Make your own candles
We at Dalaljus have put together a simple guide for how to make your own candles. Making your own candles requires experience and it is important to try out for yourself which waxes, wicks and scents you want to use. All scents, wicks and waxes behave differently together, so there is no concrete template.
If you want a safe guide, you can always try our ready-made light kits!
Read the instructions carefully before you start and protect yourself, the benches and objects around you. Do not leave the stove unattended! Hot wax is not to be played with!
You need:
- Optional wax or old candle stubs.
- Wicks (there are many different types, choose a waxed one on a foot for jars/glasses)
- Pots and pans
- Something to stir with, like a wooden spoon or spatula (use one you don't need for the food afterwards)
- Thermometer
- Fragrance oil suitable for candle making (optional)
- Shape to cast the candle, we recommend a glass jar or cup that can withstand heat
- Stick to hold the wick in place, works well with barbecue sticks or ice cream sticks.
1. Melt the wax you have chosen to use in a double boiler over medium heat on the stove. We recommend using a pot and utensils that you are comfortable with. If using old candle stubs, remove the wicks and be sure to trim off any black on the wick before melting.
2. Stir with a wooden spoon or stick. Do not leave the stove unattended. Use the thermometer and let the temperature rise to about 70-90 degrees. Vegetable waxes are best at about 70-80 degrees and candle wax at 80-90 degrees.
3. Pour in your fragrance oil (if you have chosen this). 6%-10% is a good start, test your way up depending on the scent. Stir at a slow pace for at least two minutes, without stirring up air bubbles.
4. Let the wax cool to about 50-60 degrees, the new type of EcoSoya wax can be poured directly. While the wax cools down a bit, prepare your molds or jars.
5. Attach the wick to the bottom of your jar/cup using wax stickers or a glue gun. It is important that the wick cannot move when the candle is lit, so don't skimp on this step.
It is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions regarding the size of the wick for your candle and experiment. We have sample kits where you can test which wick is best suited for your chosen wax. Be sure to center the wick both when placing the glued wick and after you have poured your wax.
6. Pour the wax into your container slowly and carefully. Secure the wick between two sticks or make a hole in a popsicle stick to center the wick and keep it straight while the candle sets. Wait at least 24 hours before lighting the candle as the candles need time to mature for the scent to fully develop.
TROUBLESHOOTING
Sometimes a pit may have formed in the candle when it has cooled; then you can simply melt a little more wax and fill it in - or use a heat gun and heat the surface to make it smooth.
Were you unhappy with your candles? Just try again and try a new combination or use more of an ingredient. Be prepared to test again and again.
If you manufacture your own lighting products, you are responsible for checking and testing that the combination you use burns safely!
Test in a safe environment and do not leave unattended.