How to Make Candles at Home

Creating candles is a form of art that has been practiced for centuries, dating back to around 200 AD, and it has become quite a popular hobby today. Experience this ancient craft by making your own candles at home. They're easy to make, beautifully shimmering, and make wonderful gifts. Follow these steps to create beautiful candles at home.

Choose the type of wax you want to use to make the candles. There are many types of wax to choose from. Around 500g of paraffin wax yields approximately 600ml of melted wax. 500g of soy wax produces about 530ml of melted wax. 500g of beeswax gives you about 500ml of melted wax.

• Paraffin wax is the traditional type used for making candles and remains quite popular today. It's a great choice for beginners as it melts quickly, is inexpensive, and is easy to color and scent. However, be aware of the fumes released when heating paraffin, as they may cause allergies for some people.
• Soy wax is becoming more popular because it's easy to use, made from soybeans, and easy to clean. It's quite eco-friendly and recyclable. Soy wax is also known for burning slower than most other wax types.
• Beeswax is completely natural and has air-purifying properties, but it doesn't hold fragrance or color as well. Essential oils will work well with beeswax, but remember, beeswax has its own pleasant natural scent.
• You can also reuse old candles that have burned down or become misshapen. Reusing old candles is a great way to recycle wax. Melting them is just as simple as melting any other type of wax (see Section Two).

Protect your workspace before you begin candle-making. If you don’t have a designated area where you can work with wax without concerns, it's best to cover the surface with newspaper, wax paper, or towels and rags in the place where you'll be making your candles. Prepare warm soapy water in case of any spills.

Cut or break the wax into smaller chunks or pieces. Smaller pieces of wax melt more easily than larger ones. The wax will also melt more evenly when you use smaller pieces.

Pour water into a large or medium-sized pot. Choose a pot that is large enough to fit a smaller pot or cup inside, as you'll use the smaller pot or cup to melt the wax in a makeshift double boiler.

Place the small chunks of wax into a heatproof cup. Put the cup inside the pot to create a makeshift double boiler. Note: Do not melt the wax directly over an open flame, as it could burn or evaporate. Use a high flame to bring the water to a boil. The boiling water will slowly melt the wax.

• Note that wax can be difficult to clean, so it's a good idea to buy an inexpensive heatproof pot to use solely for candle-making.

Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature of the wax. You can buy a candy or candle thermometer from a kitchen supply store or a craft shop. If you don’t have a candy thermometer, a meat thermometer will also work. Remember that wax can be difficult to clean.

• Paraffin wax should be melted until it reaches a temperature of around 50 - 60°C.
• Soy wax should be melted until it reaches a temperature of around 77 - 82°C.
• Beeswax should be melted until it reaches a temperature of around 63°C. You can melt it to a slightly higher temperature, about 79°C.
• Old wax should be melted at a temperature of around 85°C. Use tongs to remove the wick from the old candle.

Add fragrance to the melted wax. The type of fragrance is up to you. Fragrance oils, such as essential oils, can be found at your local craft store. It’s best to follow the usage instructions on the bottle instead of relying on how strong the scent will be once added. Stir well.

Add color. Regular food coloring will not work well for candles as they are water-based. Purchase oil-based dye from your local craft store. You can easily find dyes specifically for candles. Follow the instructions on the bottle to add the appropriate amount of dye to achieve the desired color. Drop the dye in one drop at a time and stir well until the color is to your liking.

Place the wick in the center of the mold. You can use cans, glass jars, old teacups, or any mold that is heat-resistant. Metal cans are usually the safest choice, but feel free to use any mold you like, as long as it can handle the heat. Set them on a flat surface in the protected workspace (such as a baking tray or cutting board). The wick should be placed in the center of the mold, with the wick extending about 5 cm longer than the height of the candle. Tie the excess wick in the middle of a pencil or pen and lay the pencil across the top of the mold where you will pour the wax. Make sure the wick hangs straight down in the center of the mold.

Pour the melted wax carefully into the mold, making sure to do it slowly to prevent any spillage. Be cautious not to accidentally remove the wick. It's up to you how much wax you wish to pour. Remember that beeswax will shrink slightly as it cools, so keep that in mind while filling the mold.

Cool the wax down. The best method is to let it cool for up to 24 hours if possible. The longer you wait, the better the result.

• Paraffin wax candles require 24 hours to cool.
• Soy wax candles take 4-5 hours to cool.
• Beeswax candles can take up to 6 hours to cool, but ideally, they should be left overnight for the best results.
• If you're reusing old candles, you only need to let them cool for a few hours.

Remove the wax from the mold and trim the wick, leaving just about 1cm. This ensures the flame will burn properly, as an overly long wick could cause an excessive flame.

Light the candle and enjoy the result of your work.

You're done!

• Add lemongrass essential oil to a candle to create a scent that helps repel pests like mosquitoes. You can find this essential oil at natural food stores.

• Hot wax can be a fire risk. Always watch the wax while it's melting. Handle it with care to avoid burns or accidents.

• Molten wax for making candles
• Candle wick
• Pen, pencil, or large clip
• Containers like glass jars or cans
• Double boiler (a large pot and a smaller pot)
• Water
• Fragrance oils (optional)
• Dye (optional)
• Candy or candle thermometer
• Newspaper, cutting board, or old fabric to protect your work area
• Warm soapy water in case of spills