The Art of Candle Making - Behind the Scenes

The Beginning: Gathering Materials and Understanding the Basics

At first glance, making a candle might seem like a straightforward task. You could easily assume that all you need is some wax, a wick, and a jar, and then you're good to go. However, the art of candle making is far more intricate than it appears. The journey to creating a perfect candle begins with gathering the right materials, each playing a crucial role in the final product's quality and performance.

Quality wax is the foundation of any great candle, and your choice here will significantly impact how the candle burns, holds and releases scent. Soy wax is our chosen option as we want to achieve natural and eco-friendly products, but it requires careful handling and a longer curing time to ensure the best results. Paraffin wax often offers a strong scent throw except that it is not environmentally friendly and potentially hazardous to your health. Beeswax has a natural honey aroma on its own, but does not handle other scents that well.

Wicks are another essential component, and choosing the right one is not as simple as it may seem. The wick needs to be suited to the type of wax, the diameter of the candle, and the intended burn time. Too thick and the candle could burn too quickly, too thin and it might not burn evenly or even extinguish itself. The use of cotton wicks provide a clean, consistent burn and eliminate the usage of harmful materials, such as lead-core wicks, which are found in mass production candles. This ensures a safer, toxin-free burn, while eliminating the health risks associated with lead-core alternatives.

Finally, the fragrance selected will define the candle's aroma. It is essential to us to use oils and blends that are high quality, safe, smell great and also blend well with the chosen wax.

Curing Requires Patience

One of the most essential yet often overlooked steps in candle making, is the curing process, especially for soy wax candles. After pouring, the candle needs time to set and cure properly. This process allows the wax and fragrance to fully bind and mature, ensuring a strong scent throw and an even burn. Proper crystallization is key during this stage. Ideally, the wax should form uniform crystals, giving the candle that smooth and creamy texture. For soy wax, curing typically lasts at least two weeks. The longer the candle cures, the more balanced and refined the fragrance becomes, enhancing the overall quality of the finished product.

During curing, the candle is stored in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.

Test and Test

After the curing period, the candle is almost ready to be send to a loving home. However, a few final touches and tests are necessary to ensure it meets the highest standards.

We examine for the wick to be trimmed to the correct length, typically around 6mm, to prevent excessive smoke and ensure a steady, controlled burn.

We always perform quality control checks at this stage. These tests include lighting a candle from the batch to observe how it burns, whether the wick is centered and stable, how the wax melts, and how the fragrance is released. It is these tests and adjustments, that distinguish a mediocre mass production candle, from a truly exceptional one.

Conclusion

The next time you light a candle, take a moment to appreciate the craftsmanship involved in it. What might seem like just a candle, is the result of a complex, multi-step process that requires skill, precision, and a great deal of patience. From selecting the right materials to mastering the technique, candle making is truly a perfect blend of science and art.

- by The Mouskos Candle Team

The Melting

Once all of the materials are collected, it is time to start melting the wax. While it might sound simple, it demands precision and attention to detail. Achieving the right temperature is critical. If the wax is heated too much, it can burn off the fragrance oils and affect the final scent throw. If it is too cool, the wax might not blend properly with the fragrance, leading to an uneven scent distribution and therefore poor candle performance.

When the wax reaches the perfect temperature, it is time to add the fragrance oils. Stir slowly and long enough, to allow the fragrance to fully blend with the wax.

Setting The Wick and Pouring

The placement of the wick during this step is crucial. The wick needs to be perfectly centered and straight, to ensure an even burn throughout the life of the candle. A wick stabilizer is used to keep the wick in place.

Once the wax has perfectly melted and infused with the fragrance, it’s time to pour it into the container. There is a delicate balance that needs to be maintained during this step. Pouring too quickly can create air bubbles that get trapped within the wax, leading to an uneven surface or burning. Pouring slow and steady is the key to achieve the best looking candles.