Just like any other hobby, candle making is a great way to use your skill and imagination, and more you learn, better you get at it. The type of wax you use to make the candles is the most important part of the process, and many people feel that Soy wax is much easier and more forgiving to use. Double boiler is good for melting candle wax, however this method is quite slow. Soy wax is made from soybeans, is all natural and cleans easily with water and soap.
It is best to work with soy blends, but some companies also mix soy wax and paraffin. Depending on the wax type, the flash point can range between 290-380 degrees Fahrenheit. When the candle wax reaches the flash point temperature, it catches fire. Place a large pot, half-filled with water on the burner, place the melter in the water, and then slowly, put the wax pieces in the melter.
Carrier helps the oil to blend into wax more efficiently, and if the carrier is not of good quality, the burn and blending performance of the wick and wax get negatively affected. To make the molded candles, you need to cut the wick approximately two inches taller than the candle height, thread it through the hole at the bottom of the mold and then use the putty to plug the outside of the hole. The size of the wick is determined by the width of the container and not the height, and rule of thumb is wider the container, thicker the wick needs to be. If the mold is plastic, cardboard, or glass, heat the wax up to 130 degrees Fahrenheit, and if the mold is metallic, heat the wax to 190 degrees Fahrenheit.
You can use the candle thermometer to measure the temperature, and when the temperature is right, lift the melter using handle, and gradually put the wax into the mold. The candle wax is sold in blocks and bricks, and you need to break it down in smaller chunks that can melt quickly. To help candle burn evenly, keep it away from the drafts. You can melt the wax using a wooden spoon.
Flexible and rigid candle molds are available in the craft stores, or you can also use the heat resistant materials such as tin, steel or aluminum. However, 100% soy wax cracks when it cools and is also prone to syneresis, hence you can blend soy with paraffin. Wax soluble dyes can be used to give the color to the candles, or you can also use wax crayons or poster paints instead of readymade wax dyes. While making the candle, choose the shape and size of the container that provides optimal burn, and ceramic and glass containers are best to use.