Candle
Making
These are some tips on candle making. I like to reuse things so I get a little creative with the molds. Certain plastics seem to work well for a few candles (ex: medicine bottles that capsules or tablets- cleaned really well), sometimes small tins (candy or small cookie tins) and sometimes heat proof containers. I do use a thermometer to keep the wax at a certain temp.
An old percolator with out the insides works great for melting way. Usually I combine beeswax with wax/paraffin to get a slower burning blend of wax. There are also additives you can add that will keep it slow burning, add luster and of course colors and scents. Before buying wax, look at the quantity you might have to purchase. Online, some of the candle suppliers sell the wax by 56 pounds. If you plan to make a bunch of candles it's worth it, otherwise look for individuals (and their prices are a little higher).
Candle Making How To's
The following technique is what we use at the Candle Maker for making basic mold
and jar candles using the products we provide. There are many other techniques,
however this works well for us and we hope it will help you achieve successful
results.
Preparing the mold
Lightly spray and wipe the inside of the mold with mold release. Choose the proper
size wick and tie a slip knot at one end. Then cut the wick to fit the length of the
mold allowing for it to extend about one inch above the top of the mold. Prime the
wick by dipping it into the wax for approximately 30 seconds and then after
removing it, wipe off the excess wax using a rag. Thread the wick through the hole
at the base of the mold, wrap the knot with a thin strip of paper towel, and place
mold seal between the paper towel and the mold. Press down firmly on the knot to
ensure you have a good seal on the hole. Pull the wick taught through the center of
the mold, making sure it runs straight through the center. Secure the centered
wick at the top of the mold by tying it to a stick or rod.
For candles in containers
We suggest using zinc core wick. Cut the wick to desired length and secure a wick
tab to one end. Place the wick tab in the center of the container. When pouring the
wax, first pour approximately 1/2 inch of liquid wax in the container (enough to
cover the tab entirely). Allow that wax to set up but not cool completely. This will
secure the tab to the base of the container so the wick will remain centered. After
several minutes, you may proceed to fill the candle the rest of the way. Tap the
sides of the container after filling to release any air bubbles that may have
formed when pouring the candle. As the candle cools, follow the steps 7 & 8 below
for poking and topping off your candle, and be sure to adjust your wick to keep it
centered during the cooling process.
Wax Preparation.
1. Melt Wax. Use 130 wax for filling containers and 142 wax for molded candles
2. Add additives such as Stearic Acid (3 tbls. per 1lb. of wax) and/or Vybar (1.5
tsp. per lb. of wax)
3. Add Color dye to desired effect
4. Add scenting oil (1/2 ounce per 1 pound of wax is recommended)
Be sure to use a thermometer in the wax during the melting process and NEVER
leave melting wax unattended.
5. Pour wax mixture into containers and plastic molds at 170-180 degrees.
Pour wax mixture into metal molds at 180-200 degrees.
6. After pouring, gently tap the mold or container to bring any air bubbles to the
surface.
7. As wax cools it shrinks. Once the top forms approximately a 1/8 inch layer of
solid wax, you will need to poke through that surface close to the wick. This will
create a cavity allowing you to access any air pockets which may form while the
candle cools.
8.Refill these cavities with melted wax. (Once again pouring at the temperatures
indicated above)
You may need to repeat steps 7 and 8 several times as the wax cools. Refills should
be done while the candle is still warm. If you wait too long, the wax will pull away
from the sides of the mold/container and when you refill you may get seepage
between the mold and the side of the candle.
Removing the candle from the Mold
You should allow at least 8 hours for the candle to cool before attempting to
remove it from the mold. (You will need to wait longer for larger candles) Untie the
slip knot and remove the mold seal and paper towel from around the wick. Turn the
mold upside down and the candle should slide out easily. If it does not you can pull
gently on the excess wick at the bottom of the candle to release it.
Remember, the base of the mold forms the top of the candle, so you will need to
flatten the bottom of the candle so it will stand properly. If the mold was filled
completely to the top, you can scrape across the top of the mold using a scraper
before you remove the candle form the mold. If you have only filled the mold part
way, you will need to use another method for flattening the bottom of the candle.
You could heat up a pan and then after removing it from the heat, rub bottom of
the candle on the pan to achieve a flat surface.
Trim the wick of the candle to 1/4 inch before burning.