Let it sit for a few hours until it’s fully hardened and you can see how much needs to be filled.
Warm up the stored wax, and then carefully pour it into the sinkhole. Add just enough to level the surface, don’t overfill, or it may form another dip.
8. Trim the Wick
Once the wax is fully set, trim the wick down to about 1/4 inch. An excessively long wick will produce an excessively hot, flickering flame.
If the flame is more than an inch high, trim it a bit more and relight.
9. Clean Up
Wax cleanup can be a bit messy, but it’s manageable. Wipe up any leftover liquid wax with paper towels before it hardens.
Avoid washing tools or waxy items in the sink, as the wax can clog your pipes. If the wax hardens, scrape it off with a tool or fingernail, and it will comes off easily.
10. Light your candle
Now it’s time to enjoy your homemade candle. Handmade candles add a welcoming atmosphere to your space and make wonderful gifts or products to sell.
And, you’ll love knowing you made it yourself.
Tools and Supplies You Need to Make Candle
These are the necessary tools an supplies you’ll need to make your own candles at home:
1. Wax
Candle wax is available in flake or shaving forms, and can be purchased at craft stores or through the Internet. Some of the most common types are paraffin wax, beeswax and soy wax.
2. Wicks
Candle wicks are made from paper, cotton, zinc or wood. Small candles require thin wicks and large candles require thick wicks since thick wicks burn and produce a larger flame.
A wick trimmer is useful in ensuring that wicks are of the right size.
3. Thermometer
When melting wax, it is best to use a candy, deep fryer or infrared thermometer for monitoring the wax temperature.
4. Dye
If you wish to have colored candles, then use the dyes meant for candles only. Other dyes may interfere with the wax and its final setting which is not the case with candle dye.
5. Containers
You can use jars, glasses or even tin cans as your candle holders. Larger jars produce larger candles that last longer than the small candles.
6. Double Boiler
If you want to melt wax slowly and uniformly then you will require a double boiler. If you do not have one, cover a pot of boiled water with a metal bowl.
7. Skewer or Stick
A skewer, pencil or stick is used to keep the wick in position. Secure the wick to the skewer and place the other end of the skewer on the top of your container.
It can also be used to burst any bubbles which form on the surface of the melted wax.
8. Spatula
A heat resistant spatula is useful to stir the wax and make sure that it melts uniformly.
9. Essential Oils
If you need scented candles, use essential oils or fragrance oils meant for candle making. Essential oils are extracted from plants while the fragrance oils are man made and may imitate the natural oils.
Make sure that the oils used are safe for candles since some of them may cause the candles to be flammable.
How to Pick the Right Tools for Candle-Making
When shopping for candle-making tools, keep these tips in mind:
1. Choose Durable Materials
Go for tools made from materials like stainless steel or heat-resistant plastic that can handle heat and last a long time.
2. Check Reviews
Read reviews or ask experienced candle makers for recommendations. This helps you find reliable and durable tools.
3. Match Your Tools to Your Candles
Make sure your tools suit the type of candles you’re making. For example, if you’re making candles in jars, pick a pouring pitcher designed for container candles.
4. Look for Safety Features
Use tools that have safety features built-in like heat-resistant handles or non-slip grips make it easier and safer to handle hot wax.
Types of Candles You Can Make
DIY candles are incredibly versatile and one can make as many candles as they want. Here are some popular types you can try:
1. Container Candles
These are candles produced in jars, tins or any other receptacles. It is very simple to prepare and very suitable for any designs.
2. Pillar Candles
Taper candles are thinner than other candles and can stand independently, and are made by pouring wax in a mold. They are traditional and look very classy.
3. Taper Candles
Taper candles are the long and slim ones that you use for dinner tables or any special occasion.
4. Votive Candles
Votives are miniature candles that are used for small holders that are not deep. They are perfect for creating the warmth or as gifts for guests during a party.
5. Floating Candles
These candles are designed to be used on water and are ideal for use in centerpieces or any loving setting.
The proper care of your candle making tools is very important to make them serve you well for a long time.
Wash them after each use to ensure that there is no wax or color or scent left on it so that crafting is easy next time.
With this steps and the tools and supplies you have just read, you are now ready to start making your own candles in the designs you want.
This can be for personal use, or to be given as gifts to friends and family members, and the options are numerous.
