What Are The Terms For A Candle Maker?

A candle maker, also known as a chandler, is someone who makes candles from wax, wicks, molds, dyes, and fragrances. The art of candle making dates back over 5,000 years to ancient civilizations in Egypt, Rome, and China where candles were primarily made from animal fats. Candle making was crucial before the invention of electricity as candles provided light and were used for timekeeping. Today, candle making is still practiced around the world both commercially and as a hobby.

The candle maker carefully selects and prepares the raw ingredients that go into making candles. Wax, either paraffin, vegetable-based, beeswax or a blend, is the main component. Wicks are typically braided cotton that have been treated to burn evenly. Candle molds made of metal, silicone or other materials shape the candle. Dyes and essential oils add color and scent. Once the ingredients are combined in the proper way, cooled and set, the finished candles are ready for trimming the wick and use.

While methods have modernized, the artistry and craft behind candle making remains. Candle makers today pride themselves on selecting high quality ingredients and creating candles that are beautiful and aromatic.

Wax

The wax is perhaps the most important component of candle making. The wax provides the fuel for the candle and influences characteristics like burn time, scent throw, and appearance. There are several types of waxes commonly used by candle makers:

• Paraffin Wax – A petroleum-based wax made from refining crude oil. It is the most widely used candle wax due to its low cost and excellent burn properties. Paraffin wax has a high melting point which makes it suitable for shaped candles. The drawback is that paraffin produces more soot.
• Soy Wax – Made from hydrogenated soybean oil. Soy wax is a renewable and environmentally-friendly option. It has a lower melting point than paraffin, making it better for container candles. Soy wax also holds scent well.
• Beeswax – Produced by honey bees and harvested from beehives. Beeswax has a pleasant natural honey aroma and creates a brighter flame. However, it is more expensive and difficult to work with.
• Palm Wax – Derived from the palm oil plant. Palm wax is vegan-friendly and blends well with other waxes. It provides good scent throw and glossy finish.

The wax type determines the appropriate wax melting point, hardness, texture, and burning characteristics for the candle. Candle makers should test different wax blends to achieve their desired properties.

Wicks

The wick is a crucial component in candle making. It is the part that gets lit by the flame and draws wax up through capillary action to fuel the candle as it burns. Wicks come in different materials, sizes, and shapes depending on the type of wax and desired flame characteristics.

Materials Used for Wicks

The most common materials used to make wicks are cotton, paper, and wood. Cotton is often used for container candles. It has a soft texture that bends as the wax pools, preventing the wick from drowning. Paper and wood wicks are popular for pillar candles. Wood and paper wicks tend to be stiffer and hold their shape as the candle burns.

Wick Sizing

Choosing the right wick thickness is crucial. If the wick is too thin for the wax and candle diameter, the flame will be too small, create smoke, and tunnel down the center. If the wick is too thick, it can create excess soot. Generally, larger diameter candles need thicker wicks that won’t clog from melted wax. Too large of a wick will also create a fire hazard. Most candle making suppliers provide wick sizing charts to pair the proper wick for the wax and candle size.

Molds

Candle molds come in various materials like metal, silicone, and plastic. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages that a candle maker should consider.

Metal Molds

Metal molds, usually made of aluminum, can be shaped into intricate designs. They efficiently conduct heat, allowing candles to cool and release easier. However, they can dent or warp over time. Metal molds must be prepared by coating the interior with a release agent so the wax does not stick.

Silicone Molds

Silicone molds are flexible and durable. They naturally have non-stick properties, making mold release and cleanup easier. Silicone allows more intricate mold designs. However, silicone is more prone to retaining odors and can tear over time. It also conducts heat poorly compared to metal.

Plastic Molds

Plastic molds are inexpensive and come in many basic shapes. However, plastic is not as durable as metal or silicone. It can warp or melt if heated too high. Plastic also requires mold release preparation for the wax to come out cleanly.

Before pouring wax, any mold must be clean and free of moisture. A release agent can help the finished candle easily detach. If making a colored or scented candle, the mold should be odorless to avoid altering the intended fragrance.

Coloring and Scent

Candle makers have numerous options when it comes to coloring and scenting their candles. The two main methods are using dyes or pigments for coloring and essential oils or fragrance oils for scent.

Dyes are soluble colorants that fully dissolve into the wax, creating an even, transparent color throughout. Popular dye options include liquid dyes, blocks, chips, or powders. Dyes produce vivid, strong colors but can sometimes bleed or fade over time.

Pigments are finely ground insoluble particles that are suspended in the wax. They create an opaque, painted effect. Common pigment types are mica powder and candle color blocks. Pigments allow deep, vibrant hues but can settle to the bottom of the container if not mixed properly.

Essential oils are natural plant extracts that provide authentic, complex aromas. They are derived from botanical sources like flowers, herbs, spices, and citrus fruits through methods like steam distillation. Essential oils are valued for their therapeutic benefits but can be more expensive and delicate than synthetic fragrances.

Fragrance oils are artificially created scents designed to mimic natural aromas. They allow consistent, cost-effective scents in a wide variety. However, fragrance oils do not provide the botanical benefits of essential oils. Candle makers should research that any fragrance oil is intended for candle making before using.

The options for coloring and scenting candles are abundant. Candle makers can experiment with different dyes, pigments, essential oils, and fragrance oils to create customized, appealing products.

Wick Trimming

Proper wick length is crucial for candle performance. The wick length should be trimmed to 1⁄4 inch for containers candles. For pillars, the wick should extend 1/8 inch above the wax surface. Votives and tealights just need the wick tip exposed above the wax.

The wax pool should melt out to the container’s edge. If the melt pool is too small, the wick is likely too short and needs to be trimmed less. If the melt pool is too large with mushrooming or sooting, the wick is too long and needs more trimming.

Harder waxes like soy and beeswax require taller wick heights than softer paraffin wax. Fragranced candles need taller wicks than unscented. Larger candles need wicks trimmed less than smaller candles. Proper wick length also depends on individual wick type and wax ingredients.

Test burn candles after trimming to assess melt pool size and adjust wick height as needed. Wick trimming is key for excellent candle performance.

Melting

Melting is a crucial step in candle making. The wax needs to be heated to a specific temperature to achieve the proper viscosity before pouring into molds or containers. There are a few common methods candle makers use to melt wax:

Melting Wax on the Stovetop

One of the most basic ways to melt wax is in a pot or pan on the stovetop. The key is to use low heat, stirring constantly, to avoid overheating the wax. Once the wax reaches the proper pouring temperature, it’s ready to be poured into molds or jars.

Using a Double Boiler

A double boiler is considered the best way to gently and evenly melt candle wax. It uses the steam from a bottom pot of simmering water to indirectly heat and melt the wax in the top portion. This allows the wax to melt slowly at a stable temperature that won’t scorch or burn it.

Wax Melters

Electric wax melters are a popular choice for candle makers melting large amounts of wax. They allow precise temperature control to hold the wax in its optimal liquid state before pouring. Wax melters also come with safety features to prevent overheating or fires.

No matter what melting method you choose, always monitor the wax temperature and avoid overheating. Properly melted wax will ensure smooth pouring and the best quality finished candles.

Pouring

Pouring the wax into the candle mold is a crucial step that requires proper temperature control. The wax should be around 150-165°F when pouring into containers and 135-145°F for pouring into votive and pillar molds. This ensures the wax cools at an ideal rate to produce smooth sides and reduce imperfections on the finished candle. Allowing the wax to cool too much before pouring can result in problems like shrinkage, sink holes, and an uneven finish.

As the wax cools in the mold, crystals begin to form giving the candle structure. It’s important not to disturb or move the candles at this stage. Most candles require about 24 hours of cooling time before they can be removed from the mold for finishing. Pay close attention to any cracking or indentation on the surface, which can indicate cooling issues. Patiently allowing each layer to fully setup before adding more layers is key to creating flawless poured candles.

Having the proper pouring temperature for different candle types is an essential skill candle makers must master. Rushing the cooling process can ruin an otherwise good batch of candles. Proper preparation, execution, and patience during pouring and cooling results in beautifully finished poured candles.

Curing

Curing is an essential part of candle making. After candles are poured and begin to cool and harden, they go through a curing process that stabilizes and strengthens the candle.

Curing serves several key purposes:

• It allows time for crystals to form in the wax as it cools, which makes the candle burn more slowly and evenly.
• It gives the candle time to shrink slightly as it cools and hardens. If candles are burned too soon, the shrinking can cause the wax to pull away from the sides of the container.
• It allows trapped air bubbles to rise to the surface and dissipate instead of getting trapped in the finished candle.
• It gives fragrance oils time to set and stabilize in the wax so the scent throws well when burned.

The curing process typically takes 24-48 hours. During this time, candles should be left undisturbed in a room temperature area away from drafts so they cool and set up properly. The curing time depends on factors like the type of wax, size of the candle, and environment.

Testing candles too soon can cause issues like tunneling, poor scent throw, and cracks or marks on the sides. Allowing enough cure time results in higher quality, better burning candles.

Conclusion

Candle making involves a number of key terms and steps. The process starts with selecting the right wax, wicks, molds, and scents. Wax comes in different types like paraffin, soy, and beeswax. Wicks are made from materials like cotton and paper. Molds can be reusable or disposable. Adding colors and scents personalizes candles. Once everything is assembled, the wax is melted and poured into the molds. Wicks are centered before the wax cools and cures. Trimming the wick to an optimal height is important for clean burning. While it may seem complicated at first, candle making simply comes down to choosing ingredients, melting wax, pouring, and curing. With practice, these terms and steps become second nature. The art of candle making allows for creativity and self-expression through homemade candles.