Simplify the process of making candles at home by using apothecary shops that provide everything you need to get started. You can purchase candle making supplies, such as wax, wicks, and color blocks. Apothecary shops also offer molds and jars to help you create custom candles, as well as labels and packaging if you plan to sell them. Here are a few tips and tricks for candle making:
Know Your Waxes
Candles are made from unique waxes, including beeswax, paraffin, and soy, each with distinct properties, benefits, and pouring temperatures. Soy wax is an eco-friendly, slow-burning choice with a lower melting point than other options. Beeswax is also a natural, long-lasting choice, but has a unique fragrance that may require pairing it with specific scents.
Paraffin wax holds fragrances well, but may produce more soot, while coconut wax offers a creamy finish. The type of wax you choose will determine the types of products you can create. Wax mixes well with other candle making supplies, including color blocks, fragrances, and wicks. Use a thermometer to check the temperature and avoid overheating, which can cause the wax to discolor or burn off the fragrance.
Understanding how different waxes behave allows you to optimize selections based on the candles you’re creating. If you want a fast-burning candle with a rich fragrance, paraffin wax may be the right choice. For slow-burning candles used in spas and meditation rooms, beeswax and soy may be a more compatible option.
Use Fragrance Oils
If you’re new to making candles, use fragrance oils instead of essential oils. Although both fragrance oils and essential oils can be used in candles, the latter requires more precision. Essential oils are available in various forms, including pure therapeutic, certified organic, and blended options. They may offer potential therapeutic benefits, like promoting relaxation in aromatherapy sessions. Essential oils also have varying flash points and may evaporate quickly when subjected to heat. For new candle makers unfamiliar with the process, the oil may lose its scent during preparation if not added correctly.
Fragrance oils are formulated specifically for candles. You can choose from a variety of options, such as vanilla, buttercream, sandalwood, mint, lemongrass, and coconut. Due to their strength and durability, fragrance oils are easier to use in candle making, particularly for beginners. Fragrance oils are more resilient against heat and retain their aromas, resulting in a stronger scent. They also offer complex scents, such as oatmeal milk and honey, so you don’t have to experiment with different aromas.
To achieve the desired scent retention, use fragrance oils at the correct measurement, temperature, and phase, as specified in the recipe. You may also experiment with different scents and combinations, such as lemongrass and coconut or chocolate and mint. You can also enhance your candle’s cold and hot throw by stirring in fragrance oils at specific temperature ranges.
Design Custom Candles
Making your own candles offers the unique opportunity to customize every aspect, including the size, shape, color, and more. Color blocks allow you to achieve vibrant aesthetics, while molds and jars produce unique shapes. Whether you prefer spiral, cylindrical, or square candles, apothecary stores have the supplies to help you produce them.
Glass jars come in a variety of unique shapes, sizes, and colors, allowing you to compare how candles look and perform in different containers. You can also experiment with different wick sizes. Wicks that are too big will produce more heat and melt the wax faster. They also may be more likely to produce soot. Thin, small wicks produce less heat, which may not be sufficient to burn through the wax, resulting in tunneling. Verify that you optimize the wick size for your specific container. Custom designs are ideal when creating gifts or candles you plan to sell, as you can tailor them to suit the occasion. You can create holiday, birthday, or event-themed candles and change the container color and size to match the aesthetic.
Find Quality Candle Making Supplies Today
Candle making gives you the freedom to personalize your apothecary product with custom scents, colors, and shapes. If you purchase bulk supplies, you can test and modify recipes to develop unique product lines. Contact an apothecary shop today to place an order or find out more about their candle making supplies.
