How To Make Scented Candles

Creating your own scented candles is both a rewarding craft and a practical skill that can save money while allowing for complete customization of fragrances. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the entire candle-making process, from gathering supplies to troubleshooting common issues.

Essential Supplies for Candle Making

Before beginning your candle-making journey, you’ll need to gather the following materials:

• Wax (soy, paraffin, beeswax, or blends)
• Fragrance oils or essential oils
• Wicks (pre-tabbed for beginners)
• Containers (jars, tins, or molds)
• Double boiler or melting pot
• Thermometer (specifically for candle making)
• Scale for precise measurements
• Stirring utensil (wooden or silicone)
• Wick centering devices

Selecting the Right Wax

The type of wax you choose significantly impacts your candle’s burning characteristics and scent throw:

• Soy Wax: Burns cleaner with excellent scent diffusion; ideal for beginners
• Paraffin Wax: Provides strong scent throw and vibrant colors
• Beeswax: Natural option with a subtle honey aroma; requires higher melting temperatures
• Coconut Wax: Premium option with excellent scent retention and clean burn

Understanding Fragrance Options

The key to well-scented candles lies in proper fragrance loading and selection:

Fragrance Oils vs. Essential Oils

Fragrance oils are specifically formulated for candle making and typically provide stronger, more consistent scents. Essential oils are natural but may not perform as well in candles and often require higher concentrations.

Proper Fragrance Loading

According to candle making forums, the optimal fragrance oil concentration ranges from 6-10% of your wax weight. For example, when using 1000ml of wax, add between 60-100ml of fragrance oils. Essential oils may require even higher concentrations, with some crafters using up to 100 drops per candle.

Step-by-Step Candle Making Process

1. Preparation

Begin by preparing your workspace. Cover your work area with newspaper or a protective cloth. Ensure all materials are clean and dry. Attach wicks to containers using a small amount of melted wax or adhesive dots, and use wick centering devices to keep them straight.

2. Melting the Wax

Using a double boiler setup (never direct heat), melt your wax to the manufacturer’s recommended temperature. For most soy waxes, this is between 175-185°F (79-85°C). Use your thermometer to monitor the temperature precisely, as overheating can damage the wax and reduce scent performance.

3. Adding Fragrance

Once your wax reaches the proper temperature, remove from heat and allow it to cool slightly to the recommended fragrance adding temperature (typically around 165-175°F or 74-79°C for soy wax). Add your pre-measured fragrance oil and stir gently but thoroughly for 1-2 minutes to ensure even distribution.

4. Pouring the Candles

Pour the scented wax into your prepared containers, leaving about 1/2 inch of space at the top. Pour slowly to avoid air bubbles and splashing. If the wick moves, reposition it using your centering device while the wax is still liquid.

5. Cooling and Curing

Allow candles to cool completely at room temperature (at least 24 hours) before trimming wicks to 1/4 inch. For optimal scent throw, many professional candle makers recommend curing candles for 1-2 weeks before burning.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Poor Scent Throw

If your candles don’t produce enough fragrance when burning, consider these adjustments:

• Increase fragrance oil percentage (staying within safe limits for your wax)
• Ensure you’re adding fragrance at the correct temperature
• Allow longer curing time (1-2 weeks minimum)
• Switch to fragrance oils specifically formulated for candle making
• Check that your wick size is appropriate for your container diameter

Uneven Burning

If your candle burns unevenly or creates a “tunnel” down the middle:

• Use a larger wick or multiple wicks for wider containers
• Ensure the first burn creates a full melt pool extending to the container edges
• Check for drafts in the burning area

Recommended Products for Beginners

Based on candle making communities and tutorials, these products are frequently recommended for beginners:

• Golden Brands 464 Soy Wax – Excellent for beginners with good scent throw
• ECO Series Wicks – Pre-tabbed and sized for various containers
• CandleScience Fragrance Oils – Specifically formulated for candle making
• Digital Thermometer with Probe – For precise temperature monitoring
• Pouring Pitcher with Heat-Resistant Handle – For clean, controlled pouring

Safety Considerations

Always prioritize safety when making candles:

• Never leave melting wax unattended
• Use a fire extinguisher rated for grease fires
• Keep a dedicated set of tools for candle making only
• Work in a well-ventilated area
• Research fragrance oil usage rates to avoid fire hazards
• Keep materials away from children and pets

With these comprehensive instructions and tips, you’re well-equipped to begin creating beautiful, fragrant candles at home. Remember that candle making is both a science and an art—each batch is an opportunity to refine your technique and experiment with new scent combinations. Start with simple projects and gradually advance to more complex designs as your confidence grows.