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Answering your burning questions!
Here at LiveMoor we get asked daily questions in regards to candle making, so therefore we thought it was about time we gathered the most frequent questions we get and answer them for you. If you are having some trouble making your homemade candles or maybe you are thinking about starting out in the candle making world? then this is the article for you!
The benefits of Beeswax
Beeswax is a beautiful by-product of our busy honeybees. It is an eco-friendly substance that has timeless uses which we can apply to our everyday lives. This article talks about the benefits of beeswax and how we can use it to create bespoke homemade crafts and also learn the benefits it has to our health and our environment.
Soy Wax Melts Guide and FAQ
Below is a guide to making wax melts - this is only a guide - there are many variables to consider when making melts - practice is key and we very much recommend you test your method on small batches.
You will need;
- A good quality thermometer
- Accurate Scales
- A heat proof jug
- Soy wax - we recommend Golden Wax 494 for melts
- Quality Fragrance oil
- Mould(s) of your choice
Optional
- Colour
- Glitter
- Mica powder
How to make your melts
Start by heating your wax to 80/85 degrees celsius until it melts.
While your wax is melting, weigh out 10% fragrance oil e.g. 100g of wax – 10g fragrance oil
If you are using dye chips to colour, add to wax once melted.
Allow your wax to cool to 60/70 degrees celsius, add your chosen fragrance oil (liquid dyes and mica should also be added at this point).
Stir your chosen fragrance oil into the wax thoroughly for a minimum of 2 mins.
Allow the wax to cool to 55/60 degrees celsius and pour slowly into the mould(s) from a low height.
Best practice would be to test your melts at set intervals after making to see how strong the scent is.
Some wax requires longer curing times, curing allows the scent and wax to bind giving an overall stronger long lasting scent. Testing at intervals of 48 hours, 1 week & 2 weeks would give you an idea of what works best for your chosen wax.
Temperatures play a huge part in a good scent throw, testing is crucial, test adding oils at 70 for a batch, 65, 60 degrees and record your findings.
If you encounter any issues please refer to the Frequently Asked Questions below
Most of all enjoy yourself!
Soy Wax Melts FAQ’s & Troubleshooting
My soy wax seems to have white patches when set?
This is referred to as “Frosting”. Soy wax as a natural product is prone to frosting as it cools, this won't effect your overall scent throw.
There are various measures to help combat frosting – Room temperature and draughts: ensure the wax isn’t cooling too quickly, ensure no windows or doors are open near the making area. Pour the wax at low temperature’s, 55 degrees and slowly.
My melts don’t smell strong?
Have the melts cured for the correct time? Most soy wax requires 2 weeks cure time. Once made put the melts away - a standard Tupperware tub will be fine. Allow the wax and scent to bind.
If the melts have been cured try adding the oil at different temperature’s and record your findings, recommended temperature’s would be 70 degrees, 65 degrees and 60 degrees celsius.
*Also note some fragrance oils are just lighter in scent than others.
My wax feels greasy to touch?
Ensure your fragrance oil is measured in Grams not ml, some oils are denser than others and will weigh more, 10ml isn’t always 10g, weigh in grams to ensure you don’t overload your wax.
My melts have always looked great and all of a sudden I have frosting?
Seasonal temperature changes will effect the wax. If your room temperature is warmer increase your pouring temperature to match this change.
The colour of my melts isn’t as dark as I would like?
Keep a white piece of paper/kitchen roll close. Once the colour has been added drop a small amount of wax onto the white piece of paper to view the colour once set. If it’s too light add more colour, repeat this process until you’re happy with the shade.
Can container wax be used for melts?
Container wax is perfect for candle making. It has good adhesion to the candle mould, in melts this can cause the wax to stick to the mould. Container waxes are not ideal for wax melts.
My wax is dipping once its set?
Pouring too hot can cause this; another pour over the dipping will solve the issue or adjusting your pouring temperature will help.
What wax is the best for melts?
Unfortunately every wax maker will give a different answer, what works for one person, doesn’t for another, test your wax, play with your temperature’s, the best wax is the one that gives you the best overall results.
