Unsure on how to make coconut wax container candles? It’s probably one of the easiest type of candles to make.
Although candle-making is quite simple and can be done by beginners, there are some things you should know to make the perfect candles.
In this article, I’ll share more on how you can get started making coconut wax container candles on your own and what you’ll need.
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. This means I may earn a small commission (at no cost to you) if you sign up for a program or make a purchase using my link!
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Why Coconut Wax?
If it’s your first time using coconut wax to make candles, you’re probably a little confused. Not all candles in the market are made of coconut wax and most are made of either paraffin or soy wax.
Unlike paraffin that is made from petroleum, coconut wax is derived from hydrogenated coconut oil which comes from the fruit of a coconut tree. It is a renewable and sustainable resource, which is also biodegradable i.e. decomposes easily when disposed.
Candle enthusiasts also prefers coconut wax candles as they burn cleanly and produces minimal soot. It also has a lower melting point, which allows it to burn slower and longer than other waxes. This means you get more hours of enjoyment from your candles.
If you’re interested in making scented candles, using coconut wax can be better than using soy wax. Coconut wax has an excellent scent throw and holds fragrance oils well. You’ll be able to enjoy your candles for longer, ensuring that the scent fills the room with a delightful aroma from start to finish.
How to Make Coconut Container Candles
Materials and Tools Needed
- Coconut wax: Best to use high-quality 100% pure coconut wax.
- Candle containers: Choose containers that can withstand heat like mason jars, tins, and glass jars. Clean and dry them before you start.
- Candle wicks: Use either cotton or wooden wick, choose a size that matches the diameter of your container. Include wick stickers to secure your wicks to the bottom of the jar.
- Fragrance oils: Add oils that are specifically designed for candle making.
- Digital scale: To measure the wax and fragrance oils for exact amount.
- Metal spoon: Used to stir the wax and fragrance oils for a balanced blend.
- Candle pitcher: Metal jug to hold wax while it melts using double boiling method and for pouring.
- Digital thermometer: To monitor temperature of the wax.
- Gloves and goggles: Always prioritize safety while making your candles.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Coconut Wax Candles
- Prepare your work area: Set up a clean, flat workspace and use newspaper or a silicone mat to catch any spills. Best to assemble all materials and tools as candle-making is a delicate process.
- Measure your wax to melt: Using a digital scale, measure the amount of wax needed for the number of container candles you’re making and place it in a metal pitcher.
- Melt wax in double boiler: Using double boiling method, place the metal pitcher over a pot of simmering water. Use a metal spoon to stir the wax until fully melted.
- Prepare the containers and wicks: While the wax is melting, clean and dry your containers. Prepare them by attaching the wicks to the bottom of each container using adhesive.
- Add fragrance oils (optional): When the wax is fully melted at the right temperature, remove it from heat and let it cool to about 185°F (85°C). Add your fragrance oils at about 6-10% of the total wax weight and stir gently to incorporate the oils.
- Pour the wax: Slowly pour the wax into your prepared containers to avoid air bubbles. Make sure to leave a little space at the top of each container.
- Allow candles to set: Let the candles cool and set completely, which can take several hours. Avoid moving the candles.
- Light your candles: Best to use your coconut wax candles after 14 days of curing to enjoy a strong scent.
Read: How to make coconut shell candles
5 Types of Containers You Can Use for Candle-making
When making coconut wax candles, it’s essential to use containers that are 100% safe and heat-resistant.
These are five types of containers that are safe to use for making coconut wax candles:
- Glass Jars:
- Mason Jars
- Apothecary Jars
- Tumblers
- Votive Holders
- Ceramic Containers:
- Teacups
- Bowls
- Decorative Pots
- Metal Tins:
- Travel Tins
- Decorative Tins
- Lidded Tins
- Coconut Shells:
- Whole Halves
- Polished Halves
- Stone Containers:
- Marble Pots
- Soapstone Vessels
These containers are known for their heat resistance and stability, making them safe options for candle making. Always ensure that containers are clean, dry, stable and free from any cracks or defects before using them for your candles.
Read: How to make coconut shell candles
Tips for the Perfect Coconut Wax Candles
Here are some things you’ll need to keep an eye on when making your candles.
- Proper wick placement: For an even burn, your wicks must be properly centered. Use a wick holder or wick sticker to keep it in place (before pouring wax) while the wax sets.
- Avoiding air bubbles: To minimize air bubbles, pour the wax slowly and at a steady temperature. Gently tap the container on the counter to release if there’s any bubbles.
- Optimal cooling conditions: Let your candles cool at room temperature. Avoid placing them in the fridge or freezer, as rapid cooling can cause the wax to crack.
How to Avoid Common Mistakes
Here are some common issues you might face and what you should do about it.
- Overheating the wax: This will cause the wax to degrade and lose its scent throw. Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature and avoid heating it above 200°F (93°C).
- Incorrect wick size: The wrong wick size can lead to poor burning performance. Make sure to match the wick size to the diameter of your container.
- Poor fragrance oil incorporation: Adding fragrance oils at the wrong temperature can affect the scent throw. Follow recommended temperature, usually around 185°F (85°C).
How to Make Coconut Wax Container Candles to Sell
While making coconut wax container candles seem like a doable process for most, selling them involves another set of challenges. The steps I’ve provided above will help you to make your first batch of coconut wax container candles and it’s best that you perfect your products before deciding to sell them.
If you’re on a tight budget, you can start selling while also work on building your inventory at the same time. Get help from family if possible to better manage your small business.
Selling online on platforms like Etsy is the easiest way to start that also does not involve much cost. You should still learn on how to market your products on the platform and how to manage your Etsy store.
Using social media like Instagram or TikTok should help you get exposure faster which is important for small businesses in the early stages.
Consider enhancing your products with attractive labels to showcase your brand and invest in good packaging if you’re selling online. Your candles need the extra protection when they’re shipped!
How to Make Coconut Wax Container Candles with Essential Oils
Many confuse between fragrance oils and essential oils – but there are prominent differences between the two.
You can read more on how fragrance oils and essential oils are used in candle-making here.
Although essentials oils can be used for making candles, it’s best that you read through the manufacturer guidelines of the product you’re using. Not all are the same and you’ll have to pick ones that are safe for candle-making – also, blends well with coconut wax.
Follow the same steps I’ve shared above and just change the fragrance oils to essential oils. Similarly, it’s best that you leave your scented candles to cure for about 14 days for optimal scent throw and performance.
Bottom Line
It’s always fun to explore your first candle-making project, especially when you’re doing it with your family and friends. Just be sure to put your safety first and follow safety guidelines when handling your candles.
You can customize your coconut wax container candles to include color dyes to make it even more interesting. Test out with different fragrances and scent combinations to find the one that suits you best.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Coconut wax is excellent for container candles. Its smooth texture and clean-burning properties make it a popular choice for container candles, where the wax is poured into a vessel. Coconut wax adheres well to containers, providing an even and consistent burn. It also offers a good scent throw, meaning it disperses fragrance effectively throughout the burn. However, coconut wax has a lower melting point, so it is often blended with other waxes, like soy, to enhance its firmness and stability in containers.
You can use pure coconut wax for candles. It is a natural, eco-friendly option known for its clean burn and minimal soot production. However, pure coconut wax can be softer and may have a lower melting point, which might affect the candle’s firmness and burn performance. Many candle makers blend coconut wax with other waxes, like soy or beeswax, to achieve a firmer consistency and optimize the scent throw and burn time.
Coconut wax candles can have a comparable burn time to other high-quality waxes. The burn time of a coconut wax candle depends on factors like the wax blend, wick size, and candle formulation. While coconut wax burns cleanly and evenly, its lower melting point means it may not be as durable in very hot conditions. For longer burn times, blending coconut wax with other waxes can enhance its performance.
For optimal results, fragrance oils should be added to coconut wax at around 180-185°F (82-85°C). Adding fragrance at this temperature ensures that the wax is hot enough to fully incorporate the scent oils, which improves the candle’s overall fragrance throw. Adding fragrance too early can result in poor scent distribution, while adding it too late may cause the wax to cool and affect the blend. Always check the specific instructions provided with your fragrance oil for the best results.
