How Do You Make Molded Wax Melts?

Wax melts, also known as wax tarts, are small pieces of scented wax that are designed to melt in warmer devices, releasing fragrance as they melt. Wax melts are a popular alternative to scented candles and a fun DIY project. To make your own wax melts at home, you’ll need wax (usually a blend of soy, paraffin, or beeswax), fragrance oils, and mold containers.

Making your own wax melts has many benefits over buying them. You can customize the scents exactly how you want. Homemade wax melts also make great inexpensive gifts. The process of making them is fun and easy enough for beginners. And you can reuse your wax melt containers and avoid waste from continually buying new melts.

Wax Types

There are three main types of wax that can be used to make molded wax melts: paraffin wax, soy wax, and beeswax. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Paraffin wax is derived from petroleum. It is inexpensive and readily available. Paraffin wax melts easily and produces a strong scent throw. However, paraffin wax is not environmentally friendly and can produce more soot than natural waxes when burned (https://soapfullness.co.uk/new-to-wax-melts/).

Soy wax is made from soybeans. It is natural, renewable, and biodegradable. Soy wax burns cleaner than paraffin with less soot. It also holds fragrances well. The drawbacks are that soy wax is more expensive than paraffin and can be trickier to work with, resulting in more wax left in the container after melting (https://soapfullness.co.uk/new-to-wax-melts/).

Beeswax is made by honey bees. It has a lovely natural honey scent. Beeswax burns the cleanest with very little soot. However, beeswax is quite expensive and has a low fragrance throw. It is often blended with other waxes rather than used on its own in wax melts (https://soapfullness.co.uk/new-to-wax-melts/).

Fragrance Oils

Fragrance oils are essential for adding scent to wax melts. There are many types of fragrance oils to choose from including floral, food, and essential oil-based scents. When selecting a fragrance oil, make sure it is intended for candle making as these are formulated to mix with wax and release aroma efficiently.

You can purchase candle fragrance oils from online retailers like Lone Star Candle Supply and specialty candle supply stores. Look for fragrance oils labeled as “wax compatible” or “for candle making.”

Use 5-10% fragrance oil per wax amount. For example, with 50g of wax, use 2.5-5g of fragrance oil. Adding too much oil can prevent proper curing and lead to fragrance “burn off.” Start with less and increase to the desired strength. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for pour temperature and amounts.

Colorants

There are a few options when it comes to coloring wax melts. The most common are liquid dyes and dye blocks or chips. Food coloring should not be used since it is not formulated for high temperatures and can cause discoloration.

Liquid candle dyes can be found at most craft stores, candle supply shops, or online. A little goes a long way – start with 1-2 drops per pound of wax. Mix the dye into the melted wax and check the color, adding more drops if needed. Liquid dyes make it easy to achieve light, pastel colors.

Dye chips or blocks have concentrated color so you need much less – start with a pinch or shaving from the block per pound of wax. The dye will melt into the wax as it heats up. Dye chips are great for achieving bold, saturated colors.

No matter which type you use, add color sparingly until you achieve the desired shade. Adding too much dye can result in issues like poor scent throw or discoloration over time. Buy dyes formulated specifically for candle making for best results.

Containers

There are two main types of containers for molded wax melts – silicone molds and clamshells. Silicone molds offer more variety in shape and design choices, as you can find dozens of creative options like flowers, seashells, gems, and more. These flexible molds make it easy to pop the finished wax melts out. Clamshells are plastic containers that your melted wax gets poured into, creating round wax melts that fit nicely into wax warmers.

Most arts and craft stores like Michaels as well as online retailers like Amazon have a wide selection of silicone molds and clamshells available for purchase. When shopping for silicone molds, opt for food-grade silicone that is heat resistant up to 400+ degrees. Look for clamshells made of polypropylene plastic, which can withstand the heat needed to pour wax. Having multiple molds and clamshells on hand allows you to produce different wax melt shapes and container sizes.

Equipment Needed

There are a few key pieces of equipment needed to make molded wax melts at home:

Double boiler – You’ll need a double boiler to gently melt the wax. This allows you to heat the wax indirectly so it doesn’t get too hot. You can purchase a double boiler or make one by placing a stainless steel or glass bowl over a pot of simmering water.

Thermometer – A thermometer is essential for monitoring the temperature of the melted wax. You want the wax to stay below 185°F (85°C) to avoid burning. A digital thermometer with a probe is easiest to monitor.

Spoons – Use stainless steel or silicone spoons to stir the wax mixture. Avoid using plastic spoons as they may melt from the hot wax.

Making the Wax Base

The first step in making wax melts is to melt the wax base. Common wax bases used are soy, paraffin, or a blend. According to CandleScience, soy wax is a popular choice as it’s made from natural ingredients and has a low melting point which makes it ideal for wax melts.

To melt the wax, break it into chunks and place into a heat safe pouring pitcher or stainless steel bowl. Heat the wax slowly to 185-200°F, either in the microwave checking every 30 seconds or using a double boiler on the stove. Make sure to avoid overheating as this can scorch the wax. Melting gradually helps reduce air bubbles. The wax is ready when completely melted and liquid.

Next add the fragrance oil, about 1 oz oil per pound of wax according to Welling Interiors. Stir to incorporate fully. Fragrance oils specifically designed for soy wax melts will adhere best. Then add liquid or powder dyes if desired, typically 1⁄8 tsp per pound of wax. Stir again to distribute evenly.

Remove from heat and let cool slightly to 165-175°F before pouring the wax into molds. This temperature will still be fluid but avoids seeping from molds.

Sources:
https://www.candlescience.com/learning/how-to-make-soy-wax-melts-hexagon/
https://jessicawellinginteriors.com/how-to-make-wax-melts/

Pouring

Once the wax base is prepared with the desired fragrance oil and color, the next step is to pour the melted wax into the containers or molds to form the wax shapes. It’s important to pour wax melts at the right temperature to get the best results.

According to Lonestar Candle Supply, the temperature to pour wax melts is between 150-155°F (66-68°C) to ensure proper pouring viscosity and full scent throw. Many candlemakers recommend pouring at temperatures between 145-160°F (63-71°C). Pouring at higher temperatures can cause issues with proper set up and release from the mold. Pouring at cooler temperatures may create frosting or texturing on the wax melt surface (source).

When filling the molds, pour in a thin stream from higher up to allow the wax to flow gently into the mold cavity. This helps prevent air bubbles from forming in the wax. Let the wax fill each cavity fully before moving on. Top off any depressions after the first pour to ensure even wax melt shapes. Allow the wax melts to cool completely in the mold before attempting to remove.

Unmolding and Curing

After pouring your wax melts and allowing them to fully harden in the molds, the next step is to unmold them for curing. It’s important not to unmold them too soon or the melts may become misshapen or damaged. Most recipes recommend waiting 6-12 hours before attempting to remove the melts from the mold.

Once unmolded, the melts will need additional time to fully cure and stabilize. Proper curing allows the fragrance to fully blend with the wax. According to candle making experts, wax melts should cure for 1-2 weeks before use (Ronald Marshall). During the curing period, the melts should be placed on a rack or parchment paper where air can circulate all around them.

Curing melts low and slow is ideal. Try to cure them in a relatively cool, dry area away from direct light. Temperatures between 60-70°F are recommended. After 1-2 weeks of curing, the melts will be ready for storage, packaging and use.

Storing and Using

Properly storing your homemade wax melts is important for preserving fragrance and appearance. The key is keeping them in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. A mason jar or plastic container with a tight-fitting lid works well. Direct sunlight and heat can cause the scent oils to evaporate and the color to fade [https://livingwellmom.com/homemade-scented-wax-melts/].

When ready to use, place a wax melt cube in your wax warmer, centering it over the light bulb or heating element. Make sure the wax melt doesn’t overhang the plate edges. You can use wax paper to help remove any melted wax later. Allow the wax to fully melt before blowing out the candle or turning off the warmer [https://www.countryhillcottage.com/diy-fall-wax-melts/]. This allows for maximum fragrance dispersion. The wax will re-solidify as it cools so make sure to clean up any spills right away.

Use caution when operating a wax warmer. Keep it on a stable, level surface away from flammable items. Never touch the hot surface. Turn the unit off when not in use or before changing the wax cube. Supervise children and pets around wax warmers to avoid burns. Consider unplugging the unit if leaving home for extended periods [https://www.happy-mothering.com/natural-wax-melts-wax-warmers/].