How to Make Candles Safely
Candle making can be a fun and rewarding experience. It allows you to express your creativity while making a useful decoration or a unique gift. However, before you start making candles, it is important to be aware of a few basic safety rules. This will allow you to maximize your enjoyment while candle making.
1) Make sure your stove or work area is clean before you begin. Wipe down the stove top and clear the area around it, making sure there are no flammable materials near by.
2) Have an ABC fire extinguisher near by. Though candle making can be safe and fun, it is best to be prepared for the unexpected when attempting any new craft. In the case of a fire, do not use water, which will spread the fire. Wax fires should be treated like grease fires.
3) Follow the instructions on your candle making materials. These may vary slightly between manufacturers, and it is important to use the appropriate method for the materials you are working with. For example, if the packaging instructs you to melt the wax in a double boiler, do not use a saucepan.
4) Wear protective clothing when handling hot wax. An apron will help protect your clothing from spills. Gloves or oven mitts can also protect exposed skin from hot wax. If wax is spilled on skin, quickly soak the affected area in cold water. For a small burn the wax can be peeled off. For more severe burns contact a medical professional.
5) When you start to melt the wax, begin at a low heat and then slowly raise the temperature if the wax does not melt. Most wax has a fairly low melting point, and you do not want the wax to become to hot.
6) Do not leave melting wax unattended. Wax heats quickly and can easily exceed the recommended pouring temperature.
7) If adding fragrances to your candles, be aware that they may be skin irritants. Rinse any skin that comes into contact with fragrance thoroughly with cold water.
Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for wick size. Also, make sure the materials you are using are not for decorative only candles before burning.
9) Once wax has reached recommended pouring temperature, carefully remove pan from heat. Slowly pour wax into whatever candle containers you are using. Ideally you will have set these containers in a clean clear area near your stove. Try to minimize the distance which you must move hot wax.
10) Don’t pour any leftover wax down the drain, as this can clog pipes. Instead, pour wax into a glass jar (such as an old jam container) and set aside. If you make several batches of candles you can use the leftover wax to make a multi-colored layer candle.
By following these safety guidelines, you can have an enjoyable and satisfying candle making experience. It may take a few tries to get the perfect looking candle you are aiming for, but with these tips, you are ready to get started.