Candle Making Fragrance Is An Art
Candle Making Fragrance Is An Art
People have been making candles with fragrance for many centuries. The people in the sub continent used candles and incense to heal and relax the body centuries before westerners ever knew about it. Regardless of what you are trying to achieve i. E. Whether it is better health, relaxation or meditation candle making fragrance is the best choice in every way.
There area number of perfumed oils that consist of Lavender, sandal wood, and jasmine that are used in both candle making as well as for healing purposes. Aroma therapy uses hundreds of various fragrance ranging from blackberry brandy to baked apple crisp. Some of the other less common fragrance oils used include cinnamon, Lilac, Vanilla etc. Today there are so many places where you can purchase this fragrance that you are spoilt for choice.
There are many online stores that sell candles that smell of dry leaves and various flowers. Most of them are made with the fragrance oils included. There are various types of candle making fragrance which range from the expensive to the cheap and affordable. However care and caution should be exercised when purchasing ridiculously cheap candles and fragrance oils.
Some of the cheap oils can cause skin rashes as its not made with the best quality materials. This is why it’s always a good idea to stick with purchasing good fragrance oils manufactured by known manufacturers. The whole process of using this candle making fragrance should be a good experience in which you relax your mind and body using the sweet aromas you purchase without having to worry about the side effects.
Fragrance oils can also be extremely strong and this is why just using a few drops should suffice. You are only going to need a few drops of oil on your candle if you are using it to make candle fragrance. The drops should be carefully placed at the right time when the candle wax is hot so that it mixes in well with the wax for maximum effect.
Many of the oils you purchase for candle making fragrance are also used to make incense sticks, potpourri and soaps etc. The fragrance oil industry is huge and so are the products that use these oils.
If you decide to purchase your oils online there are various website that sell some of the best oils you can ever find. You can also purchase high quality wax which will ensure that your candle turns out the way it should. Many people tend to reuse the wax of old candles but that’s not always a very good idea as it can some times not be as effective as it should.
When starting out make sure that you purchase high quality materials and equipment even if you are just doing it for yourself. Many times the only expensive thing you are going to purchase is the fragrance oils which are very well worth the cost. There are also various guides you can purchase online that will teach you how to go about making these candles.
Molds for Candle Making
There are an almost limitless selection of candle making molds available for sale for candle making at home. Such a wide variety of candle molds are most likely due to the popularity of the hobby of candle making as well as wide spread purchase of a variety of candle types for the home.
Candle molds are containers in which heated wax is poured and left to cool. The wax then takes the form of the mold after it has cooled and hardened. There are a variety of sizes, styles, and shapes of candle molds as well as different materials used to make molds. Candle makers often use aluminum molds which are heat resistant as well as durable. Aluminum molds also provide a smooth, seamless finished candle that gives a professional appearance. These aluminum molds are often used to make votive and pillar candles. The aluminum type of molds are less expensive in comparison to molds made from rubber. An attractive feature of metal molds is that they are easily cleaned when placed on a baking sheet in the oven. This is done by positioning them upside down in an oven that is preheated to approximately 150 degrees. This method will melt the remaining wax from previous candle making from the mold onto the cookie sheet leaving it clean. It is a good idea to line the cookie sheet with some type of baking paper such as foil or parchment paper. Aluminum molds can be less attractive to use due to their lack flexibility and therefore limit the choice of shape and texture of the candles made. As well the need to use some type of agent to release the candle from the mold is also a drawback.
Some candle makers prefer to use more flexible molds made from materials such as latex, silicone, or polyurethane. While polyurethane molds are flexible, they do not have the ability to stretch much, though they are most often less expensive than silicone molds. These molds do have an odor that may pass into the candle and also need a releasing agent to remove the candle from the mold. Pillar and taper candles are frequently made from molds of this type. Another rubber type mold is the silicone mold which has superior qualities and therefore is the most expensive. Silicone molds are flexible as well as stretchable and leave no lines and allow easy removal of the candle and further require no releasing agent . Despite the wide use of latex molds in the past, new improved types of rubber molds have become more popular. The availability of liquid latex has allowed candle makers to make their own, often unique molds at home. This is done by applying numerous coats of latex onto an endless variety of objects resulting in endless molds for an exciting and enormous variety of candles.
Though plastic candle molds are the least expensive they are not always the most desirable. They are more brittle than other molds and have shorter usage span. The positive feature of plastic molds is that they are easily cleaned with soap and warm water. The mold must be thoroughly dry before it is used again as water bubbles will appear on the molded candles if the mold is allowed to remain wet. Plastic molds are excellent molds for beginner candle makers; however, those who wish to take their candle making hobby further and create a business out of their skills would likely want to invest in more sophisticated molds.
Wax for Candle Making
The ever increasing popularity of candle making has resulted in more readily available and more diversified waxes than ever before. The ballooning demand for new and better wax has brought about these changes simply because candles are mostly composed of wax.
Currently, much of the wax used for candle making is petroleum based paraffin wax which is common, very easily accessible, and cheap. There are other kinds of wax that are natural, derived from refined plants such as palm, bayberry or soy. Today, environmental consciousness has increased demand for soy based wax which is a result of hydrogenating soybeans. Soybeans are a renewable resource, are grown in the United States, and are a more environmentally suitable source from which to make wax for candle making as well as candle burning. Another natural wax is palm wax which is also a renewable resource. Sadly, however, the increasing use of palm wax from countries such as Indonesia and Malaysia prompted the clearing of large sections of rainforest for palm plantations, resulting in ecosystem devastation and endangering of animal life including rhinoceroses, Sumatran tigers, and orangutans. Fortunately, the RSPO, an organization founded by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), has acted in bettering the practices for sustaining the cultivation of palm. In addition they aid member organizations with implementing and verifying palm agriculture procedures. It is hoped that when shopping for palm wax, the buyer is seeking wax from environmentally friendly sources.
Candles can also be made from beeswax, palm, and bayberry which have been available in the past but have recently received growing interest due to an increasing interest in natural products. Beeswax, available in yellow or white, is a popular wax choice when making candles, and although it is often more expensive, candle makers and candle burners alike enjoy the honey fragrance and burning qualities as well as the hardy qualities of beeswax.
Using gel wax is a new relatively new method to make candles. This type of gel candle has a rubber-like texture and burns similar to wax. There are three different gel wax densities. Gel density requirements depend on the kind of candle that is planned and the amount of fragrance desired. Low density gel is more suitable for a 0-3 % fragrance amount and can also be poured at lower temperatures. Medium density gel is suitable when making gel candles using 3-5 % fragrance. Medium density gel is likely the most popular choice as it allows a higher amount of fragrance that can be added. High density gel is appropriate when making candles using yet higher fragrance amounts.
The availability of a variety of waxes available has allowed candle makers to choose the wax they are able to best work with. An understanding of different waxes allows candle makers a fuller experience in candle making, doubling, tripling, or quadrupling enriched fulfillment.
Gel Candle Making Techniques
Gel candle making is becoming more popular. Gel candles burn the same as wax candles but the technique used to make gel candles is somewhat different from making wax candles.
Both wax candles and gel candles are made from oil but gel candles are made uniquely made from 95% mineral oil combined with 5% resin. The resin is a powder which when mixed with mineral oil transforms to a solid form. The three different types of gel wax available are: high density, medium density, and low density. The high density allows the candle maker to use higher amounts of fragrance. A density gel also allows for more creativity in that it has the ability to suspend decorations in the candle. This type of gel, however, takes more time to melt than usual candle wax and is more difficult to pour.
Like wax candle making, gel candle making also involves melting wax and pouring it into a mold to firm up. As mentioned earlier, the techniques differ somewhat and the equipment used is quite different. While making wax candles involves melting wax in a double boiler, this is not the best technique to melt gel wax as it would be a slow process. Here is where a multi-cooker, which is similar to a deep fryer becomes handy. A multi-cooker is usually made from metal and non-stick coating with a temperature control dial that can be set to a correct temperature that will melt the gel wax. Despite the multi-waxer’s temperature control, however, the process of melting becomes more accurate when a separate thermometer is also used to make certain the temperature is precise. To stir the gel, it is best to use a utensil made of metal or hard plastic. Avoid stirring the gel wax with a spoon made of wood as this sometimes creates bubbles within the gel. It is important to have a fire extinguisher close by as gel wax can flame into fire.
Dyes may be used to color the gel wax and liquid candle dyes are ideal colored as they retain gel wax translucency. Often less than a drop of liquid candle dye is enough to color the gel candle therefore it is important to be aware that a tiny bit of liquid candle dye goes a long way. Food coloring, clothing dye, crayons, and soap dyes are not compatible when making gel candles as the candle will not burn properly.
With a little knowledge, gel candle making can be simple and fast allowing a lot of creativity in making unique candles. Decorations will float when added to the wax, allowing the gel candle maker to make personal gifts for friends and others. They also burn at a slower rate than the usual wax candle making the gel candle long lasting for the candle burner.
Making Your Own Candles
Mankind has been making candles for many centuries. While light was necessary in ancient times in order to see in the dark, making your own candles is currently a popular and enjoyable hobby. There are a number of reasons as to why this hobby has become so wide spread. People enjoy burning home made candles in their own home, candle making is an excellent craft in which to involve older children, home made candles are special gifts to give to friends and family, and candle makers may further wish to make a business out of selling the candles they so enjoy to make.
The hobby of candle making for personal enjoyment in the home or to give as gifts is simple and very rewarding. The equipment and materials needed to make candles are available at many craft stores. Almost all craft stores carry wax, molds, and wicks. Because this hobby of candle making has become so popular, craft suppliers have made color, fragrance, and decorations easily available. The hobbyist often already has many of the supplies needed to make candles. After gathering supplies together and preparing the work area, the first step in candle making requires melting the wax in a double boiler which is just a large pot filled with water and a smaller pot that fits and sits inside the larger water-filled pot. The large pot is then placed on the stove burner and unmelted wax is added to the smaller pot to melt after the burner has been turned on. It is important to use a double boiler and not to heat wax in a pot that has direct contact with the burner as wax can easily burn or catch fire. After the wax has melted, the wick is centered and held steady in the mold. The melted wax is then poured. The wax is then allowed to cool approximately four to six hours before it is removed from the mold. Moving the mold with the wax into the freezer for approximately half an hour will help the candle separate from the mold with more ease. Some candle makers spray their molds with cooking spray before pouring the wax which also helps make candle removal from the mold easier. The variety of candles that can be made are almost limitless. With some imagination the use of colors, fragrance, and decorations alone can create very beautiful, unique candles. Liquid latex is sometimes used by some candle makers to create their own molds which can produce interesting, often one of a kind candles. These home made liquid latex molds can be tricky to work with but with a bit of knowledge difficulties can be overcome. The often typical flexibility of latex molds makes it difficult to stand them up in order to pour wax into them. This can be remedied by cutting a hole into a durable piece of cardboard, making sure the hole is large enough to allow the mold to slide up but not further than the rim or lip. Latex molds require this rim or lip so they can be held up using support. The cardboard acts as a support until the candle is hardened.
Some candle makers have turned their hobby into a profitable, sometimes thriving business. They have used their hobby and their skills to make an income. Their profits can be increased by purchasing supplies in large quantities. Time spent on packaging candles in an attractive manner adds to increased interest in buyers. The key is to be creative when it comes to making your own candles, as people are constantly seeking uniqueness, something fun or interesting in this very ancient commodity.
Making Soy Candles
In comparison to paraffin wax candles, soy candles are much cleaner to burn and are natural. It is no wonder that soy candles are growing in popularity. Candle makers who have tried soy wax will pay a little more to achieve a better quality candle.
Being a vegetable wax, soy wax is made from soybean oil that is converted to flakes and further hydrogenated. Most soybeans produced are grown in Indiana, Iowa, and Illinois in the United States. It is generally agreed that soy candles are cleaner to burn than paraffin candles; however, all candles emit some soot and there is no way to escape it. Soy candles create white soot which is harmless and cleaner than the black soot which is emitted when paraffin candles are burned.
The difference between making soy candles and candles made from paraffin is the wax. The techniques and equipment are the same. The best way to melt wax is in a double boiler which is a larger pot and a smaller pot that fits inside. The larger pot is filled with water and the smaller pot is the pot in which the wax is placed to melt. The small pot rests in the hot water of the larger pot. The soy wax is then melted between 150 and 180 degrees Fahrenheit. The wax should not be kept liquid above 150 degrees as it can alter the color of the wax or even burn. The desired color is added when the wax is completely melted. Fragrance may be added after the wax is removed from the heat. The ideal amount of fragrance to add is 7 per cent of the weight of the candle. In other words 1.12 pounces of fragrance oil can be added for each pound of wax. Any higher fragrance amounts will present the risk of bleeding. The soy wax should be between 140 – 150 degrees Fahrenheit. The wax can now be poured into a mold. The candle could crack if the temperature is lower than 95 degrees. Ideally, it should be poured between 95 and 110 degrees. The candle could also crack if the it is cooled in cold water.
Despite the fact that soy wax candles and paraffin wax candles are similar, they do have some differences. Soy wax is not appropriate for some kinds of candles as it is a soft wax. For example, soy wax cannot be used to make taper candles or novelty candles. Soy candles that float can be made if they are at least 3 inches in diameter.
Soy wax candles are just as easy to make as paraffin candles. Making candles is something like cooking; after a new recipe is made once, trying the same recipe another way later might work better. Both paraffin wax and soy wax are similar in that they hold fragrance and color. It can be fun to experiment with different waxes and various techniques to make candles whether for personal use or for selling in a business.
Making Scented Candles
A sense of sumptuousness and elegance is added to a room in which there are scented candles. All candlelight conjures a romantic sensation. When surrounded by scent in a room there is a feeling of elegance or luxury.
Fragrance oil for candles is available on the internet or at many craft stores. Oil is preferred over water-based scent or alcohol-based perfume when scenting wax for candles.This is because wax is similar to oil in composition and we all know that oil and water does not mix. One only needs to make a salad dressing to find out that the water will settle beneath the oil and therefore water-based perfumes or alcohol based scent will simply not mix well with melted wax.
One characteristic of scented candles is that there is always an awareness of fragrance despite the candle being unlit. Scented candles are welcomed as gifts, even more so when they are hand crafted. The technique for making scented candles is not different from making ordinary candles. Several types of wax are available to choose from including natural waxes such as soy, palm, and beeswax. There are also the usual, more common paraffin waxes as well as gel waxes for available for making candles. All of these waxes are compatible with scent to make candles although consideration of the amount of scent must be determined before using fragrance when choosing gel wax. Lower density gel wax can not tolerate as much fragrance as higher density gel wax.
The first step in making any candle involves first melting the wax prior to pouring it into a mold. A double boiler is ideal to melt the wax. The wax is placed in the smaller pot of the double boiler set and the larger pot is filled with water. The smaller pot containing the wax is then placed in the larger pot that is filled with water.The stove burner is turned on but it is important not to turn the stove burner on too high as the wax can burn. A thermometer is needed and when the temperature rises to 170-l80 degrees it is time to secure the wick to the mold. When the wax is melted and removed from the heat, the fragrance oil is added.
The general amount of fragrance needed is one ounce of oil per pound of wax, this gives a 6 per cent fragrance concentration.There may be temptation to add more fragrance but this is not advised as certain problems can occur when using too much fragrance. For example, too much fragrance can result in a candle the does not burn properly due to a high concentration of liquid. Another possible result of too much fragrance is that there is a risk of liquid pooling in the candle. Experimenting with a candle and keeping a record of the amount of fragrance that was used is a good way to create a personal candle recipe.
Scents and colors add variety to candles that can be created in candle making. It is a joy to give a loved one a candle as a gift with essence that promotes calming and relaxation especially made for them. Some knowledge about candle making will ensure success in making your very own hand crafted candles.
