Candle Making Guide: What It Takes to Make Perfect Scented Candles

Candle making is not as easy as you think. Find out all the ingredients, equipment, and steps it takes to make perfect scented candles

Did you know that certain scents improve your mental health? No wonder you feel better when you light a scented candle! Lighting scented candles can brighten your mood and make your home cozier and calmer.

But do you know how your scented candles are made?

You may think making candles is easy. But it isn't as simple as pouring wax into a jar.

Making scented candles requires specialized tools. Candle makers have to test out wicks and waxes and follow a meticulous process from start to finish. Not only that, they test and refine the scent so that it smells amazing the whole time it burns.

Candles and scented wax melts take time, research, and expertise to create. Read on to learn everything about the process. 

How To Make Scented Candles

Candle makers work hard to test each element of the process. That way, they ensure the best scented candles for their customers. The first step in candle making that requires testing is picking the best wax.

There are organic and inorganic wax types. Paraffin is an odorless inorganic wax option. Soy, palm, and coconut wax are organic choices.

Waxes change over time. Paraffin tends to harden and stay that consistency. Soy, palm, and coconut wax may take longer to harden after production.

Your candle maker will inspect the candles after production. They'll make sure the candles have a great consistency for burning.

The next decision is which wick to use. Wick quality determines how consistently your candle will burn. Wick materials range from wood to organic fibers such as hemp and cotton.

There are also cotton and paper blends on the market. When refining candle making recipes, a candle maker will test different wicks. Wick size adjusts depending on the size of the candle.

Once the candle maker has perfected the right wax and wick choice, they choose the scent.  

Choosing Scents

Scientific research now backs up years of Eastern medicine. Scents can make you happier and can make you feel more energized and refreshed. That's why candle makers put so much effort into perfecting their candle recipes! 

Scented candles and wax melts work by binding fragrance oils to the wax. As the wax softens with heat, the liquid fragrance bound to the wax heats up. It releases a scent as the wax melts.

Scented candles need recipe development. That's because wax has a threshold for how much fragrance it can hold. If you put too much candle scent oil in the wax, the wax may not burn properly.

Scented candles and wax melts need careful attention when adding in the fragrance. If the wax is too hot, then the oil will begin to evaporate as it's added to the wax.  

Scented wax melts and candles are also tested for how well they release the fragrance. Candle makers call this a "cold throw" and "hot throw" test.

To test a candle's "cold throw", you see how much scent the wax gives off when unlit. Then you do a "hot throw" test to see how much scent the wax gives off when it's warmed. 

An experienced candle maker will also pay attention to how the scent changes as the candle burns. There are top notes, which hit your nose first. As the candle burns, middle notes will begin to appear.

Lastly, bottom or base notes become more prominent. Candle makers put countless hours into perfecting this. This is so scented candles, and waxes will have a harmonizing and balancing effect in your home.

About Scented Wax Melts

You may be wondering how the process differs when it comes to wax melts. With scented wax melts, there is no wick. However, the candle maker will still test and research materials.

Scented wax melts also contain wax and fragrance oils. The biggest difference is that you can use a scented wax melter. Instead of a wick, the wax heats in the burner, releasing scent.

Wax melters range from simple tealight burners to electric burners with timers. Scented wax melts are a great choice if you don't want to keep an eye on a candle.

If your apartment lease doesn't allow open flames, you can still have a soothing scent in your home. It's also a great option if you have small children or pets. 

The Step-By-Step Process

So what happens now that the perfect scent, wax, and wick have passed the test? Your scented candle is the result of a lot of time spent after the testing is complete. 

First, the candle maker will gather wax and other supplies. Using a scale, they'll measure out enough wax to fill the container. They will then heat the wax in a double boiler.

Once the wax heats, they'll add in the fragrance. They'll first ensure the temperature is correct so as not to evaporate the fragrance. Next, they'll add in dyes or pigments should they use them. 

As the wax heats, a candle maker will have cleaned and prepared their pouring container. They'll also thread the wick inside the container using their wick needle. Using a wick holding device, they'll center the wick.

Slowly, they'll pour the wax into the container. Often, they'll poke a few tiny holes into the wax to allow it to cool and contract better around the wick. At the end of the process, they'll cover up the tiny holes with one last wax layer.

Then comes the curing process. After the wax has hardened, the candle maker will use a wick trimmer to trim the wick to the right height. Lastly, many candle makers will use a heat gun to remove excess wax from the container and workspace.  

Scented Candles Made With Love 

Scented candles and scented wax melts result from hours of trials and investigation. When you buy a handmade candle, you benefit from this time spent. You purchase a product made for you with care.

Now you know just how much goes into making scented candles and melts. If you're looking to improve your mood and beautify your space, candles and wax melts are a perfect choice.

You can choose a handmade candle scented for each season. Then you can rest and relax as an amazing fragrance drifts through your home. 

Looking for the perfect scent for your home? Browse our selection of candles, wax melts, and incenses.