Paraffin Wax Candle Making
A vast number of candles are made with paraffin, a petroleum by-product. It is odorless and colorless. It can be found in most craft stores in 10 pound slabs or in pellets. The low cost is one reason for the popularity of the wax. Paraffin wax candle making varies some from the other wax candle methods, but it is a good method to use when making your first candles.
There are several types of paraffin that have different melting points. These points vary from as low as 100 degrees Fahrenheit (30 Celsius), to as high as 160 degrees Fahrenheit (71 Celsius). Beginners should choose a wax that melts at about 140 degrees. The wax won’t turn to liquid too fast, and it won’t require a lot of heat to melt it.
Stearin is an additive to make the paraffin harder and give it better color retention properties. Made from animal fat or plant oils, stearin also makes the candle more opaque. It should be mixed in a 1 to 10 ratio with the paraffin. A few other additives are made that closely resemble stearin and produce the same effect. Some waxes already contain the additives, so be sure to read the labels first.
If you are coloring your candle, choose the color you want from the standard charts or mix and blend colors to produce a more customized color. It takes about ¼ ounce of color per 1 pound of wax. The same ratio is true for adding fragrance oil.
Select the size of your wick based on the diameter of the finished candle. A wick that is too small won’t burn well, and one that is too large will sputter and burn too hot. A 3-inch diameter candle should burn fine with one wick, but if the candle is much larger, it will be necessary to have more.
Do not attempt to make your wick out of string or paper. The ones at the craft store are inexpensive and, more importantly, are specifically made for candles. A wick tab works well to hold the wick in place, but you can use something else to weight the bottom during the pour.
The simplest way to make the candle is by using a canning jar that is designed to withstand extreme heat. Do not attempt to use a regular glass container for this, as you stand the risk of injury or a fire hazard while the candle is burning.
An alternative to the canning jar is the candle mold which is removed after the wax has completely cooled. Use the method that you are most comfortable with at your level of expertise.
As with any kind of candle making, you will need to heat the wax, put in your additives, and stir the mixture at the correct temperature. Just before you pour the wax into your glass or mold, be sure to stir one last time to equally distribute the heat in your mixture.
Paraffin wax candle making is fun and easy. With some practice, you will have candles that look great and burn smoothly.
