How to Make Layered Candles: A Step-by-Step Guide

Click on video above to watch! 

Are you ready to elevate your candle-making skills? In this blog, we will explore how to make layered candles, focusing on the delightful 'Berries & Bubbly' design. This guide will provide you with essential tips, techniques, and resources to create stunning layered candles that are perfect for any occasion.

Introduction to Layered Candles

The making of layered candles is a very fantastic way to upgrade the creativity in your candle-making. They give you the chance of blending different scents and colors that create both fragrant and attractive inventions. The ability to design layered candles is a perfect way to show your friends and family clothing fashion that is authentic to you. This method is not only the one that stands by itself, but it can also be used in different occasions and themes, therefore, it makes the idea of adding it to your candle-making a really good one.

Choosing Scent Combinations

Choosing the correct scent combinations is the main thing for layered candles. Each layer needs to be different and should give additional value to the other layers. Consider using a top, middle, and base note for a balanced mix. For example, fruity scents can be a companion to floral or sweet notes thus, forming a scent that is the best of both worlds and transforming into a magic aroma as the candle burns.

• Top Note: This is the initial scent you perceive when the candle is lit. It should be bright and uplifting.
• Middle Note: Often referred to as the heart of the candle, this scent emerges after the top note fades. It adds depth and richness.
• Base Note: This note lingers the longest and provides a lasting impression. It often includes warm and earthy scents.

Try various mixes in order to discover what appeals to you most. Testing is the most effective way; prepare little quantities to understand how the fragrances mix when burnt jointly.

Supplies Needed for Layered Candles

In order to craft elegant multi-layer candles, you will have to gather the necessary items. The following is a complete enumeration:

• Candle Wax: Choose a wax that suits your needs, such as soy, paraffin, or coconut wax.
• Fragrance Oils: Select high-quality fragrance oils that are suitable for candle making.
• Dye Blocks or Liquid Dyes: To achieve vibrant colors for each layer.
• Wicks: Choose the appropriate wick size based on your jar dimensions.
• Measuring Tools: A scale for wax and fragrance, measuring cups, and a thermometer are essential.
• Pouring Pitcher: For melting and pouring the wax.
• Stirring Utensil: A spatula or spoon to mix the wax and fragrance.
• Candle Jars: Select jars that match your theme and size preference.

The making of candles will be more efficient and successful with the right materials readily available.

Understanding Color Techniques

The charm of the layered candles is indeed very much due to the different colors. The various waxes are the ones that operate with the dyes and thus influence the final shade of the candle. Here are a few tips, which will help you, to get your favorite set of candle colors:

• Start Small: Begin with a small amount of dye and gradually increase to avoid overpowering the wax.
• Test Colors: Dip a paper towel into the melted wax to see how the color appears once solidified.
• Consider Wax Type: Soy wax may yield lighter colors, while paraffin can produce richer hues.
• Layering Colors: Ensure each layer has time to cool before pouring the next to maintain distinct lines.

Colors playing the experimental game can make your candles more eye-catching.

Calculating Wax and Fragrance Amounts

Layered candles are made by calculating the right amount of materials. The first step is to measure the full capacity of the candle, that is the size of the container, and then divide it by the number of segments you plan to make. For instance, if your candle jar holds 10 ounces and you want to make three layers, each layer should be approximately 3.33 ounces.

After determining the volume for each layer, you can find out the amount of oil to be added for the specific scent profile (usually 6-10% of the wax weight). This is the right step that offers you a nice-smelling candle that not only smells great but also has a good burn.

A candle calculator that utilizes this feature would be able to simplify the process for you. You can set your desired parameters and have the precise measurements for wax and fragrance automatically generated for you.

Wicking Your Candles

The evenly and effectively burning of layered candles is completely dependent on the right wicking step. For good combustion, it is a must to use the right size wick, which can also protect your candle from issues like tunneling or soot. Below are a few wicking instructions:

• Choose the Right Wick: Start with the manufacturer’s recommendation for your jar size and then test one size up and one down.
• Conduct Burn Tests: Make test candles with different wick sizes to determine which provides the best burn performance.
• Keep Wicks Centered: Use wick holders or centering tools to ensure the wick remains straight during the cooling process.
• Monitor Burn Time: Observe how the candle burns to make adjustments for future layers.

The key to high-quality layered candles that burn delightfully is the careful choice and testing of wicks.

Making the First Layer

To start off your layered candle, the first layer is crucial. For our 'Berries & Bubbly' candle, we will use a champagne scent paired with a vibrant red color. Begin by measuring out 1.6 ounces of the champagne toast fragrance oil. This ensures a consistent scent throughout the candle.

Start by measuring the amount of soy wax required, which is 1 pound plus 2.4 ounces, with the help of a pouring pitcher. Place the wax on the heater and maintain the temperature until it reaches approximately 190°F. After the wax has been heated sufficiently, incorporate a block of red dye to attain the color saturation you want. It is necessary to ensure that the dye completely gets melted in the wax.

When the colorant is fully combined, add the fragrance oil gradually while still stirring continuously. This practice aids in the wax temperature preservation and ensures the fragrance is uniformly disseminated. Stir for around two minutes and then allow the mixture to cool down to about 135°F which is favorable for pouring.

When you are ready, slowly pour the wax into the prepared candle jars. Each jar should be filled around an inch and a half high. To avoid splashing and ensure a neat edge, pour the wax slowly. Let this layer cool and solidify for approximately 30 to 45 minutes.

Cleaning and Preparing for Next Layers

Once the first layer has hardened, it's time to move on to the next layer preparation. This action is a prerequisite for well-defined color transitions. Qualitatively analyze the edges of the first layer if there are any wax spillages.

A Q-tip or a paper towel slightly moist with isopropyl alcohol can be utilized to wipe off any wax that may have been left on the sides of the jar. This is an essential step to create the next layer correctly while the current one remains completely intact.

First of all, once edges are clean, re-center the wick if necessary. A straight wick is vital for an even burn. Let the initial layer dry completely before proceeding to the next step. This might take another 10 minutes, based on the temperature of the room you are in.

Making the Second Layer

The second layer will be a black currant scent with a soft pink color. To start with, you need to measure about 1.6 ounces of the black currant and jasmine fragrance oil. Next, prepare another batch of wax and this time again measure 1 pound and 2.4 ounces.

Melt the wax to a temperature of 190°F and put in a pink dye block to this wax mixture which you will fully dissolve. Like the first layer, you should gradually mix in the fragrance oil while stirring to ensure that the temperature and distribution are even.

Allow the mixture to cool off to approximately 135°F. After the temperature reaches the required level, slowly and carefully pour the pink wax over the first layer. You should pour in a gentle manner to prevent disturbing the first layer. Each jar should be filled roughly two-thirds full with the mixture, and this layer must be allowed to cool for an additional 30 to 45 minutes.

Making the Final Layer

Your multi-layered candle will get the finishing touch from the final layer, which will be a sugary sweet pink scent. First, pour the wax and measure 1.6 ounces of pink sugar crystals fragrance oil. Prepare the wax as you did it before.

Once again, you need to weigh 1 pound and 2.4 ounces of soy wax and then heat it to 190°F. This time, it is suggested that you use a smaller piece of the pink dye block to achieve a lighter hue. Afterward, you can mix the dye into the wax until it is completely melted.

After the dye is combined, gradually introduce the fragrance oil while mixing. Wait until the wax cools down to about 135°F before you pour it. Be careful to fill each jar to the brim, the final layer being the only one poured in. Let this layer harmonize completely, which could take an hour or more.

Final Touches and Tips

After all the layers have been built, the only thing left is to add the final touches. Cut off the wicks so that they protrude from the wax surface only about 1/4 inch. This will not only ensure a clean burn but also will not allow air to mix with the wax and create excessive soot.

Should you find any defects, like frosting or wet spots, a quick run with a heat gun can assist in solving the problem. Nevertheless, steer clear of the sides of the jars being heated to avoid the layer blending.

Let your candles sit for at least 24 hours before lighting them. This way the fragrances fuse together in a more perfumed manner as well as the overall aroma boosting it. To sum it up, you can use these magnificent layered candles or gift them to your friends and family!

Be willing to properly open your door to new experiences. Do not be afraid to try out tangy mixed colors and fragrances until you find your signature style. Starting your journey into candle-making by learning how to layer would mean virtually all the possibilities of creation are open to you!

#1 Candle Making Course

We're gonna assist you in crafting amazing candles that you can put up for selling! $

Learn More