What to make candles from: types of candles and their composition

2024 Author: Sierra Becker | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-26 03:47

Candles have long ceased to be just light sources. Among other things, they also have a calming effect and give the room a completely new, surprising and sometimes even fabulous atmosphere. When your eyes get tired of the usual lamps, you should light a candle and think about something pleasant. And if you add a little aromatic oil to it, the effect will be even better.

There are a huge number of people in the world who are not only seriously interested in learning what to make candles from, but also know the history of creating these interesting decorative elements. Therefore, consider the varieties of unusual light sources and where they came from.

A bit of history

Throughout almost the entire existence of man, it was candles that were the most popular form of lighting that was used in homes. There is a lot of literature that describes how exactly these elements were ignited. At one time, there were even individual people who were engaged in extinguishing candles in the streets and lighting them in the morning hours.

If we talk about the first mentions of these elements, then according toAccording to historians, the first similarity of modern candles appeared at a time when cavemen had just discovered fire. At that time, they used dry sticks or rods, which were coated with animal fat. Thanks to this, an object was obtained that gave illumination for a longer time. However, in this case, it is more about torches.

If we talk about a more real resemblance to a candle, then for the first time it could be seen on the images of ancient creators that were found on ancient reliefs. It is believed that the first creators of these elements are the inhabitants of ancient Egypt. They created candles, which were made from rather elastic fibers with animal fat. Similar products were installed on the table.

In addition, it is worth noting that such elements have been used in religious rites almost from the beginning of time. For example, if you turn to the most ancient sacred books, you can find a huge amount of information in them on how to use candles. In this case, one does not need to go far, it is enough to open the story of King Solomon. After he built the temple, 10 candlesticks were used.

Therefore, it is not surprising that these elements appeared in Europe. Over a long period of existence of candles, their composition has changed.

Types of candles

When deciding what to make a candle from at home, you should take a closer look at the types of lighting elements. First of all, they differ in composition, which, in fact, acts as the basis. Wick,usually remains unchanged. The technologies of its manufacture have been preserved and are successfully used today, as well as hundreds of years ago. Therefore, it is worth considering in more detail the most popular types of candles.

Paraffin

To decide what to make a candle from at home, it is worth remembering the properties of paraffin. Some are sure that this material is the best. But it is not so. This material is saturated hydrocarbons, which, as a rule, are obtained during oil refining as by-products. This is a very cheap production.

It should be borne in mind that during combustion, paraffin begins to emit gases with a very unpleasant odor. That is why on such candles you can notice an unpleasant dark soot. As a rule, today paraffin is used exclusively for the manufacture of household candles. However, there are unscrupulous manufacturers. They use this component for more expensive models, which should be of better quality.

Wax

In this case, we are talking about the best lighting and decor elements, which are made exclusively from natural materials. If we consider what candle wax is made of, then as a rule, this is a natural material. For example, there is beeswax, palm and soy wax. Any of them is suitable for similar products.

Wax candles have a longer burning time and a pleasant aroma. There is absolutely no need to add any additional flavors,so that the room is filled with a barely noticeable, but very pleasant, relaxing smell. It is also worth noting that wax, although it produces gases during combustion, cannot harm the human body. The fact is that in the process of combustion they remain inert and completely harmless. Many prefer to use palm or soy wax.

Stearic

Perhaps, if almost every person has heard about paraffin, then this component is puzzling. In fact, stearin is used quite often. It is a rather hard and greasy to the touch mass, which is obtained by mixing stearic acid with other fatty acids. As a rule, in this case we are talking about fats of natural origin.

Despite its chemical name, stearin is a natural product. Therefore, it can be used when it comes to what to make candles with your own hands. At the same time, products of this type are distinguished by long burning and special brightness. In addition, they do not emit absolutely no gases harmful to humans. Often, stearin is used as an additional component when a candle is made from several bases at once.

Gel

It is worth noting that the characteristics of the gel are very much like wax. For example, it continues to be in a solid state due to the action of a hydrocarbon. It interferes with the crystallization process. If we talk about the composition of gel candles, then absolutely no chemical components are present in the original recipe. Such products are made from glycerin, gelatin and tannin.

Gel, which is poured into a transparent container, looks very original and unusual. As a rule, such candles are complemented by beautiful pictures. Some kind of toy can even be placed inside the gel. When deciding what to make candles from, it is enough to mix natural ingredients in the right proportions. However, many still prefer classic models. That's why people use wax and other materials.

Bengali

Such products are often called lights. They are often used in ceremonial events. Such elongated sticks are distinguished by bright, but very short burning. Because of the sparks flying in different directions, they are completely unsuitable for use as lighting, but nevertheless, such products look very impressive.

If we talk about the composition of Bengal candles, then first of all it is worth noting that they belong to pyrotechnic products. They do not contain wax, paraffin or any other similar materials. Instead, they contain metal powder (mostly aluminum is used), barium nitrate, starch, steel filings. All this is held on a metal wire. As soon as the mixture is ignited, it sparkles beautifully.

What church candles are made of

Perhaps, everyone noted that when visiting cathedrals and small churches, one thing remains unchanged - a surprisingly pleasant aroma. Hence the question arises related to how such elements are prepared. If we talk about whatcandles are made in the church, then in the original recipe there is only beeswax without the use of any other impurities. They differ in dark yellow color and matte texture. Also, church candles can be of different lengths and thicknesses. For example, there is a very high one with a cone-shaped cut and a compacted wick. Such a candle is called a deacon. As a rule, it is used for the liturgy.

Knowing the composition of a church candle, it is easy to understand that if you make elements from natural wax, you will not need any flavors. However, there is an equally interesting type of candle that is of interest to fans of these amazing light sources.

Jerusalem

This is a special kind of candle. In fact, it is a bunch of 33 candles (usually white) that are lit at Easter. The number 33 symbolizes the age of Jesus Christ.

If we talk about what Jerusalem candles are made of, traditionally they are also made of wax. However, paraffin versions are also found today. The main feature of such products is that they create almost a torch. This is not surprising, because 33 candles are lit at the same time.

After reviewing the main varieties of such lighting elements, you should move on to the most interesting. Everyone will be interested to know what to make candles with their own hands. First of all, you should figure out the optimal composition.

Features of the candle base

Before you start your ownthe manufacture of these interesting elements, it is worth learning a little more about what is included in the composition of a modern candle. As a rule, the technology remains unchanged. In stores, most often there are products that contain paraffin, stearin and beeswax or any other natural wax.

However, you can go the more traditional route and buy only wax.

If we talk about what can be used to make a candle wick, then traditionally it was made of cotton or linen. The latter option is preferable, as it has better combustion. The most important thing is that the wick is properly woven. To do this, the material is laid in a special direction and placed so that its end is constantly in the flame zone. This allows you to achieve a high-quality level of combustion. Also today you can find models of candles in which there are wicks with a wire core. In this case, the glow will be brighter.

But if we consider what to make a wick for a wax candle, then the easiest way to do this is to buy a thick thread, tourniquet or twine made of natural material. It can be purchased at any hardware store. The main thing is to make sure that the thread is 100% cotton or linen. Synthetics in this case are completely unsuitable. In order not to be mistaken, you can look into the fabric store and buy a regular white floss.

Knowing what to make a candle wick from, you can proceed to the most interesting - to direct production.

How to make a candle with your own hands

This is very interestinga process that can captivate the whole family. In order to make candles at home, you need to prepare:

• Material for the base. Wax is used (if desired, you can add a little paraffin and stearin). Some people just buy cheap household candles and grate them to get a blank.
• Thread to be used for the wick.
• A saucepan and a second slightly smaller metal container. These items will be needed for the water bath, which will melt the wax.
• Wooden sticks or regular pencils. They will be required to fix the wick.

Separately, it is worth saying a few words about what to make molds for candles from. In fact, it can be any container, the size of which is selected depending on the size of the candle you want to get. For this, tin or plastic molds are usually used. But many prefer glass, as wax sticks better from it. In addition, you can not suffer with giving the desired shape and immediately pour the wax into a transparent cup. After the candle hardens, this element will be a candlestick. However, if you want to create products in the shape of a star or other object, then you can go the hard way. To do this, you can purchase blanks (preferably silicone), into which the liquid mass will be poured.

Speaking about how and from what to make candles with your own hands, you should pay attention to the fact that the wax hardens quite quickly. Before you start melting it, you need to be sure that everything you need is prepared, sohow to work with hot material should take no more than 15 minutes.

Production sequence

Knowing what to make candles from, it remains only to prepare them correctly. For this you need:

• Grease each mold with a little vegetable oil. This is necessary so that the finished candle can be easily removed from it. If it remains in the glass after solidification, then this step is not necessary.
• Put the prepared wicks into the molds (some people wipe them with dry wax beforehand to make them harden a little) and tie their upper ends on the prepared sticks or pencils. These elements fit on the edge of the container and help to place the thread exactly in the center.

• Pour the pot with water and put on fire. It is necessary to lower another container into which the wax is placed. It must be melted in a water bath over low heat, stirring constantly. The result should be a homogeneous mass, in which there are no lumps.
• Pour a small amount of melted wax into the bottom of the molds. This is necessary in order to securely fix the lower tip of the wick. If necessary, at this stage, you can easily adjust its position.
• Wait a while for a small amount of wax to set and secure the wick.
• Pour the rest of the wax into the moulds. You need to work very carefully. If hot wax gets on your skin, you can get a very severe burn. Therefore, when making candles for the first time, it is better to work withpartner or use protective gloves.
• Leave the candle to harden in a cool place. Some put the blanks in the refrigerator, but this is not always a good idea. In this case, there is a risk that as soon as the candle hardens, it will immediately crack due to too much cold.

The received products can be used for their intended purpose, but not earlier than in a day. However, waiting times may be longer if larger models are made.

How to make a gel candle

Such products look very impressive, so it seems to many that it is almost impossible to make them at home. But it's not. The manufacturing technology is practically no different from that described above. The whole difference will be only in the source material. In this case, not wax, but gel will be used. Best transparent. However, in this case, not any gel is suitable, but a candle. You can easily cook it yourself.

To do this, you need to take two tablespoons of gelatin and glycerin. They are added to a glass of cold water and dissolved in it within an hour. During this time, the gel will swell, and it will be possible to work with it. The main thing is that the container for cooking is clean, otherwise the mixture may become cloudy.

After that, the procedure is the same. Wicks are installed in the molds, molten gel is poured. The glass beaker should also be warmed up a little before this. Then no bubbles form in the gel due to the temperature difference. The advantage of working with such a composition is thatthat it allows you to create the most amazing products. For example, a shell, beads or colored stones can be placed in the gel. Some create whole compositions in this way. There are also those who put pieces of fruit in such candles. They harden together with the gel and change. The main thing is to remember that if you lay the elements before pouring the gel, they will remain at the bottom of the mold. Therefore, it is better to consistently fill the base, while adding decorative elements at the same time.

It is also worth using only a transparent form for gel candles. Otherwise, the effect will not work. It is also important to ensure that there are no dust or hairs on the inside of the glass before pouring. They can set with the gel and spoil the look of the finished product.

If necessary, coloring compounds can also be added to the gel. However, in this case, the mass will lose its transparency. But in some cases it looks very impressive.

In closing

If you know what to make a candle wick and base from, it will not be difficult at all to make such interesting decor items on your own. If desired, food coloring and flavorings can be added to the wax. In this case, you get a very bright and unusual candle with a unique design. For example, some make striped candles. In this case, each poured layer must be prepared separately with the addition of dyes of different colors. This is a very simple technique that even a beginner can handle. In everything else, you can show your imagination. Ready-made crafts can even be soldand organize your small business.