Making My Own Coconut Wax Candles: Testing, Timing, and Why It's Worth It

Creating your own handmade candles is...well, it's awesome. When it comes together just like you want, it is so rewarding. From choosing the wax to testing the scents, every step is a labor of love. One of the most common questions I get asked is, "How long does it take to make one candle?" The short answer? A long time....it takes a long time to make one candle. Today, I'm going to share a little about the process of candle testing, and why it is a crucial step in creating the perfect candle.

When I decided to start my small candle business, I knew I wanted to offer something unique and luxurious. The very first step was researching wax and it's properties. Did I want to use soy wax, paraffin, coco apricot, a mix or blend? After research and then experimenting with several different types of wax I discovered the beauty of coconut wax candles. Not only do they burn cleaner and longer than traditional paraffin candles, but they also have a delightful scent throw that fills any room effortlessly. I currently use an 80% pure coconut wax blend in my candles. I love that the wax does not hang up on the edges of the vessel and the tops pour smoothly EVERY. SINGLE. TIME. I have never had a sink hole and rarely have to use a heat gun on the tops to smooth the wax. It's beautiful from the start. Coconut wax holds and releases fragrance wonderfully and I love the product that I am able to produce.

After deciding which wax I was going to use for my candles I had to decide what size vessels I was going to use. The size, width and depth of the vessel, as well as the type of wax determines what wick you start with testing. Any time a vessel, a wick, or the fragrance changes, a candle must be burn tested for safety. This means every new version of a candle must be tested extensively for flame size, flame flickering, soot production (coconut wax shouldn't soot at all), melt pool/tunneling, and heating of the vessel throughout the duration of the candle using 4-hour increment burns. If the wick used is found not to be efficient or safe the wick has to be changed and the process started over again. Testing continues using different wick sizes until you find the one that provides the best burn for your specific vessel size and wax type. After a wick is found to be sufficient you do it all again to make sure the first time wasn't a fluke.

The Process: Crafting Each Candle with Care

Step 1: Preparation

The first step in making my coconut wax candles is gathering all the necessary supplies. From the high-quality coconut wax to the luxury Libbey candle vessels I use, each element plays a crucial role in the final product. Once everything is set up and ready to go, it's time to start the creative process. By set up I mean the vessels have to be cleaned, inside and out with isopropyl alcohol and a paper towel to remove any dust and debris from shipping. Wick tabs and wicks must be centered in the candle for it to burn properly and then the wick needs to have a holder so that it sits properly while the wax is forming around it.

Step 2: Melting the Wax

Melting the coconut wax is a delicate process that requires patience and precision. Slowly melting the wax ensures that it retains all its beneficial properties, creating a clean and long-lasting burn. I use a melting pot to mix and melt my 80/20 blend. Watching the wax transform from solid to liquid is a mesmerizing experience that sets the tone for the rest of the candle-making journey.

Between the melting and the adding is actually a, "mathing," component. You must decide how much wax is needed for the amount of vessels you are pouring for and then figure the amount of fragrance oil needed for that number of vessels. I use 8-10% fragrance oil load for my blend, depending on the fragrance and whether it is a fragrance blend that I have created or one I am using straight from the bottle. Let's say I'm using a 10% fragrance load and making 3 candles with the same scent. My Libbey vessels hold 9.5oz. 9.5 x 3 = 28.5oz is the wax I will pull from my pot... except you have to subtract the fragrance oil amount. So, 28.5 x 10% = 2.85oz of fragrance oil needed for 3 candles. 28.5-2.85=25.65oz of wax will be pulled and 2.85oz of fragrance oil added to = 28.5 oz. This will be mixed together for 1-2 minutes and a total of 9.5oz will be poured into each vessel. Coconut wax likes to be mixed and poured hot, unlike other waxes.

moving on...

Step 3: Adding Fragrance

Choosing the right fragrance for each candle is where the magic truly happens. Each scent is carefully selected to evoke a specific mood or memory, adding a personal touch to every candle I create. Whether it's a soothing lavender or a refreshing citrus blend, the fragrance is what makes each candle unique. It is sometimes difficult to decide which scents your customer may be drawn to. Sometimes they sell, sometimes you get it wrong. Everyone has a different opinion on scents.

Step 4: Pouring and Cooling

Once the wax is melted and the fragrance added, it's time to pour the mixture into the Libbey candle vessels. I set each vessel on the scales to make sure the weight is right so they don't get under/overfilled. Watching the liquid wax settle and solidify is a satisfying sight that never fails to bring a sense of accomplishment. Those smooth coconut wax tops are amazing! As the candles cool, the room fills with the delightful aroma of the chosen fragrance, creating a relaxing atmosphere. Coconut wax has an amazing cold throw straight out of the gate.

The Art of Candle Testing: Why It Matters

Now comes the essential step in the candle-making process – testing. Candle testing is not just about ensuring that the candle burns correctly; it's also about guaranteeing a safe and satisfying experience. By testing each candle thoroughly, I can identify any potential issues and make necessary adjustments to create the perfect product.

1. Burn Performance

Testing the burn performance of each candle helps me understand how it will behave in different environments. From the size of the flame to the evenness of the burn, every aspect is meticulously examined to ensure a consistent and safe burn every time.

2. Scent Throw

The scent throw of a candle refers to how far the fragrance travels when the candle is burning. We test the scent throw of each candle to achieve the perfect balance between subtlety and intensity. Cold throw is how the candle smells before it is lit. Hot throw is how the candle smells and travels as it is burning.

3. Safety Precautions

Ensuring that my candles meet all safety standards is a top priority. By conducting rigorous safety tests, I can confidently provide my customers with candles that are not only luxurious but also safe to use in any setting. I provide candle care cards with purchase as well just to be sure. Until I made candles I did not realize there were rules to candle burning.

The Beauty of Handmade Candles: A Labor of Love

In a world dominated by mass-produced goods, there is something truly special about owning a handmade candle. Each candle I create is a reflection of my passion for craftsmanship and dedication to quality. From the carefully selected ingredients to the meticulous testing process, every aspect of candle making makes me happy. That may be overly-generous, I sometimes throw fits and occasionally don't get information recorded. It happens. I do love making candles. I love seeing that a customer values my time and effort, truly enjoys my product.

So, the next time you light a candle and let its gentle glow fill the room, remember the time, effort, and care that went into creating that moment of tranquility. Making my own coconut wax candles has not only been a creative outlet but also a way to share a piece of my heart with others.

Remember me the next time you're in need of a moment of relaxation and ambiance, a hand-poured coconut wax candle might just be the perfect companion. After all, why settle for ordinary when you can enjoy the extraordinary craftsmanship of my small handmade business?

Embrace the Glow and Warmth of Homemade Luxury

The process of making my own candles has been a labor of love filled with creativity, care, and dedication. From testing each candle to ensure its impeccable quality to the sheer joy of creating something unique, every step of the journey has been worth it. Candle making is not just a craft; it's a form of art that allows us to infuse our spaces with warmth. So, the next time you light a candle remember the passion and effort that went into creating that moment.

Thank you for supporting small handmade businesses that pour their hearts into every product they create and the heartfelt stories they carry.

Here's to the art of candle making, the magic of testing, and the undeniable joy of creating something truly special.

Follow along for more on the art of candle making, handmade luxury, and the beauty of small business! Make sure to come back soon for more insights and behind-the-scenes peeks at the enchanting world of coconut wax candles and handmade bath and body products. Thank you for being a part of this journey with me!

Erin