How to make scented container candles
Crafting handmade candles is an art that requires patience, practice, and a dash of curiosity. Don't be discouraged if the first few experiments aren't perfect: as with any new skill, experience is the key to success! 😉
Today, I will guide you step-by-step in making a scented container candle, using soy wax, one of the most natural and sustainable choices for this type of product!
NECESSARY MATERIALS:
- Soy wax for containers (our standard soy wax works perfectly, as does EU soy wax)
- Wick for container soy wax, pre-waxed (for our waxes, we recommend our TCR wicks)
- Fragrance of your choice
- Color of your choice
- Container of your choice
- Wick stickers (optional)
- A pot for the double boiler (bain-marie)
- Kitchen thermometer (Optional but highly recommended)
- Wick trimmer scissors
✨ Step 1: Choosing the most suitable container
The container is the "home" for your candle, so it should be chosen with care. Opt for heat-resistant and non-flammable materials (glass, metal, or ceramic are perfect).
Note the diameter of the container — you will need it to choose the right wick later on — and be sure to clean it thoroughly of any residue.
N.B A small trick: slightly warming the container before pouring the wax will prevent thermal shock that could create imperfections and cracks in the candle! This step seems trivial, but it will help you avoid headaches later in the production process!
✨ Step 2: Melting the wax
Soy wax should be melted in a double boiler until it reaches 70–75°C, but be careful not to exceed 80–90°C! At this temperature, the wax might yellow and lose its malleability.
✨ Step 3: Adding color and fragrance
If you wish to create a colored candle, add the dye flakes when the wax is around 70°C. For vegetable waxes, the ideal amount of color is about 0.2%; for paraffin, 0.1% will suffice!
Fragrances (essential oils or candle scents) should be incorporated when the temperature drops to 60–65°C, at a concentration of about 7-8%.
Stir slowly for at least 2 minutes, avoiding the incorporation of air: bubbles are among the number one enemies of candles!
✨ Step 4: Choosing and positioning the wick
The wick is the heart of the candle. Its size should be chosen based on the container's diameter: the larger the container, the larger the wick must be.
N.B.: To help you select the perfect wick, you can find a practical table on the product pages for our wax, which lists the recommended wick types and sizes based on the diameters of your candles!
Now, position the chosen wick in the center of the container (you can use an adhesive or a drop of wax) and ensure it stays straight by securing it at the opposite end as well. It is important that it remains rigid during pouring and cooling, or you will end up with a crooked wick!
✨ Step 5: Pouring the wax
When everything is ready, pour the wax slowly into the warm container, avoiding the creation of air bubbles.
Let the candle rest in a temperate place (around 23 degrees) and free from drafts for at least 12–24 hours: this will help the surface solidify uniformly.
If you want to add decorative elements to the candle surface, now is the time! Once your candle has solidified, gently warm the wax surface again with a heat gun and place the decorations.
N.B: Make sure the decorations are well away from the flame or they could catch fire! Prefer non-flammable elements and never leave your candle unattended while burning.
🕯 Step 6: Enjoy your fragrance!
Once the candle has completely cooled, trim the wick to about 0.5–1 cm and... light it!
Enjoy your handmade scented candle, and let the warm light and its wonderful fragrance fill the room. 😍