The need for a candle solely as a source of light is a thing of the past. Today, no one will read or sew in a semi-lit room, and they no longer practice blackouts for the sake of economy. The product is useful only in a force majeure situation. In the modern world, candles have again become relevant, but now as a decor. The stores present a striking variety of products and they are not so cheap. But it is not necessary to buy finished products. It is much more interesting to create unique candles with your own hands.
It is quite possible to make a candle on your own. Consumables are freely available, and the recipes and technology are simple and straightforward. The imagination of the masters reveals ever new facets of this art. A variety of home-made interior candles rolls over - curly, scented, gel. Candles are a popular element of serving on the wedding and New Year's table. To create your own high-end works, study the technology of their manufacture. Making candles with your own hands, you realize your own ideas, choose the desired shape, color, decor, saturate with your favorite aroma. The acquired skills will help to become a demanded master in the production of unique candles. This business can eventually develop into a profitable business. The advantages of creating products at home abound.
Cons of this lesson - if you are going to do this professionally:
the presence of many competitors;
the need to look for customers for sales.
Candle base - which material to choose
For the manufacture of candles using a variety of materials - wax, paraffin, stearin and even gel. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Wax
Fans of all natural can indulge in the opportunity to create their own beeswax candles. Its pleasant aroma overshadows the smells of any artificial flavors. Wax is a product secreted by bees through special glands. Hive dwellers build their honeycombs from it. The substance has a known hardness, excellent bactericidal properties.
It is represented by a wide palette of colors - from white with a slight yellowish tint to dark yellow and even brown.
Heating to 35 ° C is enough to make the material ductile, and for melting it is necessary to raise the temperature to 62–68 ° C. Wax candles are light, attractive and fragrant. Products harden much faster than paraffin analogues. This is a natural and therefore expensive product. Its cost is 4 times higher than that of paraffin.
Use unnecessary dishes to melt wax, because getting rid of it is extremely difficult.
Gel
The gel is a transparent material. This environmentally friendly substance does not emit toxic substances. It contains natural components - glycerin, gelatin, tannin.
Candles made of transparent gel look more spectacular than their paraffin and wax "brothers." They do not have streaks, since the substance evaporates from the candlestick. The vacated container can be re-filled with gel or used for other purposes. The service life of such products is several times higher than the performance of traditional options.
If your imagination has no limits, making gel candles will help unlock your potential. Such products look simply magical thanks to a transparent material, which shows an exquisite decor. Gel candles will be a wonderful gift for friends, relatives and colleagues.
Wax
Wax Benefits:
pleasant aroma;
bright burning;
the ability to secrete volatile;
environmental friendliness.
Candles from wax are produced by repeatedly lowering the wick into the melted material. If you add it to the "company" of paraffin and stearin, you can get very beautiful long-burning products.
Paraffin
The most commonly used material. It is one of the most inexpensive options. Paraffin is sold by weight or in the form of finished products. For home production, both options are suitable.Candles or briquettes of paraffin need to be cut into small pieces. You can simplify your task and get ready-made mass for the manufacture of candles with various fillers, flavors and dyes. They are slightly more expensive than plain paraffin, but can save on the purchase of special additives.
When burning, paraffin releases a certain amount of harmful substances into the air, so do not leave the candle burning for a long time.
Necessary tools
To make candles at home you will need:
base material - wax, paraffin, stearin, soy wax are suitable;
"Battery" forms;
wick;
wick holders;
a plate for carefully moving application fragments onto a wax base;
a metal knife for cutting large pieces of wax or paraffin;
grater for grinding materials;
two different-sized pots for a water bath. It is advisable that the small pan has a spout;
thermometer;
stove - gas or electric;
flavorings;
diverse decor;
stick for stirring;
Toothpicks
dyes - you can also use wax crayons, crushed using a grater, aniline paints or actor's make-up;
stacks.
It is undesirable to add aromatic oils to wax. Candles will smoke, and the smell will be completely different than expected. On sale there are a variety of special flavors for candles.
Wick
The wick may be:
a braid knitted from threads;
twisted lace;
jute twine.
The main condition for choosing is to take into account the material of the future candle. For a wax product, a loose braid cord made of cotton thread is suitable, which will not smoke. For other options you need a tight wick. Ideally, you need to purchase twine in a specialized store. You can immediately buy several products of different thicknesses.
Manufacturers offer many varieties and sizes of cords.Keep in mind that if the wick is too thick, the flame will burn too much and the candle will burn faster than expected. Excessively thin laces will burn before the candle and the fire will go out. The wider the lower part of the candle, the thicker the wick should be.
To choose the correct thickness of the cord, pay attention to the marking:
No. 1 - for candles with a diameter of up to 3 cm;
No. 2 - from 3 to 5 cm;
No. 3 - from 5 to 6 cm;
No. 4 - from 6 cm.
Before pouring the molten candle mass into the mold, you need to immerse the tip of the wick in the mixture. So it will burn better. In order to strengthen it in the form, pass it through the hole in the bottom and fix it with tape. If there is no such hole, use a round metal holder or stick to the bottom on a drop of wax. The free end of the cord is wound on a pencil and pulled so that the wick is located in the center of the candle. After solidification, it is necessary to cut off the excess part of the cord - when burning, a too long sample will be smoked.
If you decide to choose old candles as the basis, then you can use their native wick.
The form
To make candles, special shapes are needed. At the initial stage, you can use any empty containers. A cotton swab container, a tin can or a glass of yogurt can be your first molds.
Types of molds for making candles:
From polycarbonate - transparent, very convenient containers. They are not particularly durable and after some time they begin to crack and leak.
Made of plastic - stronger than polycarbonate analogues. These products are a little cheaper, but they are opaque and it is not very convenient. Some models may be equipped with a plug in the base of the container. This facilitates the process of taking out the finished candle.
From soft, thin plastic - suitable for making miniature candles. If there is no hole in the bottom, you can pierce it using a red-hot knitting needle.
Of metal - aluminum, steel. Strong and durable containers with perfectly smooth walls, which allows you to get beautiful candles. The metal form, filled with molten wax, is very hot, so you should be careful.
From silicone - detachable or drop-down products. You can use forms for baking and making ice. A hole is pierced in the bottom, but over time, the hole begins to break. As a result, paraffin spills out. Temporarily solve this problem using masking tape.
Original silicone molds can be made by yourself.
Additional tools and accessories
In the manufacture of candles an important place is occupied by additional materials and tools - stacks, vanes, measuring cups, dyes, fragrances, wicks, thermometers that simplify the process.
Fragrances - give a pleasant smell to candles, improve the atmosphere in the room. The air is cleared, it becomes easier to breathe. But the sources of aromas are different and not everyone will suit you.
There are several types of flavorings:
Special - are a liquid substance, are sold together with other materials for the production of candles. For 1 kg of wax, no more than 30 ml of the composition can be used;
aromatic oils - synthetic products not intended for the manufacture of candles. If you still decide to use them, do not add more than 10-15 drops per 500 g of wax;
natural flavors - finely chopped cinnamon, lemon peel, chopped dried herbs. Some of them can be poorly soluble in the molten material, interfere with the solidification of the wax or burning of the wick. For 450 grams of base, 1 tablespoon of powder will suffice.
essential oils - from natural herbs and flowers. Each of the oils has special specific properties. Not all of them are guaranteed to be suitable for making candles, so it’s worth testing each new ingredient. 450 grams of wax will need no more than 10-15 drops.
Thermometer - necessary for measuring the temperature of the candle mass. At the time of pouring on the molds, it should be between 68-72ºС.Otherwise, the candle may turn out to have a hoarfrost effect, with a rough surface. Sometimes they intentionally achieve the effect of "aging", using cooled paraffin. An overly hot composition can soak the wick and leak out of the mold through a hole in the bottom. Thermometers are conventional and electronic.
Preparation of the workplace and tools
Not everyone has the opportunity to set aside a separate room for the workshop. It is desirable that the workplace is located in a room with water supply and ventilation. It should be maintained at a constant temperature, excluding access to drafts. In a city apartment, a kitchen is suitable. It is necessary to think over each stage of work, correctly place materials and tools - utensils, forms, wicks, accessories, paper napkins. It will take space to grind, filter and pour wax into containers.
A spacious and stable table with a horizontal worktop is required. The surface will have to be covered with something. Packing paper, an old waterproof tablecloth, towels, newspapers are suitable. The floor should also be covered with an old rug or linoleum sheet. Corrugated board sheets can be used. Provide storage space for molds, dishes, tools, essential oils, dyes, and other necessary components. You will need plywood for grinding wax, a stand for a hot container. You need a device on which you will melt the wax. You can use a conventional stove and equip a water bath, slow cooker or rice cooker with the ability to control temperature.
How to melt wax
Grind the material with a knife or grater to speed up the process. Fill a smaller pan with wax and place in a large container with water. As a small dish, you can use containers made of heat-resistant glass, stainless steel pans, enameled or aluminum. Do not use cast iron or copper products, as they spoil the color of the wax.Cleaning dishes from wax is incredibly difficult, so forget about using it for cooking.
Put a few stones or a special silicone gasket at the bottom of a large pan. This will prevent the dishes from contacting each other and the wax will not overheat. We put the water bath on a slow fire and constantly stir the contents. Melted wax should have a uniform structure - without lumps. Check the temperature - it should not be higher than 68-72ºС.
Filter installation and fastening
It is best to use wax that has undergone initial purification from propolis particles and debris. If you have raw material, you need to melt it and strain it through a metal sieve. But this procedure is often not enough, so you need to filter the wax again. So you get rid of unwanted particles that may be in the molten material. Pass the substance through a nylon cloth fixed to the container with an elastic band or a special paint filter.
Adding Aromatic Oils and Paint
In order to stain paraffin, put pieces of wax crayons or a special dye in the container for melt. You can fill in paraffin of different colors in layers or combine different pencils and get bright rainbow stains.
If you want to enjoy a fragrant candle, drip your favorite essential oil into the melted wax. These substances have various characteristics. The smell of lavender oil soothes and relaxes. Lemon and rosemary allow you to escape from bad thoughts. The combination of orange and cloves improves mood, and cedar aroma in conjunction with lemon relieves stress.
Pouring wax and decorating the finished candle
After installing the wick, it is necessary to fix the lower edge of the cord. To do this, pour a little molten wax onto the bottom of the pan. If necessary, adjust the position of the wick and wait a minute for the material to set.Pour the remaining wax into the mold. Be careful - the molten mixture can be very burned. After a day, the hardened candle can be removed from the form and proceed to its further design.
Trim the wick, leaving a tip of sufficient length to make it easy to light. Use a new candle no earlier than 24 hours after it has completely hardened.
Dressing is a fascinating process. As ornaments, lace, jute twine, gift paper, bead threads, ribbons, artificial flowers, dry branches of herbs and wildflowers, citrus slices are suitable. If you like spicy aromas, use coffee or cinnamon in the design of the candle.
Decorate kitchen items with cereals or seeds. The simplest option is to place the candle in a transparent candlestick or a jar of a larger diameter and fill the space between it and the walls with peas, millet, and colored rice. Another way is to glue the product walls with grains, which is very simple to do with a hand dryer. Heat the surface and squeeze the grains into a softened wax.
Stylish and sophisticated products, decorated with natural materials, are ideal for a bathroom or living room. Surrounded by pebbles, shells, cones and dried branches, candles will look very impressive.
Making a new candle from old
If you want to make the first candle in your life, do not rush to go to the store for the necessary components. First check the contents of your boxes - perhaps in the far corner a few old cinders were littered. They deserve you to give them a second life. The remains of candles can be melted down and a new one created - an aesthetic and functional product.
Step-by-step instruction:
Prepare unnecessary candles. If in your house there was no suitable material, buy the cheapest products in the store.
Grind them with a grater or knife.
Build a water bath and place the crumbled material in the upper vessel.
Melt the paraffin until there are pieces left in it. It is necessary to constantly stir the mass and prevent its overheating.
We fasten the wick to the bottom of the form.
Pour the liquid substance into the prepared form and wait for solidification.
We take out the candle from the mold and decorate it.
Irregularities at the bottom of the candle can be eliminated with a hairdryer.
Making gel candles at home
Gel candles have gained popularity due to their attractive appearance and ability to long burning. In the manufacture, the same melting technology is used as in the creation of wax or paraffin products. The gel must not be allowed to overheat - it may become cloudy.
Stir the mass carefully to prevent the formation of bubbles. After that, the gel is poured into glass or plastic molds. Candles in glasses look very nice. The main difference of this material is that it is completely transparent. Inside the candle, you can put pebbles, sparkles, beads, glass balls, dried flowers, pieces of fruit or candied fruit.
If you fill the container with decor before pouring the gel, the elements will be distributed along the bottom of the candle. Another way is to add decorations to an already completed form so that they hang or stay on the surface. So you can distribute the decor throughout the area according to your idea. In order for the composition created inside the candlestick to be clearly visible, transparent forms should be chosen. The gel can be made colored and fragrant.
Before pouring gel into molds, heat transparent containers a little. This will prevent the formation of bubbles.
How to make a paraffin candle
You can buy paraffin wax or just buy the cheapest candles in the store. Lubricate the casting mold with Vaseline or oil to make it easier to remove the hardened candle. Or put the filled vessel in the freezer so that the contents simply slip out when thawing.
Manufacturing steps:
Turn paraffin into shavings.
We melt the material in a water bath.
We fix the wick in the form - the thread should be tightly stretched with a stick and located in the center.
Pour the mixture into the mold in one go, so that the surface of the future candle is flat. If dye is added to the composition, stir the liquid while pouring it into the mold.
We leave candles in the same room for solidification.
If an empty space has formed around the wick after solidification, heat a small amount of the mixture in a water bath and fill the hole.
How to color a candle and decorate
To paint a candle mass is very easy. It is necessary to add pieces of special dyes for candles to the molten material. On sale, they are represented by a huge variety of shades.
The color saturation of a hot candle mass is always greater than that of a cooled wax. Therefore, even if the composition seems bright enough to you, it is better to add a little more dye.
Sometimes it is not possible to quickly find the required shade. Use improvised materials! Wax crayons are the best alternative to real paint.
Do not stain candles with gouache and other colors - they dissolve poorly and settle to the bottom of the form. Cosmetics - shadows, blush, lipsticks, as well as dyes for soaps, food colors and instant coffee will not work.
A variety of materials are used to decorate candles - fabric, lace, burlap, satin ribbons, flower petals. Carved candles look great. You can use the decoupage technique - there are suitable napkins for any occasion. An interesting idea is to wrap the candle with a family photo or your image with a chosen one.
Ready-made sets for creating candles
Self-made candle making kits are most often intended for children's creativity. They use granular white or already colored wax, gel, sterol or paraffin, which are proposed to melt in a water bath. Dyes and flavors are included.Each set contains a certain amount of materials that will be needed for making crafts - figures of animals, plants, fruits, fairy-tale characters. In addition to wax, molds, stacks, wicks and wicks, decor and instructions are put in the kit.
The company KidsArt offers a set of "Puffed Candles Stars". In the box you will find a granular candle mass, a capacity for melting, shape, dyes, wicks and all the necessary tools.
The CENTRUM Fixies kit contains only material, wicks, dyes and shapes - no tools and capacity.
BRADEX produces DIY Candle Sets with granular paraffin already painted in two bright colors and 6 packs of granules of multi-colored stearin. In addition to the standard filling, the kit includes glass and silicone molds for candles, a metal filter fixer.
In the Science with Buki Experiment Kit - Candle Factory by BONDIBON, wax is selected as the main material. The kit includes one dye of white and pink color, three molds - a heart, a rose and a circle, soft pink tweezers, measuring cups and even a mirror plate.
Josephin offers the Gel Candle Set. The material used is a gel that needs to be melted. For decoration, colored sand, shells, sparkles are provided.
LORI “Wax for candles - in sets there is a wax - a thin layer of beeswax covered with miniature hexagonal cells. The sheet with the inserted wick is simply curled into a tube and an unusual candle is obtained.
Self-made candle making is interesting and affordable at any age.
The need for a candle solely as a source of light is a thing of the past. Today, no one will read or sew in a semi-lit room, and they no longer practice blackouts for the sake of economy. The product is useful only in a force majeure situation. In the modern world, candles have again become relevant, but now as a decor. The stores present a striking variety of products and they are not so cheap. But it is not necessary to buy finished products. It is much more interesting to create unique candles with your own hands.
Content
Advantages and disadvantages of self-made candles
It is quite possible to make a candle on your own. Consumables are freely available, and the recipes and technology are simple and straightforward. The imagination of the masters reveals ever new facets of this art. A variety of home-made interior candles rolls over - curly, scented, gel. Candles are a popular element of serving on the wedding and New Year's table. To create your own high-end works, study the technology of their manufacture. Making candles with your own hands, you realize your own ideas, choose the desired shape, color, decor, saturate with your favorite aroma. The acquired skills will help to become a demanded master in the production of unique candles. This business can eventually develop into a profitable business. The advantages of creating products at home abound.
Cons of this lesson - if you are going to do this professionally:
Candle base - which material to choose
For the manufacture of candles using a variety of materials - wax, paraffin, stearin and even gel. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Wax
Fans of all natural can indulge in the opportunity to create their own beeswax candles. Its pleasant aroma overshadows the smells of any artificial flavors. Wax is a product secreted by bees through special glands. Hive dwellers build their honeycombs from it. The substance has a known hardness, excellent bactericidal properties.
It is represented by a wide palette of colors - from white with a slight yellowish tint to dark yellow and even brown.
Heating to 35 ° C is enough to make the material ductile, and for melting it is necessary to raise the temperature to 62–68 ° C. Wax candles are light, attractive and fragrant. Products harden much faster than paraffin analogues. This is a natural and therefore expensive product. Its cost is 4 times higher than that of paraffin.
Gel
The gel is a transparent material. This environmentally friendly substance does not emit toxic substances. It contains natural components - glycerin, gelatin, tannin.
Candles made of transparent gel look more spectacular than their paraffin and wax "brothers." They do not have streaks, since the substance evaporates from the candlestick. The vacated container can be re-filled with gel or used for other purposes. The service life of such products is several times higher than the performance of traditional options.
If your imagination has no limits, making gel candles will help unlock your potential. Such products look simply magical thanks to a transparent material, which shows an exquisite decor. Gel candles will be a wonderful gift for friends, relatives and colleagues.
Wax
Wax Benefits:
Candles from wax are produced by repeatedly lowering the wick into the melted material. If you add it to the "company" of paraffin and stearin, you can get very beautiful long-burning products.
Paraffin
The most commonly used material. It is one of the most inexpensive options. Paraffin is sold by weight or in the form of finished products. For home production, both options are suitable.Candles or briquettes of paraffin need to be cut into small pieces. You can simplify your task and get ready-made mass for the manufacture of candles with various fillers, flavors and dyes. They are slightly more expensive than plain paraffin, but can save on the purchase of special additives.
When burning, paraffin releases a certain amount of harmful substances into the air, so do not leave the candle burning for a long time.
Necessary tools
To make candles at home you will need:
Wick
The wick may be:
The main condition for choosing is to take into account the material of the future candle. For a wax product, a loose braid cord made of cotton thread is suitable, which will not smoke. For other options you need a tight wick. Ideally, you need to purchase twine in a specialized store. You can immediately buy several products of different thicknesses.
Manufacturers offer many varieties and sizes of cords.Keep in mind that if the wick is too thick, the flame will burn too much and the candle will burn faster than expected. Excessively thin laces will burn before the candle and the fire will go out. The wider the lower part of the candle, the thicker the wick should be.
To choose the correct thickness of the cord, pay attention to the marking:
Before pouring the molten candle mass into the mold, you need to immerse the tip of the wick in the mixture. So it will burn better. In order to strengthen it in the form, pass it through the hole in the bottom and fix it with tape. If there is no such hole, use a round metal holder or stick to the bottom on a drop of wax. The free end of the cord is wound on a pencil and pulled so that the wick is located in the center of the candle. After solidification, it is necessary to cut off the excess part of the cord - when burning, a too long sample will be smoked.
The form
To make candles, special shapes are needed. At the initial stage, you can use any empty containers. A cotton swab container, a tin can or a glass of yogurt can be your first molds.
Types of molds for making candles:
Original silicone molds can be made by yourself.
Additional tools and accessories
In the manufacture of candles an important place is occupied by additional materials and tools - stacks, vanes, measuring cups, dyes, fragrances, wicks, thermometers that simplify the process.
Fragrances - give a pleasant smell to candles, improve the atmosphere in the room. The air is cleared, it becomes easier to breathe. But the sources of aromas are different and not everyone will suit you.
There are several types of flavorings:
Thermometer - necessary for measuring the temperature of the candle mass. At the time of pouring on the molds, it should be between 68-72ºС.Otherwise, the candle may turn out to have a hoarfrost effect, with a rough surface. Sometimes they intentionally achieve the effect of "aging", using cooled paraffin. An overly hot composition can soak the wick and leak out of the mold through a hole in the bottom. Thermometers are conventional and electronic.
Preparation of the workplace and tools
Not everyone has the opportunity to set aside a separate room for the workshop. It is desirable that the workplace is located in a room with water supply and ventilation. It should be maintained at a constant temperature, excluding access to drafts. In a city apartment, a kitchen is suitable. It is necessary to think over each stage of work, correctly place materials and tools - utensils, forms, wicks, accessories, paper napkins. It will take space to grind, filter and pour wax into containers.
A spacious and stable table with a horizontal worktop is required. The surface will have to be covered with something. Packing paper, an old waterproof tablecloth, towels, newspapers are suitable. The floor should also be covered with an old rug or linoleum sheet. Corrugated board sheets can be used. Provide storage space for molds, dishes, tools, essential oils, dyes, and other necessary components. You will need plywood for grinding wax, a stand for a hot container. You need a device on which you will melt the wax. You can use a conventional stove and equip a water bath, slow cooker or rice cooker with the ability to control temperature.
How to melt wax
Grind the material with a knife or grater to speed up the process. Fill a smaller pan with wax and place in a large container with water. As a small dish, you can use containers made of heat-resistant glass, stainless steel pans, enameled or aluminum. Do not use cast iron or copper products, as they spoil the color of the wax.Cleaning dishes from wax is incredibly difficult, so forget about using it for cooking.
Put a few stones or a special silicone gasket at the bottom of a large pan. This will prevent the dishes from contacting each other and the wax will not overheat. We put the water bath on a slow fire and constantly stir the contents. Melted wax should have a uniform structure - without lumps. Check the temperature - it should not be higher than 68-72ºС.
Filter installation and fastening
It is best to use wax that has undergone initial purification from propolis particles and debris. If you have raw material, you need to melt it and strain it through a metal sieve. But this procedure is often not enough, so you need to filter the wax again. So you get rid of unwanted particles that may be in the molten material. Pass the substance through a nylon cloth fixed to the container with an elastic band or a special paint filter.
Adding Aromatic Oils and Paint
In order to stain paraffin, put pieces of wax crayons or a special dye in the container for melt. You can fill in paraffin of different colors in layers or combine different pencils and get bright rainbow stains.
If you want to enjoy a fragrant candle, drip your favorite essential oil into the melted wax. These substances have various characteristics. The smell of lavender oil soothes and relaxes. Lemon and rosemary allow you to escape from bad thoughts. The combination of orange and cloves improves mood, and cedar aroma in conjunction with lemon relieves stress.
Pouring wax and decorating the finished candle
After installing the wick, it is necessary to fix the lower edge of the cord. To do this, pour a little molten wax onto the bottom of the pan. If necessary, adjust the position of the wick and wait a minute for the material to set.Pour the remaining wax into the mold. Be careful - the molten mixture can be very burned. After a day, the hardened candle can be removed from the form and proceed to its further design.
Trim the wick, leaving a tip of sufficient length to make it easy to light. Use a new candle no earlier than 24 hours after it has completely hardened.
Dressing is a fascinating process. As ornaments, lace, jute twine, gift paper, bead threads, ribbons, artificial flowers, dry branches of herbs and wildflowers, citrus slices are suitable. If you like spicy aromas, use coffee or cinnamon in the design of the candle.
Decorate kitchen items with cereals or seeds. The simplest option is to place the candle in a transparent candlestick or a jar of a larger diameter and fill the space between it and the walls with peas, millet, and colored rice. Another way is to glue the product walls with grains, which is very simple to do with a hand dryer. Heat the surface and squeeze the grains into a softened wax.
Stylish and sophisticated products, decorated with natural materials, are ideal for a bathroom or living room. Surrounded by pebbles, shells, cones and dried branches, candles will look very impressive.
Making a new candle from old
If you want to make the first candle in your life, do not rush to go to the store for the necessary components. First check the contents of your boxes - perhaps in the far corner a few old cinders were littered. They deserve you to give them a second life. The remains of candles can be melted down and a new one created - an aesthetic and functional product.
Step-by-step instruction:
Making gel candles at home
Gel candles have gained popularity due to their attractive appearance and ability to long burning. In the manufacture, the same melting technology is used as in the creation of wax or paraffin products. The gel must not be allowed to overheat - it may become cloudy.
Stir the mass carefully to prevent the formation of bubbles. After that, the gel is poured into glass or plastic molds. Candles in glasses look very nice. The main difference of this material is that it is completely transparent. Inside the candle, you can put pebbles, sparkles, beads, glass balls, dried flowers, pieces of fruit or candied fruit.
If you fill the container with decor before pouring the gel, the elements will be distributed along the bottom of the candle. Another way is to add decorations to an already completed form so that they hang or stay on the surface. So you can distribute the decor throughout the area according to your idea. In order for the composition created inside the candlestick to be clearly visible, transparent forms should be chosen. The gel can be made colored and fragrant.
How to make a paraffin candle
You can buy paraffin wax or just buy the cheapest candles in the store. Lubricate the casting mold with Vaseline or oil to make it easier to remove the hardened candle. Or put the filled vessel in the freezer so that the contents simply slip out when thawing.
Manufacturing steps:
How to color a candle and decorate
To paint a candle mass is very easy. It is necessary to add pieces of special dyes for candles to the molten material. On sale, they are represented by a huge variety of shades.
The color saturation of a hot candle mass is always greater than that of a cooled wax. Therefore, even if the composition seems bright enough to you, it is better to add a little more dye.
Sometimes it is not possible to quickly find the required shade. Use improvised materials! Wax crayons are the best alternative to real paint.
A variety of materials are used to decorate candles - fabric, lace, burlap, satin ribbons, flower petals. Carved candles look great. You can use the decoupage technique - there are suitable napkins for any occasion. An interesting idea is to wrap the candle with a family photo or your image with a chosen one.
Ready-made sets for creating candles
Self-made candle making kits are most often intended for children's creativity. They use granular white or already colored wax, gel, sterol or paraffin, which are proposed to melt in a water bath. Dyes and flavors are included.Each set contains a certain amount of materials that will be needed for making crafts - figures of animals, plants, fruits, fairy-tale characters. In addition to wax, molds, stacks, wicks and wicks, decor and instructions are put in the kit.
The company KidsArt offers a set of "Puffed Candles Stars". In the box you will find a granular candle mass, a capacity for melting, shape, dyes, wicks and all the necessary tools.
The CENTRUM Fixies kit contains only material, wicks, dyes and shapes - no tools and capacity.
BRADEX produces DIY Candle Sets with granular paraffin already painted in two bright colors and 6 packs of granules of multi-colored stearin. In addition to the standard filling, the kit includes glass and silicone molds for candles, a metal filter fixer.
In the Science with Buki Experiment Kit - Candle Factory by BONDIBON, wax is selected as the main material. The kit includes one dye of white and pink color, three molds - a heart, a rose and a circle, soft pink tweezers, measuring cups and even a mirror plate.
Josephin offers the Gel Candle Set. The material used is a gel that needs to be melted. For decoration, colored sand, shells, sparkles are provided.
LORI “Wax for candles - in sets there is a wax - a thin layer of beeswax covered with miniature hexagonal cells. The sheet with the inserted wick is simply curled into a tube and an unusual candle is obtained.
Self-made candle making is interesting and affordable at any age.