If you’ve ever been intrigued by the idea of making candles, you may be interested to know that there are a few things to look out for when you’re getting started. You’ll want to be sure you use the proper type of wax, and you’ll also want to ensure you have a way to test the candles once they’ve been made.
Poured and Rolled candles are the easiest to make
If you are new to candle making, poured and rolled candles are probably your first choice. Both of these types of candles are relatively easy to make. You can choose the size and shape of your candles as well as the type of wax used to create them.
The process for a poured candle is a bit different than that of a rolled candle. However, they both have the same end result.
To start, you need a small to medium sized wick. It should be at least a quarter inch long. Make sure that it is tightly wrapped in wax. Once you have the wick, you can attach it to the mold.
Next, you need to heat up your beeswax sheet. This can be done by using a hair dryer or a heat gun designed for candle making. Just be sure to let the sheet cool down before removing it.
Soy wax
Soy wax for candlemaking is a natural alternative to petroleum based products. It can be purchased at craft stores and on-line retailers. However, there are some fundamental considerations that can help you select the best product.
The first thing to consider is the melting point of the soy wax. If you’re a beginner, you’ll want to choose a soy wax with a low melting point. This will make it easier to reshape the wax into a desired shape.
You also want to pay attention to the fragrance load. If you’re making a scented soy candle, you’ll need to heat the wax a bit more than if you’re making a unscented one.
Some soy wax products come in a flake form. These are easier to melt and less likely to crack. They also retain a good amount of fragrance.
Palm wax
Palm wax is a plant-based candle making wax. It has a hard texture and can be melted and poured into jars or molds to make candles.
Palm wax is an all-natural and renewable source of wax. Unlike other types of wax, it does not contain harmful chemicals. In addition, palm wax can be used to create an infinite variety of surface patterns.
Palm wax has a high melting point, so it burns for longer. This makes it a great choice for candles. It also holds fragrance oil very well.
Palm wax also produces a crystalline effect, which helps to create beautiful shapes. As a result, it can be molded to make unique candles. However, it can be expensive.
Palm wax is made from the fruit of the oil palm tree. Typically, these trees grow in Southeast Asia and South America.
Synthetic waxes
When it comes to wax for candlemaking, there are several different types to choose from. These include paraffin, soy, and beeswax. Each type has a different set of properties that can affect the burn time, scent throw, and color of your candles. It’s important to know how each wax works before you start pouring.
Paraffin wax is a petroleum-based product that is derived from a purification process of oil. This makes it cheap, easy to work with, and odor-free. However, it can be toxic if burned.
Soy based vegetable waxes are also new on the candle making scene. The process for making soy based vegetable waxes involves hydrogenating soybean oil to form a solid form. Depending on the brand, soy wax can have a wide variety of melting points and hardness levels.
Test burning your candles
When it comes to candlemaking, it’s important to test your creations to ensure that they are safe and effective. This means burning the candle, but also doing other things such as testing the wick, fragrance, and colour.
The most important thing to remember when doing a test burn is to have a good fireproof surface and to leave a space of about 7-8 inches between the candles. Burning your candles for several hours will help you get a good idea of their flammability, but it’s not advisable to leave them unattended.
For the most part, you’ll find that a burn test can be done in a controlled environment, but you still need to take note of the small details. You’ll need a thermometer to measure the temperature, and a notebook for recording the details.
