Introduction
Candle making has a long and interesting history that dates back all the way to ancient Egypt. In ancient Egypt, candles were believed to be used as lights in religious ceremonies and even funerals. Throughout the centuries, candle production has gone through many changes, but the use of wax to create these lighting instruments remains unchanged.
Over time, various waxes have been used in candle production including beeswax, paraffin wax and soy wax; however, refined coconut oil is quickly becoming a favorite choice. Refined coconut oil is ideal for creating high-quality candles because it not only burns with a long and consistent flame but it also provides an optimal scent throw without being overpowering or too weak. It produces a bright light and can create lovely colors when colors are added to the mix. Beyond that, it’s safe for both humans and animals since it does not contain any toxins.
Variations of Candle Wax
When it comes to the base of your candle, there are several wax choices available. Paraffin wax is the most commonly used type and one of the least expensive options. It burns slowly and evenly, so it’s considered an ideal option for most candle makers. However, paraffin has been linked with black smoke and soot issues when burned which left many looking for a better alternative. Soy wax has become popular in recent years due to its affordability and variety of uses. It supports strong scent throw, produces little smoke as it burns, and can be melted at lower temperatures than other types of waxes – all great qualities for a perfect candle.
But more recently, refined coconut oil has seen a surge in popularity as a candle wax choice. Refined coconut oil is considered one of the best options when making candles since it burns cleanly; meaning no black soot or smoke will be produced which is important when considering air quality concerns in the home plus it is fully renewable, sustainable and environmentally friendly. Aside from that refined coconut oil helps support strong scent throws because of its low melting point which means that aromas are released slowly over time instead dissipating quickly like some other types of wax can do. It also has amazing gliding capability which allows colors to come through more boldly in your candles giving them beautiful vibrancy when burning; essential if you want to add color to your warmers. Finally, it gives candles excellent heat stability meaning they won’t melt easily in higher temperatures giving you peace of mind even on those extra hot summer days!
Candle Container Preparation
1. Choose your container for making the candle. The most common materials for candle containers are glass, ceramic, and metal. For best results, choose a wide-mouthed container that is big enough to avoid wax spills during the refilling process. Choose a container style that will complement your desired end product aesthetic.
2. Make sure the chosen vessel is clean and dry before you begin to make your candle with refined coconut oil. If there is any residue on the outside of the vessel, be sure to clean it away with a damp cloth or appropriate cleaning solution before moving forward with candle making preparation.
3. Pick out the correct size wick tab and wick for your project. Your wick should directly correspond to the size of your container so that it reaches all areas of the wax as it melts evenly when lit. Picking out wicks without associated tabs might cause them to bend inwards from the weight of melted wax later on after melting and can cause safety issues if not taken seriously before starting your DIY project up!
4. Now place the bottom end of your chosen wick into its respective tab and center it within your relevant container before pouring in wax – this is an important step as it will ensure full coverage along with avoiding dangerous bent positions down below when poring hot melted wax in afterwards! Lastly, place an object like a pencil at an angle crossing overtop or holding down onto both ends of this tab/wick setup outside so that they remain in center form while receiving their liquid fuel coats firstly if greater depths are being used later down ahead!
Melting Methods
When candle making with refined coconut oil, you have two basic melting methods to choose from. The first is the stovetop, which involves heating the oil directly in a pot or double boiler, and can be done quickly and easily at home. The second method is a double boiler wax melting technique that requires more equipment, but is much safer because it uses indirect heat.
Stovetop Melting – With this technique, melted coconut oil can reach higher temperatures than the double boiler technique and has a faster turnaround time. You will need to use a low-medium heat setting on your stove and stir until all of the wax melts into a liquid state. Be sure not to let the wax boil as it can cause it to smoke and release harmful toxins when inhaled.
Double Boiler Wax Melting – This method requires an additional vessel in order to not burn while melting down the wax due to direct radiation from the heat source. With this method, you do not need to stir as much as if you were using the stovetop and there is less risk for residue remaining in your product after using this method. However, it does take slightly longer than using the stovetop method.
Infusing the Scent
When making candles with refined coconut oil, it is possible to infuse fragrance into the wax to provide a more pleasant aroma. There are several techniques to add scent to your candle wax that vary in terms of complexity:
1. Wax Fragrance Oils: Wax fragrance oils can be added directly at a rate of between 8% and 12% of the total wax weight. Be sure to research your chosen essential oil to determine the best usage rate for your desired result.
2. Essential Oils: You can also add small amounts (3 drops) of essential oils into each melted wax batch before pouring into your candle moulds. Using this method will create more subtle, natural scents than when using wax fragrance oils. It is best not to use too many different essential oils together as they may overpower one another and lead to an unpleasant scent.
3. Potpourri Infusions: Another creative way to infuse scent into candle making with refined coconut oil is by using potpourri or other fragrant materials such as dried flowers and herbs, wood chips, fruit peels, fragrances beads and bath salts. Place your desired potpourri mixture in a glass jar that has been sterilized beforehand, then fill it up with melted wax until it almost reaches the top of the jar and leave for approximately 2 hours for the scent to fully infuse in the wax. Once it has finished soaking strain out any solid residue before pouring your wax into molds and set aside until it cools fully before trimming the wick!
Pouring and Cooling
The pouring process of making a candle with refined coconut oil is relatively easy, though some steps must be taken to ensure that the wax cools correctly. After melting the wax down, the temperature of the melted wax should be monitored carefully so that it can be poured into the mold at an optimal temperature. If the temperature is too high, bubbles will form in the finished product and it can warp or crack after cooling. The pour also needs to be consistent and not too slow or too fast – otherwise this could create a distorted surface after cooling.
Once poured, the candle should remain undisturbed while it cools down completely in order to prevent any distortion to its shape. This can take anywhere from 12-24 hours depending on the size and thickness of your candle. Once cooled, you can add wicks, trim away excess wax and decorate before finally burning your completed candles.
Finishing Touches
Once the wax has cooled, it’s time to add additional decorations and touches to your candle. Glitters can be added to give your candle a bit of sparkle, particularly in glass containers. If you would like to add an extra layer of color, many candle makers prefer using paraffin dye which is melted into the wax mixture with a few drops of scent as an optional topping. Additionally, adding a label or tag directly onto the candle provides another personalized touch before you finally present your product.
Refined Coconut Oil Advantages
Refined coconut oil is becoming a popular choice of wax for candle-makers due to its many advantages. One of the primary benefits is its long burning time; studies have shown that candles made with refined coconut oil can burn up to 45% longer than those made with other waxes. Furthermore, refined coconut oil has greater scent-carrying capabilities than other oils and waxes, which leads to candles that are more fragrant and enduring in scent. Refined coconut oil also has excellent flame stability, meaning that the flames won’t flicker or die out before fully burning the candle itself. Lastly, when compared to other melting agents, refined coconut oil is safer because it doesn’t produce toxins or any other byproducts which could be hazardous for one’s health if inhaled. All these factors make refined coconut oil an ideal base for creating beautiful scented candles with longevity and safety alike.
Conclusion
Refined coconut oil is an excellent ingredient for creating beautiful and elegant candles. This oil has a very low smoke point and burns cleanly, with little to no soot buildup. Since the oil does not contain any impurities or contaminants, it can be safely used in homemade candles without compromising their quality. Moreover, it gives the candle a pleasant scent and allows the fragrance oils to be added in higher concentration than other types of waxes. All in all, refined coconut oil is an ideal choice when creating candles that will look professional yet still have diy flair.
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.
