Container Candle Instructions

 

Materials

Wax

Container

Must be heat safe! Mason jars, vases, pottery – the sky’s the limit!

Just make sure that the mouth of the container doesn’t narrow too much as this could cause soot build up and even cracking. It should also be wide enough to provide enough oxygen to the flame, and have a stable base.

Wick

Dependent on type of wax used and candle diameter – please ask us for advice or see Wick Sizing Chart.

Fragrance

Candle fragrance – specially formulated to release scent when heated (Paraffin 2 – 5%, Soy 5-10%).

Essential oils – can be used to scent candles, but may not burn ideally due to different extraction methods.

Dye

Specially formulated candle dye. Liquid and solid options. Add slowly as they are concentrated.

Glue Dots/Tacky Wax

An adhesive for the bottom of the wick to keep it centered and to prevent it from floating when wax is poured.

Equipment

Double boiling system

Place metal or heat-safe glass container in water bath. Raise on chopsticks, trivet or piece of wire coat hanger to ensure water flow.

Thermometer

Candy, meat or infrared. Used to avoid reaching wax flash point, and to ensure correct pouring temperature.

Wick Holder/Chopsticks

Use to centre wick. Secure together with elastic bands.

Cookie tray

Use to catch drips and spills.

Method

  1. Melt wax using a Double Boiler method. Never melt wax on direct heat as it heats too quickly and can reach its flash point quickly (catches fire). Always use a thermometer to regulate the temperature of your wax. Only melt as much wax as is needed as it can deteriorate from being repeatedly re-melted.
  2. When the wax has reached the proper pouring temperature (see recommended pouring temperatures below), add any necessary additives (dye and scent) and mix thoroughly.
  3. To centre the wick: Make sure that the wick is centered on the base with glue dot or tacky wax and the top of the candle with candle holder or use chopsticks secured together with elastic to centre the wick.
  4. Your containers should be placed on an even, heat safe surface. Use a pouring pot to scoop the wax from your double boiler and gently pour it into your containers, filling them to the desired level. Use cookie trays or wax paper to catch drips and spills.
  5. Allow the candle to cool completely. Wax expands when heated and contracts when cooling, so your candle may have a slight dip on top. Larger candles may even have a hidden cavity beneath the dip – use a knitting needle to poke through to this second layer, then top up your candle with the remaining wax to make a flat top layer. We recommend pouring the final layers about 5°F hotter so that they bond with the previous layer.
  6. Allow wax to cool and set. Trim wick to 1/4” to ensure optimal burn.

Wax Temperature Recommendations

Paraffin wax pour at 180°F

Beeswax pour at 170°F

Soy wax pour at 135°F

Soy/Coconut wax pour at 160°F

Soy/Coconut/Beeswax wax pour at 150°F

Soy/Paraffin wax pour at 170°F

Pouring temperature will affect the finish to your candle and can be adjusted to provide different results. Warming the containers prior to pouring is usually recommended in order to improve adhesion between the wax and container
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