Candle making is a fascinating and rewarding craft that allows you to create beautiful and aromatic candles from scratch. As a beginner candle maker, you may come across various technical terms and jargon related to the craft. To help you navigate through this creative world with confidence, we have compiled a comprehensive list of common candle-making terms and their meanings. Let's dive in!
Wax:
Wax is the primary material used in candle making. It can be sourced from different substances like soybeans, beeswax, paraffin, or palm oil.
Wick:
The wick is the central core of the candle that ignites and sustains the flame. It can be made from cotton, wood, or other materials and is crucial for proper candle burning.
Melting Point:
The temperature at which the wax fully melts is known as the melting point. Different waxes have varying melting points, affecting the candle's burn rate and performance.
Fragrance Oil:
Fragrance oils are concentrated scents specifically designed for candle making. They come in various delightful scents to add aroma to your candles.
Essential Oil:
Essential oils are natural plant extracts used to scent candles. They offer a more natural fragrance option but may have a lighter scent compared to fragrance oils.
Melt and Pour Method:
A beginner-friendly candle-making technique where pre-made wax is melted and poured into moulds or containers.
Container Candle:
A candle made by pouring melted wax into a container, such as a jar or tin, with the wick embedded in the center.
Pillar Candle:
A freestanding candle, usually cylindrical in shape, made without a container. Pillar candles can stand alone and often have various artistic designs.
Candle Mold:
A container or structure used to shape and hold the melted wax until it solidifies, resulting in various candle shapes and sizes.
Double Boiler:
A heat-safe container placed over another container of hot water, used for melting wax gently and avoiding direct heat exposure.
Wick Centering Device:
A tool used to keep the wick centered while pouring melted wax into a container or mould.
Burn Time:
The total duration a candle can burn before it is fully consumed.
Fragrance Load:
The percentage of fragrance oil or essential oil used in the candle's wax mixture. It determines the strength of the candle's scent throw.
Scent Throw:
The range or strength of the candle's fragrance when it is burning and emitting its scent.
Curing Time:
The period during which the candle is allowed to rest and develop its full scent potential after it has been made.
Cooling Rack:
A surface where candles are placed to cool and solidify after being poured into moulds or containers.
Candle Dye:
Colorants used to add vibrant colours to the candles.
Flash Point:
The temperature at which a fragrance or essential oil can ignite or produce a flammable vapor.
Mottling:
A desirable effect in certain candles, creating a textured, mottled appearance on the candle's surface.
Overpour:
A technique where a second layer of differently coloured wax is poured over an already set layer of wax to create unique patterns.
As you embark on your candle-making journey, familiarizing yourself with these essential candle-making terms will give you the confidence to experiment and create stunning candles. Remember, like any craft, practice makes perfect, so don't hesitate to try new techniques and have fun with your creations! Happy candle making!