Mercifully, choosing the right wax is not nearly as difficult or tedious as choosing the right wick can be. Whew!
I have two favorite waxes...the first is a straight paraffin. Great for molds, votives and pillars. The other is all-natural soy wax. Perfect for containers, which is mostly what I make. I love the versatility of these waxes, as either can be used for every type of candle.
I prefer paraffin for free-standing candles because it is harder and usually has a higher melt point than soy. However, the soy holds and throws scent better and is easier to work with, especially with containers. Considering my knowledge level (still learning!) I need all the "easy" I can get!
I'm still gleaning information from my two favorite sites, Candlewic.com and LoneStar Candle Supply. These sites are amazing for advice and information.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Friday, July 24, 2009
Pick the Wick Part 2
So, to continue yesterday's blog regarding wick type, I've learned that there are other factors involved with wicking. The size of the wick is also important as well as the wick assembly. I learned quite a bit more about the types of wicks used and what works with each wax. I think I'll try to cover wax tomorrow.
According to several sites where instructions for making candles are given, the zinc core wick is the way to go for paraffin candles. These are available in the CD series at LoneStar Candle Supply. For veggies waxes, i.e., palm and soy, the recommendation is generally in the RRD or ECO series of wicks.
When I talk about wick size, it's not about the length. Most of us could figure how long the wick needs to be just based on experience with using store-bought candles. I'm talking about wick thickness or gauge. The size of the candle determines the gauge of the wick. Say you have a medium container candle, the wick gauge should be around 14, whereas a large container candle would use a 16 gauge wick. A small candle, such as a votive would use a 24 gauge wick. It's all about the thickness.
You can generally determine the gauge by the numbers on the wick, such as: CD14 or CD 16. Sometimes, with different manufacturers you get different numbers and formats. For example, you may see 60-44-18. This is a cotton wick used in very large container candles with three or more wicks.
I'm still learning about the wick picking process, but I think I have enough to get started. For a look at the wick pick table, go to yesterday's (7-23) blog for the link.
According to several sites where instructions for making candles are given, the zinc core wick is the way to go for paraffin candles. These are available in the CD series at LoneStar Candle Supply. For veggies waxes, i.e., palm and soy, the recommendation is generally in the RRD or ECO series of wicks.
When I talk about wick size, it's not about the length. Most of us could figure how long the wick needs to be just based on experience with using store-bought candles. I'm talking about wick thickness or gauge. The size of the candle determines the gauge of the wick. Say you have a medium container candle, the wick gauge should be around 14, whereas a large container candle would use a 16 gauge wick. A small candle, such as a votive would use a 24 gauge wick. It's all about the thickness.
You can generally determine the gauge by the numbers on the wick, such as: CD14 or CD 16. Sometimes, with different manufacturers you get different numbers and formats. For example, you may see 60-44-18. This is a cotton wick used in very large container candles with three or more wicks.
I'm still learning about the wick picking process, but I think I have enough to get started. For a look at the wick pick table, go to yesterday's (7-23) blog for the link.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Pick the Wick
"Wick selection is probably the most important decision of the candle maker. It is imperative to select the correct wick so the candle will burn slowly with an even flame and minimal smoke and soot." This information is vital and I found it at Candlewic.com
This site, as well as others have a wealth of information on candle-making. This is the information I should have paid really close attention to in my first attempts...as I said, I'm an impatient person.
Wick type is probably the most difficult decision to make as there are many types to choose from. Here's a link to Candlewic's recommended wick types based on type of candle. At first glance the Wick Table looks a little daunting...at least it did to me. I hope you will understand it better than I did! I'm going to start out with a wick sample pack and do some experimenting. Results will be posted at a later date.
This site, as well as others have a wealth of information on candle-making. This is the information I should have paid really close attention to in my first attempts...as I said, I'm an impatient person.
Wick type is probably the most difficult decision to make as there are many types to choose from. Here's a link to Candlewic's recommended wick types based on type of candle. At first glance the Wick Table looks a little daunting...at least it did to me. I hope you will understand it better than I did! I'm going to start out with a wick sample pack and do some experimenting. Results will be posted at a later date.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Where to Buy Supplies
The road to finding the right supplies at decent prices has been quite rocky for me. I started out with a basic starter kit from Hobby Lobby which included a wax melter/dispenser, a couple of molds, and some colored wax crystals. Not anything complicated, and really not much of a challenge. I soon found that I wanted more than just a basic setup, so I started looking at candle supply stores, such as Candlewic, Lone Star Candle Supply, and Makes Scents. These stores are all available online, so ordering is a snap. I absolutely love online shopping! What are some of your favorite stores for ordering candle supplies?
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Candlemaking 101--Adventures in Wax
I'm here to tell you about my adventures in making candles and other scented products. I would appreciate any advice, insights, or hearing of your own adventures!
I started making candles mainly because I got really tired of buying them. Plus, variations of the craft have been in my family for several generations. So, I decided it was time for me to wade in. I didn't exactly "wade" so much as dive! I'm an impatient person, so I skimmed over the basic instructions. DO NOT do this! My first batches of candles involved mishaps such as burning straight down the wick and very smoky rooms. Who knew wax temperature and wick type were so important?
I have decided to go back to the basics and really pay attention this time. I'd like this blog to reflect my learning processes as well as invite you to share your own.
I started making candles mainly because I got really tired of buying them. Plus, variations of the craft have been in my family for several generations. So, I decided it was time for me to wade in. I didn't exactly "wade" so much as dive! I'm an impatient person, so I skimmed over the basic instructions. DO NOT do this! My first batches of candles involved mishaps such as burning straight down the wick and very smoky rooms. Who knew wax temperature and wick type were so important?
I have decided to go back to the basics and really pay attention this time. I'd like this blog to reflect my learning processes as well as invite you to share your own.
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