Candle Making on a Hot Plate
The Basics
Candle making on a hot plate is an enjoyable and simple craft that you can do at home. It allows you to design and create your own candles using different colors and scents! A hot plate is an easy and affordable tool to use if you’re just starting out in candle making and don’t want to invest in more expensive equipment. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
- A hot plate
- Wax
- Wicks
- Containers of your choice
- Dye chips or liquid dye
- Fragrance oils
- Sticks for stirring
- Gloves
The Steps
Once you have all your materials, it’s time to get started! Here’s a step-by-step how-to guide on candle making on a hot plate:
- Put your wax in the containers of your choice. Make sure you leave enough space for the wick and a bit extra for when the wax expands when heated.
- Insert a wick into each container and tie the top of the wick to a skewer, pencil or chopstick and place it on the inside of the container. This will keep the wick centered when you pour in the wax.
- Turn on the hot plate and place the containers with wax on it.
- Once the wax has completely melted, turn off the heat. Add in the dye chips (or liquid dye) and fragrances to each container and mix using a stirring stick. It’s important to mix the wax thoroughly to maintain an even color and scent.
- Allow the wax to cool for approximately 30 minutes. This will help keep it at the right temperature: not too hot that it’s a liquid, and not too cold that it’s a solid!
- Once the wax has cooled, trim the wick to the desired length. This will ensure that the flame of your candle is not too large when lit.
- You’re now ready to enjoy your DIY candles! Light it up and enjoy the wonderful aroma.
Safety Tips
Although candle making on a hot plate is easy and safe to do, here are a few tips to keep in mind for extra protection:
- Use gloves. Hot wax can cause painful and nasty burns, so it’s important to always use protective gloves when working with it.
- Keep an eye on the temperature. Too hot and the wick will become brittle and break, too cold and the wax won’t melt properly. Investing in a wax thermometer will help you keep the wax at the right temperature.
- Allow plenty of time. Don’t rush it! Wax needs plenty of time to cool before it can be used, otherwise your candles may turn out too brittle or soft.
- Avoid using metal containers. The heat coming off the hot plate can’t be regulated, so metal containers are a no-no. Stick to ceramic, glass or plastic instead.
Conclusion
Candle making on a hot plate is a great way to get creative and make your own unique candles! Now you know how to make your own DIY candles, all you need is a bit of creativity to design them exactly how you want. Have fun and be safe!
Welcome to my candle making blog! In this blog, I will be sharing my tips and tricks for making candles. I will also be sharing some of my favorite recipes.
