What Can You Put Inside Of Candles?

Candles are a popular item used for decoration, aromatherapy, lighting, and more. At their core, candles are composed of wax that is melted and formed around a wick which is then lit to produce a flame. However, there are many different additions that can be incorporated into candles to customize them and produce desired effects.

The ingredients placed inside a candle can impact how it burns, smells, looks, and its uses. From wax blends to scents, colors, decorations, and shaping, there are endless possibilities when making customized candles. Learning what can go inside candles allows crafters to get creative and make unique candles for gifts, home use, events, and business purposes.

Waxes

The main ingredient in candles is wax. There are several types of waxes commonly used in candle making including paraffin, soy, beeswax, and palm wax. Each type of wax has its own properties that affect the burning, scent throw, and texture of the finished candle.

Paraffin wax is derived from petroleum and is the most widely used candle wax. It is inexpensive and makes hard candles with excellent burning properties. According to The Spruce Crafts, paraffin wax “provides the strongest scent throw” compared to other waxes. Some drawbacks are that paraffin can emit more smoke and release more soot as it burns.

Soy wax is made from hydrogenated soybean oil. It burns cleanly and holds fragrances very well. Soy candles are praised for their smooth texture and excellent scent throw. The Spruce Crafts notes that soy wax is easy to work with and requires simple color or scent additions. A potential downside is that soy wax does not retain scents as long as paraffin after being lit.

Beeswax is a natural wax made by honey bees. Beeswax candles burn slowly, cleanly, and brighter than other waxes. They have a beautiful natural honey color and honey-sweet scent from the wax itself. According to Treasurie, beeswax can be expensive but is valued for its natural properties and versatility for creative shapes.

Palm wax comes from the fruit of palm trees. It is praised for its hard texture, glossy finish, and clean burn. Palm wax provides good scent retention and can hold relatively high fragrance loads. A potential concern is the environmental impact of palm oil production, so sustainably sourced palm wax is recommended.

Wicks

The wick is a crucial component in candle making. It is the cord that runs through the wax and brings fuel to the flame. There are several types of wicks to choose from:

Cotton wicks are made from natural cotton fibers that burn cleanly. They are soft and flexible and good for containers candles. Cotton wicks come in different sizes and plies to accommodate different candle diameters (Choosing the Right Type of Wick and Wick Size).

Zinc core wicks have a zinc strand at the center that keeps the wick upright and rigid. The zinc burns off as the candle is used. Zinc core wicks work well for larger candles like pillars and votives (Choosing the Right Type of Wick and Wick Size).

Wooden wicks make a crackling sound as the wood burns. They are made from natural wood fibers wrapped around cotton. Wooden wicks are popular for their ambience and are safe to use (Choosing the Right Type of Wick and Wick Size).

Paper core wicks have a paper core instead of zinc. The paper core burns off cleanly. Paper wicks tend to be very stiff and hold their shape well.

Choosing the right wick is important for proper wax pooling and to minimize smoking. Wick size should be matched to the diameter of the candle container or pillar.

Scents

The scent is one of the most important aspects of a candle. There are several ways to add fragrance to candles:

Essential oils are a popular choice. Made from extracting natural oils from plants, they provide authentic, pure scents. However, essential oils can be quite expensive. They may also fade faster than synthetic fragrance oils [1].

Fragrance oils are formulated for candle making. They come in a huge variety of scents and tend to be more affordable than essential oils. However, some fragrance oils can cause soot or clogging issues [2].

Dried flowers, herbs, spices, and fruit peels can be added directly to candle wax to provide subtle, natural scents. Lay them gently on top of the wax before it hardens for decoration too.

The amount of fragrance needed depends on the size of the candle and personal preference. Start with the manufacturer’s recommended amount. Nose blindness can occur with prolonged scent exposure, so take breaks and re-evaluate the strength [1].

Colors

Adding color to candles can enhance their appearance and allow you to match specific color palettes. There are various methods for coloring candle wax. Some popular options include:

Dyes – Liquid candle dyes are a convenient way to achieve vibrant colors in candles. A small amount of dye goes a long way. Popular brands like CandleScience and ArtMinds offer dye bottles in a wide array of hues.

Pigments – Pigments are concentrated powder colors. They can produce opaque coverage and are more affordable than liquid dyes. But they may require more mixing and stirring to fully dissolve in wax.

Natural Colorants – You can create natural candle colors using ingredients like turmeric powder, cinnamon, paprika, dried flower petals, and beeswax. While natural colors produce muted, earthy tones, some people prefer to avoid synthetic dyes.

The amount of dye or pigment needed will depend on the intensity of color desired. Always start with a small amount and add more as needed. Proper mixing to fully integrate the color is important. Testing colored wax on a spoon before pouring candles is recommended.

Decorations

Many different kinds of decorations can be added to candles to make them more beautiful and visually interesting. Some of the most popular decorations to add to candles include:

Glitter: Adding glitter is one of the easiest ways to decorate a candle. decouapge, decoupage products. Stir glitter into brocade lacquer or candle gloss varnish and pour over the candle. Use small amounts like 10g per 100ml varnish.

Beads: Glass beads, gems, pearls and seashells can be gently pressed into the surface of candles while the wax is still warm. This adds a lovely decorative touch. Beads and shells can also be arranged around candle holders.

Flowers and Leaves: Dried flowers and leaves can be placed inside clear glass containers before pouring wax over them. Fresh flowers can also be placed on candle holders as decorations.

Paint: Special candle paint can be used to hand-paint designs onto the cured wax surface. Acrylic paints work well for decorating candles.

These are some of the most common ways to add beautiful and creative decorations to plain candles, transforming them into decorative pieces. Just be sure to use only candle-safe decorations.

Shaping

One of the exciting aspects of candle making is that candles can be shaped and molded into various forms. Some common shapes for molded candles include pillars, containers, votives, tapers, tealights, and novelty shapes like animals, flowers, and more. Pillars are free standing candles that come in various diameters like 2″, 3″, and 4″. Containers are candles molded to fit inside jars, cups, tins, or other vessels. Votives, tapers, and tealights are all small uniform molded candles designed to fit in candle holders.

To create molded candles, either plastic or silicone molds are used. The wax is poured into the mold cavity and allowed to cool before removing the finished candle. Novelty shaped candles can be made using very intricate molds. Some popular molded candle shapes are angels, seashells, pinecones, gnomes, bunnies, apples, and more (Unique Candle Shapes). The options are endless!

Container candles can also be made by simply pouring wax into any heat-safe vessel like a glass, mug, or tin. This allows for infinite possibilities when it comes to shapes and styles. Natural items like seashells, fruits, and wood slices can be used as creative candle containers as well.

In summary, candles can be shaped into countless forms using plastic or silicone molds, by pouring wax into containers, or by getting creative with natural items. The shaping possibilities allow for much artistic expression and customization when crafting candles.

Safety

When making candles, it is crucial to follow proper safety precautions. According to Candle Making Safety Tips, you should have safety equipment like fire extinguishers, eye protection, and heat-resistant gloves on hand. Work in a well-ventilated area away from children and pets.

Use equipment designed for candle making, like thermometers, double boilers, and pouring pots. Avoid makeshift materials that could be unsafe. According to Candlesoylutions, do not use old tin cans, glass jars, or aluminum pie plates to melt wax – these can shatter or melt from the heat.

Choose wicks carefully based on the type of wax, container, and desired burn properties. Cotton wicks are common, but make sure the width matches the candle diameter. According to Northwood Candle Supply, oversized wicks can lead to soot buildup, tunneling, or fire hazards. Test wicks and make adjustments to ensure proper burning before selling or gifting candles.

Avoid flammable materials like paper or fabric near hot wax. Never leave melting wax or burning candles unattended. Follow all usage and storage instructions on wax, fragrance, and dye packaging. With vigilance and common sense, candle making can be an enjoyable and safe hobby.

Troubleshooting

Candle making is a science and an art. Even experienced candle makers run into issues from time to time. Some common problems and ways to troubleshoot them include:

Tunneling

Tunneling occurs when the candle burns unevenly, creating a hole or tunnel in the wax. This is usually caused by an improper wax to wick ratio. To fix, use a larger wick or add stearin to harden the wax blend (https://cosyowl.com/guides/troubleshooting).

Wet Spots

Wet spots are oily patches that appear on the candle surface. They indicate the fragrance oil is not properly incorporated into the wax. To prevent, avoid adding fragrance above the recommended percentage and stir thoroughly after adding fragrance.

Sinkholes

Sinkholes are dents that form in the top of the candle. They occur when the wick and wax cool at different rates. Allow candles to cool completely before moving them. Sinkholes can often be fixed by applying heat from a hairdryer or heat gun.

Frosting

Frosting is the white powdery residue left on candles. It’s caused by fragrance oils and additives migrating to the surface. To reduce, allow candles to cure 2-4 weeks before burning and use oils meant for candle making.

Conclusion

In summary, there are many options for customizing and creating your own candles. The key components to focus on are choosing the right wax, wick, scents, colors, decorations, and mold to achieve your desired look and scent. When getting started, stick to basic waxes like soy, paraffin, or beeswax and standard wicks to ensure a good burn. Essential oils, liquid scents, or fragrance oils can provide limitless aromatic options. Use safe candle dyes or other additives for colors. Embed or adhere decorations mindfully so they don’t interfere with the candle’s burn. Always follow safety precautions like keeping wicks trimmed and avoiding drafts or flame sources nearby. With the right supplies and some experimentation, you’ll be making stylish, homemade candles in no time!