As a beginner candle-maker or enthusiast wanting to start a small candle business, you might have many questions that need answers.
We understand how difficult it is for a beginner to achieve perfection in candle-making and start the business from scratch. Therefore, we’ve gathered some of the most frequently asked questions beginners struggle with.
Here, we will answer all these tricky questions to help your candle-making journey and clear your doubts.
Let’s begin!
How to determine wax weight?
Before you buy wax, you should have a rough idea of the amount of wax you need to make a certain number of candles. It helps you buy the right amount and prevent any wastage.
You can get an idea through water weight. Wax generally weighs 80% to 86% of water’s weight, depending on its type.
Pour water into a candle jar and measure the weight of water on a scale. Now, convert the weight of water into the weight of wax by multiplying it by 0.86.
Suppose the water weight is 200g, so you will need 172 grams (6.06oz) of wax to fill the jar.
How much wax for 16oz candle
13.76oz
How much wax for 10oz candle
8.6oz
How much wax for 8oz candle
6.88oz
How much wax for 7oz candle
6.02oz
How much wax for 4oz candle
3.44oz
Remember, you will also add fragrance oil to the wax later. So, you can subtract fragrance weight from wax weight for an exact calculation.
How can I figure out how much wax and fragrance I will need to make my candles?
The amount of fragrance depends on how strong the scented candles you want and the wax type.
Generally, you can use fragrance oil 5-10% of the wax weight.
Suppose the wax weight is 100g. Add 5g fragrance oil and experience the scent. If you want a stronger aroma, add more according to your taste, but don’t use more than 10%.
How to get wax out of candle jar?
You can get wax out of a candle jar in a few ways.
The best way is to put the jar in the freezer. Let it sit for one to two hours. Then, take out the jar and use a butter knife to remove it easily.
Another way is to pour boiling water into the jar. Fill half of the jar, and let the wax melt and rise to the top. This trick is only suitable for thick glass jars.
You can also put the jar in a microwave oven and melt the wax.
What to do with old candle jars?
You can use your old candle jars to create new candles or to store items like spices, coffee, etc.
Use the methods we have discussed to remove left-out wax from the jars and reuse them.
Are scented candles safe?
Yes, scented candles are safe. They contain wax and fragrance/essential oils that do not harm in any way. When candles are burnt, they do not pollute the air with harmful chemicals; you just sense the soothing fragrance.
However, if anyone at your home is allergic to fragrance/essential oils, you should avoid them.
Some phthalates in fragrance oils have some safety concerns; therefore, people prefer to use phthalate-free candles.
How to melt candle wax?
The double-boiler method is the most famous and ideal for all types of waxes.
You need two pans, one larger and one a bit smaller, to sit inside.
Fill the large pan halfway and put the second pan inside it. Put wax into the pan and let it melt on a stove over low heat. Stir the wax while melting it, and once it is completely melted, you can add fragrance oil.
Another method is to use a microwave oven. Put wax inside a microwave-safe pan and heat it in a microwave oven for 30 seconds. Stir the wax and reheat it. You need to repeat it until you have fully melted wax.
When should I add fragrance to wax?
You need to add fragrance to melted wax at a certain temperature. Usually, the temperature should be 180-185⁰F. But if you are using palm wax, the recommended temperature is 200-210⁰F.
How to clean a candle jar?
The double-boiler method we’ve discussed is the best way to remove the leftover wax from candle jars. Once the wax is removed, you can clean the jar with dish soap and sponge.
You can also use a hair dryer to remove the remaining wax but hold the jar with a towel to prevent burns.
How long do candles take to set?
Candles take 5-7 hours to set, depending on the type of wax. It also depends on the temperature of the environment. It is better to let it set for a day after you complete all the decorations.
How to choose the right wick for candles?
Choosing the right wick is extremely important for creating perfect candles. It plays a major role in burning and ensures lasting performance.
You need to look at the following factors:
- Type of wax
- Size of the container
- Fragrance oil
- Colorants
Depending on the wax you use for candles, you can choose the right wick type.
Soy wax: ECO wicks, wooden wicks, CD wicks, CDN wicks, and Rigid Curl.
Para-soy wax (CB2): CD wicks, CDN wicks, wooden wicks, and Rigid Curl.
Coconut soy (EC-26): ECO wicks, CD wicks, and Rigid Curl.
Ceda Serica (Coco-apricot): ECO wicks, wooden wicks, LX wicks, and Rigid Curl.
Beeswax: ECO wicks and Ultra Core.
After selecting the wick type, the next important thing is the wick size. Check the wick sizing chart and select a suitable wick size according to the diameter of the candle jar.
Insert a suitable wick and test the burning. If it is under wicked, go for a bigger size, and if it is over wicked, go for a smaller size.
An ideal wick prevents flickering. Its melt pool is extended to the edge of the container and is about half an inch deep. It lasts for a long time and offers excellent fragrance without soot.