Candles nowadays are not an essential product in our daily life. But in recent times demand for candles has increased substantially. Candles are nowadays considered as works of art, to be proudly displayed in the house. Varieties of candles are pouring into the market such as colored candles, scented candles, shells, bubbles, shaped candles, candle embellishments with beads and many more. With new techniques and innovative ideas candle making is really blossoming.
Candle making is an age-old art. Candles are manufactured in multiple ways. It can be produced through dipped, rolled, molded, layered or sculptured process. It is a time consuming process but the manufacturing costs are low. The ingredients and equipments that are required to manufacture candles are given below:
Paraffin Wax: This is the main constituent of candles.
Melting System: The wax is melted in this system.
Thermometer: Thermometer measures the temperature of the wax. A special thermometer, which has a covering scale of 38C-177C, called Candy Thermometer, is used to measure the temperature of wax.
Scales: Scales measure the amount of water and wax.
Ladle and Spoons: These are used for stirring and pouring wax.
Wick: In the market there are a variety of wicks available for different sizes and types of candles. Nowadays wicks are manufactured after a chemical treatment. It helps wicks to burn longer and brighter.
Color Dyes and Stearic Acid: Wax is naturally soft. So stearic acid is used to provide solidity to the candle. It also helps the candle to shrink so that candles can release from their molds easily. Color dyes are used to provide colors in the candle.
Molds: Molds come in different shapes and sizes. The manufacturer can choose the one they want.
Method: Take a suitable wick for the mold. Suspend the wick in the center of the mold. In a pot dissolve stearic acid and color dye. Then heat the wax. When the temperature reaches 130 degrees the paraffin starts to melt. When the temperature reaches 190 degrees combine the stearic mixture with paraffin. Stir and blend them well at the maintained temperature of 190 degrees. Pour the mixture in the mold and let it be cooled. When it cools remove it from the mold. And your candle is ready.
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