The Candle Making FAQ category offers a collection of frequently asked questions and answers related to the craft of making candles. The questions may cover various aspects of the candle-making process, including selecting materials, choosing fragrances, creating different candle shapes and sizes, troubleshooting common problems, and more. The website may also provide tips and advice on how to make candles safely and efficiently, as well as resources for finding supplies and further learning. The goal of the Candle Making FAQ category is to help aspiring candlemakers get started with confidence and provide support throughout their candle-making journey.
The first burn of a candle is important for several reasons. First, it helps to establish the “memory” of the candle. When a candle is lit for the first time, the wax melts and forms a “memory ring” or a “memory pool” around the edge of the container. This memory ring sets the foundation for …
Candles typically experience higher sales during the winter months, primarily due to the holiday season. The colder weather and shorter days create a cozy and intimate ambiance in homes, encouraging people to light candles for warmth, decoration, and relaxation. Festive occasions such as Christmas, Hanukkah, and New Year’s Eve also contribute to increased candle sales, …
Yes. If you are making pillar candles the outside can be painted with acrylic paint. The paint is not in the melt pool and does not interfere with the wick. This type of candle often will tunnel or not completely burn. One of these styles is the carved candles you see. These are dipped in …
Yes. It has to be a product or food that can be steeped in oil and filtered so that no particles are suspended in the oil. The oil is used as a colorant. It is difficult to get vibrant colors this way but this offers an all-natural solution.
Yes. It has to be an oil-based colorant and there is no guarantee of the outcome depending on the brand as this is not what they are meant for. If you are making candles as a craft to sell it is much cheaper and more effective to use candle dye. But for yourself, this is …
Keep in mind that anything that is flammable normally is going to be flammable in your candle. Adding things that are tiny like spices such as cinnamon may clog the wick and may interfere with the candle burning. Cinnamon sticks can serve as a secondary wick. Often people add embellishments of real flowers, roses, or …
This article is for the occasional crafter that likes to make their own candle. Making candles from scratch requires a few things like candle wax, candle wicks, and vessels to pour the melted wax in. The vessels can be glass jars or metal tins like cans. You can even use a stout shallow bowl. You …
The strongest smelling candle scent is peppermint. Another strong candle scent is spearmint and eucalyptus. These fragrances open your sinuses and are good for congestion.
Candles sell well on Amazon. Amazon has a great Handmade selling program that converts well if you are looking for a platform to sell your candles. Millions of shoppers visit Amazon and spend billions. 7 out of 10 households buy candles at some point. Etsy is also a great platform to sell candles as well …
Soy wax does expire. It has a shelf life of about 2-3 years if stored properly in an air-tight container. Candle wax made from soy wax has a shelf life of about 2 years. After that, the fragrance oil begins to break down the wax, and the soy wax heavily frosts. I have some older …
You can’t put stickers in candles. The ink and paper from the sticker would dissolve over time and the image would likely be distorted or destroyed. The better choice would be accessories. You can put stickers on candles.
You should cover candles when not in use. Soy wax candles are prone to evaporation and the fragrance oil load may deteriorate over time. Paraffin or pillar wax holds the fragrance better. A lid or cover also protects the candle from dust which could interfere with performance. You can cover candles with cello bags or …
You can put flowers in your candles. Many pillar candles are decorated around the outside of the candle with flowers and accessories. Container candles are often decorated with flowers on top. The key is to never leave them unattended and remember they are at more risk for fire.
It is safe to make candles in coffee mugs. Many coffee mugs are designed to handle hot beverages. Candle testing is important as temperatures should remain around 175 degrees Fahrenheit for the candle container.
You do not add water when melting wax. Candle wax is an oil-based product and will not mix with water. You do not add additional water when melting wax melts in a wax burner. Wax melts are ready out-of-the-package.
Salt makes candles burn longer because it raises the melting point of the wax melt pool. The candle will require just a little more heat to burn resulting in a longer time. Sprinkle just a dash into the wax melt pool. Homemade wicks are made by soaking the cotton core in a saltwater mixture as …
If you pour paraffin wax too cold the surface of the candle will be rough in texture. If you try to pour paraffin too cold to reduce shrinking it can result in what are called “jump lines” that look like rings especially using containers. Paraffin wax should be poured hot at 175-185 degrees Fahrenheit. If …
If you pour soy wax too cold the texture of the candle wax becomes very rough and pitted. The candle wax may get large air bubbles trapped and not burn correctly. Soy wax should never be poured at temperatures lower than 135 degrees Fareheight. If you pour soy wax too cold in an environment such …
Natural soy wax holds the most fragrance by weight at 8-10%. Some lighter fragrances can be added to soy wax up to 12%. This is almost twice the fragrance load of paraffin. Paraffin wax holds 4-6% fragrance by weight. Gel candle wax holds the least fragrance at 3-4% by weight. Soy versus paraffin has always …
