The Potting Shed

Pilsbury

Candle making - The basics

Candle making is quite a simple and straightforward process that can be a lot of fun.
In its simplest form very little equipment is needed and can be put together quite cheaply.
To start I would recommend a double boiler or bowl over a pan of water to melt the wax, a thermometer, a mould, a jug, wick, mould seal or Blutac and of course wax.

First its is best to put the wax on to melt,

this is so it can cool down a little bit more before it is poured, after that it is time to thread the wick through the bottom of the mould and then tie the top end of the wick to the support over the mould, once it is tied off then pull the wick tight through the bottom of the mould and seal the hole with mould seal or Blutac.

Once the mould is threaded and the hole sealed it is time to pour the wax, it is easier to pour the hot wax into a jug so it can be poured into the mould but check it is not to hot first, anything between 65c and 75c is ok but the cooler the better

Top up the candle to near the top and leave to cool, you shouldn’t attempt to move it until there is a nice thick skin formed over the top to stop any accidents

As you can see the wax has shrunk as it cools and this is one reason to pour as cool as possible, the hotter the wax the more it will shrink.
If it shrinks to far then melt a little more wax and top up the mould

After you have topped it up if you want to then leave it to set again before you try and move it.
Leave the candle to set hard, preferably over night and then get ready to de mould it, remove the blutac from the bottom and then gently pull the cross support of the wick, if the candle doesn’t feel like its moving then put the whole lot in the fridge to shrink the wax more and try to remove it from the mould again

Once de moulded you just need to trim the support from the bottom and the wick and you have made your first candle.

The wax I used for this candle was a mix of beaded paraffin wax and a old part used green candle as see in the picture

If you want to colour or scent you candles you can use dye discs and essential oils from candle making suppliers but obviously you should use only the white wax for colouring.

If you want to use beeswax it is best to mix it with ordinary wax otherwise it can burn smokey and I would use upto 20% beeswax.

I hope this helps anyone trying candle making for the first time and if anyone wants more information before part 2 then PM me
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Never trust a skinny chef
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lottie · Posted: Mon Oct 09, 2006 9:32 pm Post subject:

Brilliant - I am re-reading it - I need too!

Thanks so much for the workshop - will get back to you with any questions.

I have been exploring the www Candle making supplies and got a bit google-eyed with it all so may need a bit of hand holding regards what to buy so's I don't get all impulsive Rolling Eyes

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Lottie the Allotment Lady

lottie · Posted: Mon Oct 09, 2006 9:38 pm Post subject:

Oh there is another part to come. Well I shall keep schtum until I read it as my questions will probably be answered in part two Laughing

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Lottie the Allotment Lady

Pilsbury · Posted: Mon Oct 09, 2006 9:42 pm Post subject:

Oh no ask questions now, part 2 is probably going to be latex moulds rather than rigid plastic moulds so if you have questions ask away now.
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Never trust a skinny chef
www.wilddutch.co.uk

lottie · Posted: Mon Oct 09, 2006 9:51 pm Post subject:

Here goes.

(a) Is there any way one can work out how much wax to melt for a particular candle? You used a proper mould, but I would probably start with a something like a yoghurt pot. So what I am trying to establish is - how much should I buy to start off with?

(b) I guess that if I used an old wine glass, I would have to buy those wick with metal rings weight it down?

(c) My beeswax comes in a big block and is the pure straight from the hive stuff, so I guess it is fine to grate or slice bits off as it would melt as do the granules.

(d) Is it only paraffin wax granules that can be used with beeswax or other waxes? A candle would seem to be 80% of some other candle wax then and only 20% beeswax.

(e) Perfume oils. Is it a waste to use pure essential oils in candle making. ie Are the candle perfumes stronger/different/cheaper?

I think that I had better order a book from the village library Laughing

Sorry about all the questions pilsbury - I am eager to get going, but don't want to get over or under order - or stink the house out of my friends who get them as presents. And I might have time to make some for my charity stall.
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Lottie the Allotment Lady

lottie · Posted: Mon Oct 09, 2006 9:58 pm Post subject:

I have put a link from my Simply Living site to here - so maybe we can get quite a few having a go - it would be good to swap ideas.
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Lottie the Allotment Lady

Pilsbury · Posted: Mon Oct 09, 2006 10:19 pm Post subject:

one way is to fill up the mould you want to use 1 1/2 times but it doesn't matter if you melt down more than you need cos it can just be remelted if it sets, i only used beaded wax cos thats how we bought it. a word of caution though if you colour a batch of wax always make plenty, as with paint you will rarely get the same exact shade again, its fine for different candles but not in the same one
You can just melt a whole block of wax if you want to but it will take a bit longer.
yes if you wanted to use a wine glass you would need wick weights but also be careful about the diameter wick you use, glass and flames dont go to well but it is possable to use a diamiter 1/2" smaller than the glass
I have only ever made candles from paraffin wax and beeswax not sure what other wax you could use, you can have as much beeswax as you want in the mix or make it from pure beeswax but if i recall it tends to smoke more than a mix.
nope we just used the oils they sell for putting in oil burners the 99p a bottle stuff and it seems ok. If you want to use esensial oils i think it wads mentioned in the other thread that a rough guide is 1 drop per 100g wax but as i said we only used the cheap oil burner scents.

I have EMailed a couple of the suppliers we had as the shop to see if the accounts are still active and if so i might be able to get stuff to put together started kits. no promises but worth a try.
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Never trust a skinny chef
www.wilddutch.co.uk

lottie · Posted: Tue Oct 10, 2006 12:12 am Post subject:

Thanks for all the information - that is brilliant. Lots to think about and plan. Wink

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Lottie the Allotment Lady