How Essential Oil Candles Are Made
Scented candles are immensely popular in the modern home, and essential oil candles are in ever-increasing demand. Essential oils, often used in all natural candles, are derived from natural plant sources and carry a heftier price tag than fragrances made from artificial ingredients. The process used to make candles with essential oils is simple enough to be duplicated at home.
The first step in making scented candles is deciding on the materials to be used, including the fragrance, the type of wax, the wick, and the container used to hold the finished candle. For essential oil candles, choosing an oil to use can be the most difficult part of the process. There are over a hundred different essential oils to choose from, each with their own unique scent. Only a very small amount of the chosen oil is needed, as they are very highly concentrated. Essential oils can be purchased online or in some retail stores, but keep in mind they can be expensive, and you may need special tools to handle them.
While the oil used in essential oil candles is important because it is what gives the candle its distinctive fragrance, careful consideration must also be given to what type of wax will be used. The majority of candles on the market are made from paraffin wax, but all natural candles are made with natural ingredients, such as soy or the more expensive beeswax. Both are considered environmentally friendly, and soy wax, a fairly new type of wax, which is used in aromatherapy soy candles, is becoming increasingly popular. Another option is gel wax, which is actually made from oils and therefore is not technically wax. For the basic candle-making process that can be done in the home, paraffin or soy waxes are the most commonly used.
Wicks and containers are two seemingly lesser considerations when making essential oil candles, but they both affect the finished product in subtle but important ways. There are a staggering number of wick options available, and choosing the right one is key to making sure a candle will burn correctly. Containers for holding candles are typically made with glass or metal, and since they will be the most visible part of the candle appearances matter. Once the materials are all assembled, the actual process of making essential oil candles is quite straightforward. The wax is melted at the appropriate temperature, which will differ depending on the type of wax used. A small amount of the essential oil is then added to the melted wax, giving the candle its fragrance. The wick is affixed to the bottom of the container, and the wax is poured in. The wick must be held upright during this process and while the wax is drying, and once the wax is dry the wick is trimmed to the appropriate height.
If making essential oil candles is a project that appeals to you, getting started is as easy as gathering the required materials. It can be a fun and rewarding hobby, and your options for fragrances are almost limitless. If arts and crafts are not really your thing, however, essential oil candles are readily available in online and brick-and-mortar retailers. Either way, the candles will have the same warm, inviting presence in your home.
Author Bio: Essential oil aromatherapy soy candles are becoming more popular with each passing year. To get the full story, please visit www.prometheancandle.com where you can find many candle products including soy, paraffin and palm wax candles for regular use and as well as use in aromatherapy.
Category: Wellness, Fitness and Diet
Keywords: essential oil candles,aromatherapy soy candles,soy candles,aromatherapy candles