Making candles is a fun and rewarding craft, but there are some things you should know that can help improve the process and ensure the end results are quality candles that you are proud to show off. Here are some candle making tips that will help you with technique and give you some new ideas.
Preparing Your Work Station
Having a designated space for candle making is important. Have a special table or desk area that is comfortable to work at. Line it with newspaper to protect the surface from hot wax spills. Make sure to have all the necessary supplies at hand before beginning. Doing this will help you relax and be at ease during the process.
Organize Your Supplies
Having the proper supplies at hand is one of the most essential candle making tips. You will need to be with your hot wax at all times, so make sure to have your scents, colorants, molds, wax, and your heat source all laid out in the order you will use them. Also have a clear plan of what you will want to use and what recipe you need before starting.
Get Creative With Essential Oils
When selecting scents for your candles, try mixing some “flavors” together to come up with modern and unique scents. It’s nice to create scents for therapeutic purposes too. Essential oils like chamomile and lavender can have soothing effects, while peppermint is energizing.
Adding Scents to Unscented Candles
If you have already created some great candles but didn’t experiment with scent, it is possible to add some to a finished candle. Simply take a long medium width needle and pierce the candle down the entire length of it. Pour in essential oil made especially for candle making and let it harden. The scent will be infused throughout the entire candle.
Invest In Quality Ingredients
Don’t scrimp on costs when it comes to buying scents, wicks, and wax. Lower price may mean lower quality. These are highly important candle making tips. Smoking and poor burning can result in using sub-standard ingredients.
Choose The Right Wick
It’s important to consider the diameter of the wick. Wick size is more relevant to the width of the candle than it is the length. Having the wrong sized wick can result in a candle burning down the center with the edges not even getting warm.
Heating Tips
Heat wax slowly and uniformly. Stir it often to ensure the coloring is mixed evenly. Do not begin to pour until it is melted entirely to the proper degree. Use instinct over thermometer when determining if it’s melted enough.
Pouring Tips
Secure your mold in an area where it will not be disturbed. Pour the hot wax aiming toward the center to avoid splashing. Pour slow to prevent bubbles.
Make Your Wick Stand Straight
A candle will not burn straight if the wick is not straight. Use a glue gun to secure the wick to the bottom of the candle mold. Tie the top of it to a crochet needle that can rest across the top of the mold. Make sure it is centered and tight-fast while pouring the wax. A drill can also be used to create a hole down the center of a fully dried candle to insert a wick.
Remove A Stubborn Candle From The Mold
Most candle making tips have to do with the pouring and heating process, but another is how to get stuck candles out of a mold. Freeze it for 15 minutes. This will shrink the wax enough to allow the candle to pop right out.
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