Lexi Webster
Wax melts are small pieces of scented wax that are heated in a wax burner to release fragrance. They are a safer alternative to scented candles as they do not require an open flame. You can make your own wax melts at home by melting wax, adding fragrance and dye, and pouring the mixture into moulds. Common types of wax used for melts include paraffin and soy wax, with the latter being easier to work with due to its lower melting point. Once the wax is melted, fragrance oil can be added, with natural essential oils being a popular choice. The mixture can then be poured into moulds, left to set, and packaged or stored in airtight containers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wax type | Paraffin wax, soy wax, or beeswax |
| Wax weight | 600g for 5 Star Clamshell DIY wax melts |
| Wax temperature | 175-185°F (79.4-85°C) |
| Dye | A pinch of wax dye chips or powder |
| Dye temperature | 65°C |
| Fragrance | Essential oils, fragrance oils, or blends |
| Fragrance temperature | 55-60°C (131-140°F) |
| Moulds | Silicone or clamshell |
| Cooling time | 24 hours |
| Curing time | 1-2 weeks |
| Packaging | Cello bags or jars |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing your wax type
When it comes to choosing your wax type, there are a few options to consider for making wax melts. The most commonly used waxes are paraffin wax and soy wax. Paraffin wax is derived from petroleum, while soy wax is made from hydrogenated soybean oil. Both types of wax have their own unique properties and benefits.
Paraffin wax is a popular choice for wax melts due to its high melting point and ability to retain fragrance. It is a hard wax with a high melting point, typically ranging from 120°F to 150°F (49°C to 66°C). This makes it ideal for wax melts as it allows for a slow and consistent release of fragrance. Paraffin wax is also relatively inexpensive and easy to work with, making it a cost-effective option for those new to wax melt making.
However, soy wax has gained popularity in recent years due to its natural origins and eco-friendly properties. Soy wax has a lower melting point than paraffin wax, typically melting between 120°F and 140°F (49°C and 60°C). This lower melting point gives you more time to work with the wax before it solidifies, making it a more forgiving option. Soy wax also tends to have a longer burn time than paraffin wax, resulting in wax melts that last longer. Additionally, soy wax is known for its ability to hold fragrance well, ensuring a consistent scent throw.
Beeswax is another option, although it is less commonly used compared to paraffin and soy wax. Beeswax has a higher melting point than soy wax, typically requiring temperatures above 149°F (65°C). It produces a strong and long-lasting scent throw, making it ideal for creating intensely fragrant wax melts. Beeswax also has a unique natural aroma, adding a subtle honey-like scent to your creations.
When choosing your wax type, consider factors such as melting point, ease of use, burn time, and fragrance retention. Both paraffin and soy wax are widely used and offer different advantages. Soy wax, with its lower melting point and longer burn time, might be a more suitable choice for beginners. However, if you desire a stronger scent throw, paraffin wax or even beeswax could be preferable. Ultimately, the decision depends on your specific needs and preferences, and you may need to experiment with different wax types to find the one that best suits your wax melt creations.
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Melting the wax
To melt your wax, you can use a double boiler method or a microwave. For the double boiler method, fill a medium saucepan with water and place it on the stove over medium heat. Place a metal pitcher or jug containing your wax chunks inside the saucepan. Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature, and heat the wax to 175-185°F (85°C). If using a microwave, place the wax in a glass measuring cup and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring frequently until the desired temperature is reached.
Once your wax has melted, remove it from the heat and add your desired colourant. If using wax dye chips, add a small amount and stir until fully combined. The amount of dye needed will depend on the type of wax and the desired colour intensity. Opaque waxes like soy and beeswax may require more dye to achieve darker or brighter colours.
After adding the dye, stir in your chosen fragrance oil. Gently mix the oil into the wax to avoid creating air bubbles. You can use essential oils, fragrance oils, or blends to create your desired scent. The recommended ratio is 100g of wax to 10ml of fragrance oil, but you can adjust this to your preference.
Once the dye and fragrance oil are fully incorporated, your wax is ready to be poured into moulds. However, it is important to allow the wax to cool slightly before pouring. A temperature of around 55°C to 70°C is ideal, as it will prevent sinkholes and ensure a smooth, uniform finish. Using a pouring jug and thermometer will make this step easier.
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Adding colour
Using liquid candle dye is a simple and effective way to add colour to your wax melts. These dyes are highly concentrated and only a small amount is needed to achieve a deep, vibrant colour. Liquid dyes are typically made with solvent dyes, which are oil-soluble and mix well with wax. To use, simply add a few drops of the dye to your melted wax and stir thoroughly until the colour is evenly distributed. Always add the dye a little at a time to achieve your desired shade.
Another option is to use wax dye blocks. These are solid blocks of dye that need to be melted before being added to your wax. They are also highly concentrated, so a little goes a long way. To use, melt the dye in a separate container, then add it to your melted wax and stir until the colour is evenly blended. Wax dye blocks can be more difficult to work with than liquid dyes, as it can be challenging to get an even blend, but they can create beautiful, rich colours.
One of the easiest ways to add colour is to use coloured wax. This is a simple method as the colour is already in the wax, so you don't have to worry about adding and blending dye. Coloured wax is available in a range of shades, and you can simply melt it and add your fragrance to create your wax melts. However, the colour options may be more limited with this method, and it can be more difficult to create custom shades.
Finally, you can also use mica powder to add a subtle shimmer and colour to your wax melts. Mica powder is a natural mineral pigment that comes in a variety of colours. It is important to use a mica powder that is specifically designed for use in wax, as other types may not be heat-stable and could ruin your melts. To use, simply add a small amount of mica powder to your melted wax and stir until it is fully incorporated. Mica powder can create a beautiful, iridescent effect, but it may not be as vibrant as the other dye options.
When adding colour to your wax melts, it is important to remember that less is more. Always add your colourant a little at a time to avoid making the shade too dark or intense. It is also crucial to use colourants that are specifically designed for use in wax, as other types may not mix properly or could affect the burning properties of your melts.
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Adding fragrance
When adding fragrance oil, it's important to follow the recommended usage percentage, especially when using essential oils. Start with low percentages to avoid overpowering scents. The amount of fragrance oil added can also depend on the type of wax used. For example, the recommended ratio for wax melts is 100g of wax to 10ml of fragrance oil.
To ensure the fragrance binds fully with the wax, stir the mixture gently but thoroughly. Avoid stirring too vigorously, as this can create air bubbles in the wax as it cools. Use a lollipop stick or a similar tool for stirring.
The temperature of the wax is crucial when adding fragrance. For soy wax, the recommended temperature for adding fragrance is around 85°C (185°F). Allow the wax to cool slightly before adding the fragrance oil; this helps prevent the fragrance from burning off. After adding the fragrance, continue stirring for about two minutes to ensure even distribution.
You can also experiment with adding botanicals, micas, and even glitter to enhance the appearance and scent of your wax melts. Just remember to follow the manufacturer's directions for the wax melt melter you choose to use, as curing times may vary.
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Pouring and setting
When your wax has reached the desired temperature, it's time to pour it into your moulds. If you're using a silicone mould, pour slowly to ensure you don't overfill the cavities. You can use a pouring jug for this step, and a thermometer will help you monitor the temperature of the wax. Leave some room at the top of each mould to top up any sinkholes, which will help you achieve a uniform finish.
After pouring, leave your wax melts to set and cool for at least 24 hours. If you're using a silicone mould, you can gently bend it to loosen the melts, then flip it over to release them.
For the best fragrance throw, it's recommended that you let your wax melts cure for 1-2 weeks before use. This will allow the fragrance to develop and ensure a strong scent when the melts are heated.
If you're packaging your wax melts to give as gifts or sell, you must follow the relevant CLP regulations and include the appropriate warning labels. It's also important to store your wax melts in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out or losing their scent.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need wax, fragrance oil, and a wax warmer. You can also add dye to colour your wax melts. Common types of wax used include paraffin wax and soy wax.
Soy wax is a popular choice due to its ease of use and cleanup. It has a lower melting point than other waxes, giving you more time to work with it before it solidifies. Paraffin wax is another option, but it requires less dye due to its translucency.
You can melt the wax using a double boiler or a glass measuring cup in the microwave. If using a double boiler, place the wax in a metal pitcher and sit it inside a pan of boiling water. For the microwave, heat the wax in a glass measuring cup in 1-minute intervals, stirring frequently.
Once the wax has melted, remove it from the heat and stir in your desired amount of fragrance oil. Ensure no bubbles are caused, as they can leave air bubbles in the wax as it cools. Then, add your desired amount of dye to achieve your desired colour. Stir until the dye is fully blended.
