There are many types of wax as well as melt points. For molded candles
I would suggest a melt point of around 140 degrees. This is a nice hard wax for molded candles,
It will set up nicely and release easily from any mold. For container candles 125-130 would work.
These are softer waxes that will not shrink as much as a pillar wax. This is good because you don't
want your wax to release from the sides of your jar (wet spots). For hurricanes 150 degrees, this is the highest
melt point wax that you can buy. It is great for this type of candle hurricane, or shell because the idea
behind this type of candle is to burn away the core and leave the wax shell with it's embedded
products intact. There is a wax that I have just discovered that is called Starburst wax. This
wax will give you that heavy mottle look on the outside of your candles, it looks like 1000's of tiny snowflakes. It is used only as an
overdip, and from what I understand it is quite expensive.
When using glass containers there is some important things to do. Heat your container to 150 degrees either in the oven or in hot water. Choose the wax, glass fill wax has a lower melting point. It is better to pour this wax at a lower temprature, it causes less shrinkage. You can color and scent your wax like you would any other wax. Your wick should be a metal core wick, size depends on the size of the conatiner. Useing the right size wick will result in a smokeless burn and will avoid getting any residue on the sides of the container.
Wick Using the right wick for the right candle is important. Wheather you are using a glass container or just a votive wick size will differ greatly. Use a metal core wick or zinc core wick, ( the zinc will burn longer), for Glass, Flat braid wick for rolled candles,Square braid wick for dipped or molded candles,Waxed wicking or Paper core wick can be used for container type candles, votives, and Candle dust candles . Size goes by the diameter of the container or candle: small for up to 2" diameter, (I didn't have any luck with the wax coated small wick in my containers, I will not go any smaller than medium), medium for 2"-4" diameter large for 4" to 6" diameter.
Flat Braid wick is just what is sounds like, a three strand braid made of many plies per strand. The number that the flat braid wick is refered to is
the number of plies, so the larger the number the larger the wick. Examples of this are 15 ply (extra small), 18 ply (small), 24 and 30 ply medium,
42 ply large, 60 ply extra large. Additives Scents hints There are as many ways to make candles as there are ideas. There are some dye alternatives to
color your wax, these include Crayons (the better brands I think color better). One thing about
using crayons is that they are colored with pigments that will clog the wick and will not allow
your candle to burn. It is better if used as an over dip. There is Rit dye, you know the kind you
buy at the supermarket to color clothes, you would disolve this dye in mineral oil not water!. But keep in mind the old adage..."You get what you
pay for". If you use these methods don't expect your results to that of store bought candles.
Square Braid, these wicks look like round cornered squares. They come in various numbering systems. An example of this system is 6/0 (extra small)
to 1/0, then beginning with #1 through #10, which is the largest. The wicks with /0 after them are
regular braid, and the ones with the # in front of them are loosely woven, so they are bigger without being heavier.
There are many different additives for wax, all have there own purpose. Vybar when added 3tsp. to 2# of wax will add whiteness to your wax. It will also give it a smooth and creamy finish to the surface. Vybar will not raise your melt point, when used in containers it will help with detaining the scent and will help to prevent flaws and mottling effect. Stearic Acid When used with your wax raises the melt point of the wax, and makes the candle harder. This additive is for molded candles. Luster Crystals When used in your wax it will make candles burn 2 times longer, it gives the candles an opaque appearance. This also makes brighter colors for molded candles. Clear Crystals Same as Lustre crystals but wont change the opaqueness of the wax.
There are different types of scents that can be used in candle making. There are liquid scents, fragrance oils, and concentrated scent blocks. It is a good idea to add these once your wax is completely melted and you have removed the wax from heat. This will help to not burn off your scents. Liquid is a great form of scent and the most cost effective form. You can add anywhere from 0.5oz to 2 Tbs. per lb. , Depending on how strong you want your candles to smell, (Expect to spend anywhere from 10.00-28.00 for a lb. of liquid scent) Scent blocks, I have added as much as 1/4 of a scent block to maybe a pound of wax and it hasn't givin me the strong scents like I want. I can buy these blocks for 1.99 at a craft store. Fragrance oils are also an option. If you are going to use the fo's make sure that they are wax friendly. Some are not and they will not mix well with the wax. Ask who you are buying from to make sure, they are usually happy to help.
