Getting Ready To Make Candles
You have some decisions to make about the candle you want to make, each of which will influence your materials and preparation. Look over the list below just to get the general idea and we will go into detail about each step later. You will need to make sure you have all materials and supplies at hand so you don’t have to leave that melting wax unattended to go get something you forgot.
Here are the steps you will be taking to create a candle:
First you need to decide what kind of candle you want to make—size, shape, color. This determines what kind of mold and wick you will use, as well as the steps you will take to create the candle. Print out the steps involved and keep it handy to refer to while making your first candle.
Order all the materials you will need and look them over. If you are using a mold with multiple pieces, take the mold apart and put it together again so you know exactly how it works. Make sure you know how to securely attach the connectors that keep the pieces of the mold together so your wax will stay in the mold.
Decide on the type of wax you want to use and how much of it you need. Sometimes the instructions that come with the mold will tell you how much wax is needed. Otherwise, make a guesstimate and melt more than you think you will need—you can always re-use the wax for another candle.
Decide what additives you will use: stearic acid, colors, and scents.
Carefully melt your wax and any additives and stay with it while you prepare your mold.
Prepare the mold and select and prepare the proper wick and install it in the mold.
Fill the water bath if needed.
When the wax is fully melted, pour it into the mold, reserving enough to fill the depression created as the wax cools.
Using hot pads, carefully place the filled mold into water bath if using. Place a weight on top of the mold if necessary to keep it stable.
Fill depression as the candle cools. If the candle has formed a hollow spot while cooling, a metal knitting needle comes in handy for poking a hole so you can fill the hollow area with hot wax.
Once the candle is set up and cool enough to handle, remove it from the mold, being careful not to mar the candle surface or dent the candle mold.
Let cool completely before handling further, then remove any mold seam line and polish or decorate the candle.
Candle making is a lot of fun and very satisfying, but it also requires some safety precautions. With some pre-planning you will avoid most serious problems. Remember that candle making is like any other craft—you are bound to make some mistakes when you first get started. The good thing about wax candles, though, is that you can always re-melt and re-use a candle that you really don’t like.
