How Do You Make A Black Cherry Merlot Candle?
Black cherry merlot has become an increasingly popular scent for candles and other home fragrance products in recent years. Known for its sweet yet subtly sophisticated aroma, black cherry merlot combines fruity black cherry notes with hints of rich merlot wine. This inviting scent is reminiscent of black cherry pie with a smooth, wine-inspired twist. It strikes the perfect balance between juicy fruit and earthy depth.
The popularity of black cherry merlot candles and other fragrance products has steadily grown thanks to this scent’s versatility and crowd-pleasing aroma. It fills any room with a mouthwatering blend of cherries and red wine that is sweet without being overly sugary or candy-like. Black cherry merlot has wide appeal across all ages and genders. It provides a refined, upscale scent perfect for romantic evenings or relaxing at home. This scrumptious fragrance works year-round but is especially popular in the Fall and Winter.
Supplies Needed
To make a black cherry merlot scented candle, you will need the following supplies:
Wax
The wax provides the main structure and burn properties of the candle. For container candles, use a wax with a lower melting point like paraffin or a soy-paraffin blend. Make sure the wax is designed for container candles versus pillar or votive candles. Popular options include Golden Foods 464 Soy Wax and IGI 6006 Paraffin Wax.
Wicks
The wick determines how well the candle burns. Match the wick to the wax type, diameter of your container, and desired burn properties. Common options are CD, ECO, and LX wicks. Use wick stickers or hot glue to adhere the wick to the bottom of the container.
Fragrance Oil
The fragrance oil provides the candle’s scent. For a black cherry merlot fragrance, look for a complex blend with top notes of black cherries and mid notes of cabernet wine. Use 6-10% fragrance oil by weight of the wax. Stir thoroughly before pouring.
Dye
Liquid or powder dyes can add color to match the scent. To achieve a deep burgundy, use a red or purple dye at 0.5-1% by weight of wax. Stir in thoroughly after adding the fragrance.
Jars
Choose a jar style and size to suit your needs. Make sure jars are heat-safe up to 180°F. Popular options are apothecary jars, mason jars, tin containers, or other glass containers. Clean thoroughly before use.
Choosing the Wax
There are several types of wax commonly used for candle making, each with their own pros and cons. Some top options include:
Paraffin Wax
Paraffin wax is a byproduct of petroleum refining. It is inexpensive, widely available, and easy to work with. Paraffin candles burn consistently and throw scent well. However, paraffin releases more soot than other waxes and is not considered a natural product 1.
Soy Wax
Soy wax is made from hydrogenated soybean oil. It is a clean burning, renewable resource that is biodegradable. Soy candles have a lower melting point than paraffin, so they burn cooler and don’t release scents as strongly. Soy also requires additional blending with other waxes 2.
Beeswax
Beeswax is a natural wax produced by honey bees. It has a pleasant honey aroma when burning. Beeswax is harder than other waxes so it can be tricky to work with. It also burns more quickly than paraffin or soy. Beeswax candles are expensive to make but appeal to consumers looking for natural ingredients.
Prepping the Jars
Before making your black cherry merlot candle, you’ll need to clean and prepare your candle jars. It’s crucial to fully remove any wax residue and odors from previously used jars to ensure your new candle scent shines through.
Start by allowing any remaining wax in the jars to fully cool and solidify. Then, turn the jars over and remove any wax by banging the bottom of the jar on a towel. Use a knife to scrape out leftover wax residue. For a more thorough clean, fill the jars with hot water and dish soap and let them soak for 10-30 minutes before scrubbing. Rinse thoroughly and allow to fully dry.
According to The Lion’s Den Candle Company, preparing jars can be sped up by using a heat gun to melt wax for removal and a power drill with a wire wheel attachment to buff away remaining wax and fragrance oils (source).
Once jars are cleaned, prepare your wicks by centering the wick tab at the bottom of each jar. Make sure wicks are trimmed to 1⁄4-1⁄2 inch to prevent smoking.
Making the Wax
To make the scented candle wax, you will need to melt the wax down first. Choose a double boiler or a slow cooker to melt the wax gently and evenly. Avoid applying direct heat to the wax, as this can cause it to burn. Fill the bottom pot or slow cooker base with 2-3 inches of water and place the wax in a pouring pitcher or jar on top. Heat the water to 180-200F until all of the wax chunks are completely melted. Remove the melting pitcher from the heat and allow the wax to cool slightly to 175-185F before adding fragrance and dye.
According to http://gp-pt.net/forum/link.php?site=https://fxoh511de67.%D1%86%D0%B5%D0%BD%D0%B1%D0%B4.%D1%80%D1%84, add the fragrance oil next, about 1 oz per pound of wax. Stir thoroughly to fully incorporate. Then add the liquid dye, starting with just a few drops and adding more as needed to achieve the desired color intensity. Stir again to evenly distribute the dye. Work carefully when adding fragrance and dye, as adding too much can negatively impact scent throw or burn properties.
Pouring the Candles
Once the wax has fully melted and reached the proper pouring temperature (~185°F according to this TikTok source on candle making), you’re ready to pour into the jars. Proper pouring technique is essential for getting a great finished candle. Here are some tips:
Make sure your candle wicks are centered in the jars before pouring. You can hold them in place with sticker dots, clothespins, or other holders. Centering ensures an even burn and minimizes issues like tunneling.
Pour slowly and gently into each jar in a circular motion around the wick to help prevent air bubbles. Tilt and rotate the jar to coat the sides as you pour. An even, bubble-free pour makes for a smoother finish.
Let the candles sit for a few minutes, then check for centered wicks. Gently straighten or re-center any wicks that may have shifted during pouring before the wax fully sets.
Allow the poured candles to fully cool and cure before trimming wicks or testing for an even burn. Expect this to take at least 24 hours.
Cooling and Curing
After pouring the candles, it’s important to let them cool and cure properly before lighting them. Allow the candles to sit at room temperature for at least 24 hours to cool completely. The cooling process allows the wax to set up and solidify.
Once cooled, the curing process begins. Curing allows the wax and fragrance oil to bind together through the process of molecular transition [https://blazeandfoam.com.au/blogs/blog/candle-curing]. Proper curing results in an even burn, maximized hot throw, and longer burn times. Cure the candles for 1-2 weeks before lighting.
Curing conditions like temperature and humidity can impact cure times. Warm temperatures between 75-85°F will cure candles faster than cooler temps [https://bubbleslidess.com/how-to-speed-up-candle-curing-time/]. Make sure to store candles in a dry area away from direct sunlight during the curing process.
Finishing Touches
Once your candles have completely cooled and cured, you can add any final decorative touches. Many people like to attach a decorative label to their DIY candles. You can easily make your own labels at home using cardstock, stickers, stamps, or a label maker. Get creative with the label designs – try incorporating the scent name, inspirational quotes, or fun graphics. You can also tie raffia, twine, ribbon, or fabric around the jars for a rustic charm. Add beads, shells, dried flowers, pinecones, or other embellishments using hot glue. If you want to create layered candles, carefully pour a thin second layer of wax dyed a different color on top of the cooled first layer. Swirling or marbling the wax before it sets results in a beautiful marbled effect. You can also press dried flowers, leaves, or other objects into the top of the still warm wax to create imprints.
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Burning and Care
Properly burning and caring for your homemade black cherry merlot candles is important for safety and maximizing their lifespan. Here are some tips:
For the first burn, allow the candle to burn for at least 2 hours and burn to an even wax pool across the top. This helps prevent tunneling. Always trim the wick to 1⁄4 inch before lighting to avoid excess smoking. Only trim the wick when wax is completely liquid.
Store homemade candles in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat. Temperature fluctuations can cause issues like frosting, sweating, and cracking. Storing candles properly ensures they retain their scent and burn cleanly.
Never leave a burning candle unattended. Keep wicks trimmed to 1⁄4 inch each time wax liquefies to avoid excess smoke. Allow wax pool to completely solidify before relighting. In general, burn candles for 2-4 hours per session.
Look for signs like sooting, tunneling or an uneven wax pool as indications to adjust wick height or trimming. Proper wick maintenance is key to candle safety and performance.
Troubleshooting
Making candles is a learning process, so it’s common to run into issues, especially when starting out. Some common problems and solutions include:
- Sinkholes – This happens when the wax cools and contracts before fully adhering to the jar. To prevent sinkholes, let the candle cure for at least 24 hours before burning so the wax can fully adhere. Making sure jars are warm before pouring wax can also help.
- Improper Scent Strength – Test scents before fully mixing and adjust fragrance oils if the scent is too weak or overpowering. Usually 0.5-1 oz of fragrance per pound of wax is recommended.
- Wax Separation – Cool the wax more slowly and stir frequently after pouring to prevent wax heavies from sinking to the bottom.
- Frosting or Sweating – This white residue can happen if pouring temperature is too low. Try increasing the temp slightly to 185-190°F.
- Wick Issues – Trim wicks to 1⁄4 inch before burning. If the flame is too small or goes out often, use a larger wick. If the flame is too large with mushrooming, use a smaller wick.
Always use caution when troubleshooting and burn candles in a safe area. But with testing and practice, candlemaking techniques can be mastered over time.
