Learning how to make beeswax candles is fun and easy. There are many different styles of candles that can be made with this natural wax from bees. For most of them, if you mess up-you can easily try again. Consider trying several methods to find the one that you like best.
Making Candles from Beeswax
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Why make candles at home when you can buy them in the store? Well, there are several reasons for making your own.
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A major benefit is avoiding those dangerous chemicals that may be lurking in that pretty store candle. Besides, making your own candles is fun and they make great gifts too!
Why Beeswax for Candles?
This natural wax is a renewal resource. Excess wax can be harvested from the hive without killing the bees. So, it is one of the most popular types of candles with good reason.
They are known for having a long burn time with very little dripping. They are also known to be clean burning with little soot or smoke. Some sources claim they even help clean the air?
Where to Buy Beeswax
Making candles will be more fun if you prepare and gather all needed materials and ingredients before beginning.Also, it is a good idea to buy a little more wax that you expect to use. Sometimes the project takes more than we expect. It never spoils so no reason to not have some on hand.
Because wax color can vary a bit – it is best to have enough of the exact same shade. This is especially true if you are making pairs where you need each one to look the same. Your local craft store may have some or you can buy wax online.
Best Wax Color
We have all seen those lovely white candles. Large companies use bleach to provide this beautiful white beeswax product.
Natural wax occurs in various shades of yellow to gold. If you prefer a more natural look, choose wax in a shade of yellow. Color does not signify the quality of the wax-but it does affect the price you will pay.
If you do not like the color of dark or yellow wax, candle wax coloring pigments are available. They provide a fun way to make use of your off-color wax.
Cleaning Beeswax
All raw wax may contain left over bits of propolis, honey, dirt etc. Having clean wax for candles is very important. Otherwise the wick may not burn well – don’t skip the cleaning step.
If you buy wax from local beekeepers, you will need to clean or render it to remove any dirt or trash. Commercially prepared wax has already been cleaned.
Hobby beekeepers with a continuous supply of wax or those planning to make several projects might consider making a small wax melter. You can make your own solar wax melter for just a few bucks.
At What Temperature Does Beeswax Melt?
Beeswax melts at a relatively low temperature of 147° F. The secret to safe melting is patience – go slow and steady.
While some people use a microwave, I do not recommend it. This can be dangerous resulting in injury or damage to your appliance.
The highest pouring temperature will depend a bit on the type of mold you use. Some candle molds can withstand higher temperatures than others. But, why get your wax hotter than it has to be?
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Ways to Melt Beeswax Include:
- using a double boiler
- melting in a crockpot
- using an electric wax melter
- microwave
The double boiler method is the safest option to melt beeswax. With the heat on medium, slowly turn your wax into liquid form. And, of course, you want a pot that is dedicated to wax crafting. Melting in a crockpot works well but is a slow process.
Another method of melting wax is the use of a special melting pot made from a fryer with a spout. This item can be ordered online or you can buy the components and make your own.
Though used by many, this pot was not designed for wax melting, use at your own risk. As with any wax process, provide constant supervision! Do not leave it unattended.
Beeswax is flammable and will catch fire when heated to the flash point.(400°F). Don’t let your candle making project become a disaster.
We are including microwave in this list because I know many people use the microwave to melt small quantities of wax. I do not recommend it. If you choose to do so, heat in small bursts and stay right with it.
Adding Scent
Raw beeswax has a clean natural smell that many crafters prefer. However, if you want to add scent to your candles it is easy to do. Purchased candle fragrance oils or regular essential oils can be added.
The process is similar to these scented wax tarts. Essential oils are also used in these herbal wax sachets.
Candle Wick Selection
Wick choice is an important factor in making candles and especially beeswax candles. I recommend all cotton braided wick.
Do not buy the ones with a zinc core. All cotton wicks burn cleaner and do not release caustic substances or toxins into the room. Improper wick size will result in a candle that won’t burn.
Common Wick Sizes
The wick size is based on the diameter of your finished candle – how wide across they are. If you do not choose the correct wick size, you will have trouble.
- 4/0 – is for a candle with a diameter less than 1″
- 2/0 – is for candles 1″ – 3″ in diameter
- #6 – is for candles larger than 3″ in diameter
Your candle making project is almost complete. You want to trim the wick to about 1/4″ before using your creation. If you made a mistake, no worries. You can re-melt your wax and try again.
Methods of Making Homemade Beeswax Candles
One of the best things about working with this natural wax is the versatility. Candles can be created in many different forms and styles.
Candle Making Kits are Convenient
Using a candle making kit is a great way to get off to a fast start on your project. Prices for these candle making kits varies depending on the amount of material included.
The biggest advantage of using kits is that you will have all of the materials together in one purchase. This ensures that you can complete your project without having to reorder more materials.
However, you are restricted to the colors etc included in the box and the end product may cost a bit more.
Rolled Beeswax Candles
Elegant candles can be made from rolled sheets of wax. They are a favorite of decorators and come in many different colors.
Making these DIY- Rolled Beeswax Candles using sheets is so simple – even the kids can help. If you are a beekeeper, regular wax foundation without wires can be used. However, the wax craft sheets intended for candle making are a bit thicker and roll up easily.
And…. if you want to create some special handmade holiday traditions, these Beeswax Christmas trees are just too cute. They are very easy inexpensive gifts and you can even hang them on the tree!
Use Candle Molds
The easiest way to create long burning beeswax candles is to use molds. This type of candle is solid throughout and this creates the longer burn time.
In recent times, some of the best candle molds are silicone . These molds are more expensive but they are easier to use. A quality silicone mold will last for hundreds of pours.
“Poured” or molded candles require more wax than rolled ones. But, this gives you a solid, long burning candle.
Make a Beeswax Candle Tutorial
Charlotte Anderson @ Carolina Honeybees, LLC
Step by step directions to make beeswax candles using a mold. The important steps of of wax cleaning and wick selection apply to all methods of candle making.
5 from 2 votes
Print Instructions Pin for later
Tools
silicone candle mold – your choice
wax pouring pot
Supplies
- 1 pound beeswax amt depends on the mold choice
- 1 foot cotton candle wick size depends on mold size – 2/0 common
- 1 can mold release spray (optional)
- 2 pieces rubber bands
- 1 piece popsicle/craft sticks
Instructions
Clean your wax or you will have problems later.
Candles require clean beeswax in order to burn properly. Either buy clean wax ready to use or clean your raw wax
(Video) How to Make Beeswax Candles | Easy DIY Tutorial
Wick choice. After choosing the proper wick size for beeswax, it is time to wick the mold.
Thread the wick through the bottom hole in your mold and pull it up through the larger opening at the top. This is where you will pour your wax.
Be sure to pull extra wick so you can secure the end with a Popsicle stick and rubber band or wick tab. You can even use pencils to hold it.
Most silicone molds have a split down the side to make it easier to remove the finished candle.
Use at least 2 strong rubber bands to secure your mold together.
Be sure to pull extra wick so you can secure the end with a Popsicle stick and rubber band or wick tab.
Rubber bands are used to hold the split molds together. Once the candle is set, you can remove the bands and remove your candle.
I use mold release spray – even with my silicone molds. It just makes things easier. Spray the inside of your mold withmold release.
Safely melt your beeswax. Melt your wax using a safe method of your choice.
Do not overheat, we want the wax to only become warm enough to liquify. Gently stir.
Pour into mold. With your melted beeswax in a pouring pot or large Styrofoam cup, fill your prepared mold.
Fill the mold to the top. Leave to cool.
Remove candle from mold. Once the wax has solidified and cooled, remove any rubber bands and gently pull away the mold sides.
(Video) Beeswax Candle Making | Hive to Table | How to make beeswax candlesDo not pull on the wick – unless you are working with a taper or mold that requires it. Remove the finished candle from the mold.Success!
Learn more about bees and using products from the hive!Join me on Instagram – @carolina_honeybees
How to Use Natural Molds
Wait a minute, you want to make candles but don’t have any molds? Consider giving this unique candle craft a try.
Empty eggs shells are used as a mold. Add a bit of wick and pour in some melted wax. Viola… you have a beautiful Egg Shaped Beeswax Candle.
For those of you who love collecting seashells, here is yet another neat candle mold idea. These DIY Seashell Candle tealights are so much fun to make!
Making Beeswax Pillar Candles
Making pillar candles can be a bit tricky. This is due to the high burning temperature of beeswax in relation to proper wick size.
The easiest and most fool proof way to create a pillar candle is to use a custom mold from a bee supply. Always use the size wick that is recommended. If you fail to use the proper sized wick – your candle project will be a flop.
Natural Hand Dipped Beeswax Candles
For a truly traditional candle making experience, you may want to try your hand at making dipped candles. Keep in mind that hand dipped candles are very challenging. The new candle maker must have patience.
Your first few batches of candles will be a bit bumpy and natural looking. Don’t expect them to look like polished tapers from the store.
Candle dipping is a true art form. It takes some patience but you really can make hand dipped beeswax candles for yourself.
Glass Jars and Small Candle Containers
You can do many creative projects with wax. Create a unique look with glass jars (canning or mason jars) or other heat resistant glass to hold your candle. Tins of various sizes work too. Beeswax candles made with dried flowers provide a very elegant look for home decoration.
Almost any heat resistant container can become a candle. Use small clay pots to create Citronella Candle Pots. They are darling for any outdoor event.
Using a Wax Blend
Beeswax burns cleaner and hotter than some types of wax.This is one of the main benefits of beeswax candles. But, this can cause a problem with some small glass candle holders – they may become overheated.
In order to lower the melting temperature, crafters may blend in another oil. Consider experimenting with a mix of 50% wax to 50% coconut oil (or palm oil).
This will produce a smoother burning candle that is nice for small glass containers. Soy wax is another possibility to combine.
Are Beeswax Candles Safe?
Natural beeswax burns very clean with no added pollutants or carcinogens in the air. In addition to not adding anything nasty to the air in your home, some people believe that burning beeswax cleans the air.
When beeswax burns, it emits negative ions into the air. This is believed to reduce the amount of dander, dust and mold that is free floating through the air.
Scientific studies do not agree on the exact way this works – or even if it does? But it sure does sound good, right? Either way, natural wax is a good alternative to paraffin candles and produce better indoor air quality.
Making DIY beeswax candles can be a lot of fun and there are many different ways to try! Rolled, dipped, poured or molded – the possibilities are endless. And, if you really need to avoid the flame but want to enjoy fragrance – try these scented beeswax melts.
FAQs
What are the negatives for using beeswax to make candles? ›
- It is a natural wax, therefore, is more expensive.
- Does not hold scent as well as other waxes.
- Can be difficult to add colorants because of its natural yellow tent.
- To lower production cost, it can be combined with other waxes. Make sure the wax you are buying is 100%.
Beeswax candles can cost up to 10 times the price of a regular paraffin candle.
What kind of oil do you mix with beeswax for candles? ›Candles can be made from beeswax alone, but adding coconut oil extends the burning time, making your candle last longer. It also helps prevent tunneling (when the center of your candle burns, but the outer edges don't, which wastes a lot of wax and a lot of money!)
What is the healthiest wax for candle making? ›Soy wax is also healthier than paraffin wax. It emits less soot and few toxins. Soy wax, a by-product of soybeans (not crude oil), is a more natural wax alternative. So when you light a soy wax candle, you can rest easy knowing it's better for your home's indoor air quality, keeping your family and pets safe.
Do beeswax candles actually purify the air? ›Beeswax or soy candles.
These candles burn cleaner than regular paraffin wax. Beeswax candles clean the air by releasing negative ions into the air which bind with toxins and help remove them from the air.
A candle-making business can be highly profitable. It has a low startup cost, doesn't require much equipment or technical knowledge, and you can make candles at home. Candles are also easy to promote online, lowering your marketing costs and increasing margins.
Why do you add coconut oil to beeswax candles? ›Adding some coconut oil to your beeswax helps the candle burn more consistently and avoid tunneling. But, you can also make a 100% beeswax candle by omitting it. Pour the wax and coconut oil into your candle containers and let them set for 1-2 days before using.
What wick is best for beeswax candles? ›Experts in the field have deemed braided cotton wicks the best. Originally designed for beeswax candles, the square braided wick offers many benefits including: Better flow of vapour, the more open structure of these wicks channels the vapour up the wick better, even with impurities present.
How do you make strong scented beeswax candles? ›How Much Essential Oil Do You Put In Beeswax Candles? As a rule of thumb, you will need at least 60 drops of essential oils for every 4 ounces of wax blend. You can use more, though. For a stronger scent use 2 teaspoons of essential oils in a 4 ounce candle.
Can you put fragrance in beeswax? ›Adding fragrance to beeswax candles
You can use any fragrance or essential oil you like for candles. Test them to make sure you like the smell! In general, I use about 1-2 ounces of scent for every pound of beeswax. You may need to make a few test candles to find out what strength you prefer.
What is the ratio of oil to beeswax? ›
The Right Ratio
A general rule of thumb when making salves is to use one part beeswax to three to five parts oil. If you're adding a substance that's solid at room temperature, such as shea butter, it can affect your ratio, so a little experimentation might be in order.
How can I figure out how much wax and fragrance I will need to make my candles? Per pound of wax, you will get about 20 ounces of volume. To find how much wax you will need, multiply the number of candles you are making by the amount of wax it will hold, and then divide that by 20.
What makes a good beeswax candle? ›Because beeswax has a higher melting point than other waxes, it emits the brightest, most warm-toned flame. Beeswax candles also last longer than most other candles. Because it is so dense (0.958), it burns slower and drips less, and many consider beeswax candles to be drip free.
What wax Do luxury candles use? ›Luxury candles tend to use higher-end alternatives to paraffin, such as coconut wax, beeswax, and soy wax. For example, our candles are made with natural soy wax, which burns less quickly than paraffin and allows you to savor the ambience and aroma up to 50% longer.
What wax do Yankee candles use? ›Yankee candles are made from paraffin wax, as well as essential oils for fragrance and cotton for the wicks.
Which wax holds the most scent? ›If you decide that you want a clean-burning candle that will give you the strongest scent throw you can get, you might choose paraffin. If you want a wax that is clean-burning, comes from a renewable source, has a great scent throw, and burns longer, soy might be the way to go.
Is beeswax toxic when heated? ›Hazard statement(s) If Beeswax is heated it may cause burns, wear personal protective equipment as suggested in Section 8. Slightly hazardous in case of ingestion. Essentially Beeswax is non-irritating to eyes, skin and if inhaled.
Are beeswax candles the healthiest? ›Beeswax candles are the healthiest choice in candles. Made from the caps of bee honeycombs, beeswax candles burn clean, are very long-burning, and give off a pleasant natural fragrance as they burn. Beeswax candles are dripless when burned properly, and release negative ions which help clean the air in a room.
Where does beeswax go when it burns? ›Wax is made of hydrogen and carbon. When a candle burns, the hydrogen and carbon from the wax combine with the oxygen in the air to become carbon dioxide and water vapor.
Do I need a Licence to sell candles? ›There are no specific legal requirements for selling candles in the UK, but you should be aware of: the General Product Safety Regulations 2005 – check the government's guidance on product safety. specific guidelines from your local trading standards office.
What type of candles sell best? ›
- Vanilla Soy Candles.
- Almond Vanilla Candles.
- Sandalwood Amber Soy Candles.
- Mineral Springs Candles.
The answer to this question is positive as well! You do need insurance to sell candles or wax melts online from home, or at your shop. There are some risks involved with candle businesses that might become very costly if you don't have basic insurance for selling candles that will cover you.
How long do beeswax candles need to cure? ›Answer: This white coating is called “Plum Bloom.” The bloom is a light powdery substance that comes from within the wax. It is a normal characteristic of beeswax and beekeepers don't need to do anything about it. Wax bloom happens with changes in temperature. When the weather warms up again, it usually vanishes.
Which is better soy wax or beeswax? ›There you have it, when comparing wax, soy wax is arguably better than beeswax due to cost, aesthetics, oil retention, vegan friendly and eco friendly properties. However on sweetness, and burn temperature, beeswax wins out. Let us know which natural wax you decide to go with when making your candle.
Is white or yellow beeswax better for candles? ›White beeswax is great for projects such as candle making because you can create lots of different colored candles with natural mica powder.
How much essential oil do you put in beeswax candles? ›I use about 25 drops of essential oil (approximately 1 ml) for every 1 oz (28 g) of beeswax. It's enough to scent the entire room. When your beeswax is melted, remove it from the heat and add your essential oils. Stir gently with your glass stirring rod, or your spoon.
Are 100% beeswax candles better? ›Beeswax has the highest melting point of any wax meaning the candles burn for longer than paraffin. They are the tidier candle in that they don't release any soot and they tend to drip less. They also emit a much more ambient light, making for a cosy atmosphere.
Does beeswax need a larger wick? ›The melting point of beeswax is higher than paraffin and soy wax, making beeswax require a larger wick to burn efficiently.
What temperature do you add fragrance to beeswax? ›For this reason, we recommend always adding fragrance oil to your wax at 185°F, regardless of the flashpoint of the fragrance oil. This is the optimal temperature for the fragrance and the wax to bind together, which will provide the best fragrance throw in your finished candle.
What temperature should you pour beeswax candles? ›
Heat your wax safely. Beeswax melts at around 145°F. At temperatures above 185°F it will discolor, and at 400°F, it becomes explosive. The ideal range for candle dipping is between 155°F and 175°F.
How do you keep beeswax smelling? ›- Beeswax can be tricky, sticky and quite fragrant in itself! ...
- The best temperature to add fragrance to melted beeswax is 160-165 degrees Fahrenheit. ...
- While Chemistry 101 can be fun, let's leave candle making chemistry for a different post!
Beeswax shrinks as it cools and occasionally, if cooled quickly, larger diameter beeswax candles will form a crack as the wax pool hardens. This is not a flaw with the candle but simply a reality of burning beeswax.
How much coconut oil do I add to beeswax candles? ›The key to good consistency is a 50/50 beeswax/coconut oil mixture. And make sure there is room at the top of the jar so the wax doesn't overflow when you pour it in.
Can you use vanilla extract in beeswax candles? ›For best results, when wax is melted, place candy thermometer in wax and bring to wax manufacturer's recommended temperature for adding fragrance. Remove from heat and stir in 1 tablespoon vanilla extract, 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon and ½ teaspoon ground cloves for about every 2 cups of melted wax.
Does beeswax attract bugs? ›Beeswax on it's own doesn't attract bugs but usually has the opposite effect. Guess it makes sense, if ants and other insects were attracted to beeswax it would cause a big problem for the bees!
Does beeswax smell when burned? ›Here's what's different when you burn beeswax instead of paraffin. You won't smell that familiar petroleum tarry scent of paraffin when you light a beeswax candle. Instead you will smell the delicate scent of natural sweet honey. Beeswax comes that way naturally and no artificial additives or scent can replicate that.
Are beeswax candles unhealthy? ›Beeswax candles (like ours!) trump all other candles for their many and varied health benefits. Firstly as they are all natural, there are no toxic byproducts created when burned.
Is burning beeswax candles healthy? ›Beeswax candles are healthy to burn in your home. Beeswax candles are hypo-allergenic, and can actually improve air quality! They burn with little to no smoke or scent and clean the air when lit. Made from a renewable resource, beeswax is also biodegradable, making it a healthy choice for the environment too.
Which is better for candle making soy or beeswax? ›If you are looking for a scented candle, soy wax will produce a stronger, more consistent smell that will last the full burn time of the candle. Beeswax on the other hand is better suited as an unscented candle that allows for the natural oil scent to be released into the air.
Do beeswax candles emit negative ions? ›
Unlike paraffin candles, which are made with a petroleum-based wax, beeswax candles have a completely clean non-toxic burn and produce negative ions when burning. These charged molecules are created when air molecules break apart because of sunlight, radiation, or the movement of air and water.
Do beeswax candles give off carbon monoxide? ›The short answer is that, yes, candles do produce carbon monoxide. However, the amount that a candle produces is so small that the risk of poisoning is almost impossible.
What are Ikea candles made of? ›Their wax is made of up to 70% natural, plant-based renewable material, and is also free of palm oil.
Can you add scent to beeswax candles? ›Adding fragrance to beeswax candles
You can use any fragrance or essential oil you like for candles. Test them to make sure you like the smell! In general, I use about 1-2 ounces of scent for every pound of beeswax. You may need to make a few test candles to find out what strength you prefer.
As the wax starts to melt and puddle around the candle's cotton wick, it actually travels upward. The wick soaks it up, and it eventually evaporates into the air as either carbon dioxide or water vapor after it burns.
Why do people buy beeswax candles? ›Beeswax burns hotter than paraffin wax and therefore will have less soot. Beeswax Candles burn brighter with a beautiful warm glow. They emit a natural light of the same light spectrum as the sun. This helps create the perfect ambience for dining or for a quiet moment of meditation, reading or while you're in the bath!
What kind of wax in Bath and Body Works candles? ›Bath & Body Works candles are a great example. On their website, the company states that “The main ingredients for all formulas are vegetable wax, paraffin wax, and soy. Our Signature Collection Candles are considered vegetable wax candles.
Do candles deplete the oxygen in the room? ›Do burning candles reduce oxygen? They do, but in any normal sized room it's not enough to cause problems. Still, with sensitive enough equipment the reduction could definitely be measured.
Do beeswax candles help with allergies? ›When you light beeswax candles, they start produce negative ions that will naturally clean the air of dust particles, pollen, dander and other common allergens. Beeswax candles constitute therefore an excellent natural treatment for common allergies such as hay fever and asthma.