Darius – Page 16 – Candle Pursuits

Candle-making is a process that involves many different steps. This includes choosing the right type of wax, choosing the right scent and color, and perhaps the most important step - allowing the candle wax to set properly. One of the most popular methods of setting candles is by placing them in the freezer. But does that really work? You can put your candles in the freezer to set them. Thin candles will set within an hour or two, whereas thicker candles can take up to 6 hours. Freezing is a common method used by many candlemakers, and it's a great way to ensure that your candles will be sturdy and long-lasting. When using this method, there are a number of do's and don'ts to keep in mind. There are also certain risks involved that you need to be aware of so that you can take the necessary precautions. In this post, we'll cover all of that and more, so that you're well on your way to making your next batch of candles as perfect as possible. 4 Reasons Why You Should Put Your Candles in The Freezer to Set There are four main reasons why putting your candles to set in the freezer is a great idea. Here they are: 1) Creates Sturdier Candles One of the reasons why people put candles in the freezer to set is because it's a very effective way to ensure that the candle wax will be solid and sturdy. When you freeze the wax, it causes it to contract - this makes the molecules tighter and more compact, which results in a harder, less brittle candle. 2) Removes Air Bubbles from The Wax Another reason why you might want to freeze your candle wax is that it can help to remove any air bubbles that may have formed in the wax. Bubbles are a common issue with candle making, and they can often cause problems with the appearance and stability of the candles. Freezing can help to get rid of these bubbles, which will give your candles a more polished and professional appearance. Note - The wax has to be frozen at a slow, steady rate. This gives enough time for the trapped air to escape the wax as it cools down. If your wax is frozen too quickly, it will trap the air bubbles further and may lead to cracks. 3) Easily Remove Candles from Their Molds Freezing a candle allows you to easily remove the candle from its mold. As the wax shrinks due to the cold, it will peel away from the sides of the mold quite smoothly. This can be a big help if you're struggling to get your candles out - simply pop them in the freezer for a little while, and they'll come right out. No messy wax residue or broken candles ever! 4) Candles Burn Longer When Cold Lastly, another benefit of freezing your candles is that they will burn for a longer period of time when they're cold. When starting out at a lower temperature, the wax will take longer to reach its melting point. This means that you'll get more out of your candles, and they'll last longer too. Do's and Don'ts When Freezing Candles There are a few important do's and don'ts that you need to keep in mind when freezing your candles. Take a look at them. Do'sDon’tsIf possible, place your candles in a Ziploc bag or other airtight containers before freezing. This will help to prevent them from absorbing any unwanted smells or flavors from the freezer.Don't put candles in the freezer that still have wicks attached, especially if there's moisture. Freezing the wick can cause it to break, which will make it difficult or impossible to light the candle.Freeze your candles slowly and steadily. Rapid changes in temperature can cause the wax to warp or melt, which will ruin your candles.Don't put scented candles in the freezer. The intense cold will cause the scent to dissipate, and it may not come back even after thawing.Allow enough time for the candles to thaw before lighting them. If you try to light a candle that has just come out of the freezer, the heat will cause it to melt quickly and unevenly. This can result in a candle that's difficult to light, and which may not burn properly.Don't try to freeze pillars or very large candles. The extreme size and weight of these candles can cause them to crack or even shatter when frozen.Store your candles in a moisture-free environment. If they're stored in an area with high levels of humidity, the water will condense on the surface of the wax and cause it to spoil.Don't try and remove the wick from a frozen candle, as this can cause cracks to form within the candle.Label the candles that have already been set in the freezer. This will help to ensure that you don't accidentally try to freeze them again!Don't place your candles directly on the freezer shelf. This can cause them to become attached to the freezer, which will make them difficult to remove. What Other Ways Are There to Set Candles? Although placing candles in the freezer to set is the preferred method for a lot of candlemakers, there are a few who swear by another innovative process - a water bath. It's said that using a water bath to set candles will reduce the setting time considerably and give your candles a glossy, beautiful finish. We'll take you through the process so that you can test it out and see whether it works for you! What you'll need: Candles poured into their molds.A vessel (should be wider and taller than the candle molds).Water (at a temperature of around 59° Fahrenheit). Instructions: 1. Place your candles along with their molds into the vessel. Weigh them down with something heavy, such as a box or a book. 2. Pour water up to 3/4th of the vessel. It should reach the top of the mold, yet not touch the weight that you have kept. 3. Let the candles set for an hour or so. If your candles are thin, they'll usually set within half an hour. 4. Take the candles out and check whether they have been properly set. If you want, you can pour more liquid wax into the mold and repeat the same process until you have the full candle ready! There you have it! An alternative to setting candles in the freezer that works just as same, if not better. We suggest testing both methods out and seeing which one works better for you! FAQs Here are some of the most commonly asked questions regarding the process of setting candles in the freezer: Q1) How long do you leave candles to set? A. If you're setting your candles in the freezer, they should be done in about an hour (or more for thicker candles). If you're using the water bath method, they'll be done within half an hour. Finally, if you prefer going the traditional way of setting candles on a wire rack, they'll be done in 24-48 hours. Q2) Will candles crack in the cold? A. If your candles are cooled too quickly, there are chances that they might crack. This is why you should always make sure that while cooling candles, it's done at a gradual, steady pace. Final Thoughts Candles are a beautiful way to add ambiance and atmosphere to any room. They can also be a great way to relax and de-stress after a long day. However, sometimes getting them to set just right can be a bit of a challenge. We hope that this article has helped to clear some of the confusion and given you a few ideas on how to set your candles perfectly! Happy candle-making!