One essential part of candle making is cooling properly to harden. Now, this process might take a long time for some candle types, and you may go impatient, but this is one necessary step to achieve the best state of your DIY candles.
The minimum time for candles to harden at room temperature is four hours and can take two weeks, depending on the wax type. Paraffin-based candles, among others, require the least curing time or hardening time.
Candles should be firm and hard when you use them, and you can achieve this by allowing them to harden properly. This article will discuss how long it will take for candles to dry. I also included activities you can do to make waiting more exciting.
Golden Rule: Different Wax Types, Different Cooling Time
The cooling time for each candle with different wax types varies for some and hardens faster than others. The term candle makers use to refer to this process is the cure time. You should note some average cooling times when cooling off using the most common wax types.
Fast Cooling Paraffin-Based Candles
Paraffin wax, among others, requires less curing time. It can harden in the mold within 24 hours at room temperature.
Most of the affordable candle options you can buy are made of paraffin wax. However, it is one type that may be emitting some harmful substances.
Paraffin wax can be ideal to use because most dyes are manufactured for this type. It also burns easier, and if you put fragrance on it, it will throw a stronger scent.
Slowly But Surely: Soy-Based Candles
Unlike paraffin wax, soywax takes time to dry. Some candles have a minimum cure time of two days and could take two weeks.
Soywax is also categorized as vegetable wax, and they harden their entire lifetime. Soy Wax crystals are influenced by time and temperature, and this is what is referred to as polymorphic.
The formation of crystals as it cures does not affect the quality of how the candle will burn but will somehow affect the aesthetic factor of the candle.
As Natural As You Can Go: Beeswax-based Candles
Beeswax candles are great candle pieces since they are true of good quality. In making beeswax, hardening may take around seven to ten days.
The light produced by beeswax candles is brighter with a flame that burns warmly. Pure beeswax candles also burn slower and have a natural scent that will make adding scents unnecessary.
Factors That Affect Candles’ Cooling Time and Quality
After pouring candles on a container, cooling will take time, leading to hardening. There will be things you have to consider to make the candles harden accordingly within the process.
Natural Qualities of the Wax
Waxes are naturally characterized by being liquid in high temperatures and solid at room temperature. It is also water-repellant and insoluble, and water and has low toxicity making it ideal for candles.
Certain reactions happen when the wax in candles hardens, such as crystallization. This process refers to the formation of crystals that contributes to the hardening over time.
Each wax type has a different cooling or hardening period, as discussed with paraffin wax having the shortest time. Just remember that the more you let the candle harden, the more it will get stiffer and burn longer.
Pouring Conditions
One technique that must be observed when allowing candles to cure or harden is the pouring conditions. There are certainly pouring methods that suit the candle wax type you are using and better ones you can learn.
This will include the temperature when the melted candle must be poured into the container. Some candles are allowed to cool off for one minute before pouring in, while some wax should be poured directly while boiling.
For instance, soy wax candles need to be cooled 10-15 degrees lower than the boiling point before pouring into jars.
Ensure that you know the correct conditions for the candles, when, and how to place them in a container to achieve a well-cured candle.
Added Ingredients
The natural candle properties are things that a candle maker should note; however, when added ingredients are used as dyes and stains, it is a part of a different equation.
Curing time does not happen quickly since the added ingredients should be set to mix in the wax well.
Fragrance or scented oils do not harden when they cool; hence scented candles are in a semi-solid state. You should take note of this to allow scented candles a longer hardening time than others, especially if made with non-paraffin wax.
Fun Things You Can Do While Waiting For The Candles To Dry
There is a truth that there is glory for those who wait but also undeniable that it is no fun to wait for a longer time, especially in candle making. Well, to make waiting less boring, here are some fun and meaningful activities you can do.
Go Over The Process
While you wait for the candles to harden, you can sit down and go over the process. Take note of the formulation you used, such as the grams of wax, the volume of scented oil, and the likes.
This will help you improve or remember the accurate measurements for your desired candle. You can also note the ideal curing time for each project you make.
Clean Your Workspace
One obvious thing to do in every project is to clean up. Yes, clean as you go. This will ensure that your workspace is clean and ready for the next time you do another project.
Cleaning can also give you the time to trace and sort your stuff, organize your tools and take note of the ingredients you have to replenish.
Compute The Costing
If you are making candles for business or personal use, it is best to take the time to compute the cost. Doing this is ideal for determining if you saved money and enough capital for candle-making.
You can develop an organized and well-allocated budget system to fit your bank, making the process more enjoyable. If you want to know if candle making is an expensive hobby, you can read this article.
Sip Some Coffee
After a job well done, you deserve a coffee break. While waiting for the candles to dry, you can make a cup of coffee or make dinner. If the candles you are curing are paraffin, then after four hours, you can check it again.
Document the Process and Take Some Photos
Nowadays, vlogging is a thing, and this can be one fun thing you can do while waiting for the candles to harden.
You can document the start of your progress, take videos and photos and edit it while waiting. You can be productive while killing time as your candle cures.
If you are making decorated candles, you have to document if you will use the footage for business.
Go on With Your Day As Planned
You do not have to stay at home while letting the candles dry; you can always go on with your plan and check on it from time to time.
You can do your laundry, buy some groceries, and do other things as you wait. This is one beauty of candle making because this will not require your whole day. You can continue doing what you have to do for your remaining time.
Explore Other Ways to Harden Candles
While waiting for your candles to dry, you can research other ways to harden candles easier or effectively. You can pop it in the refrigerator after initial hardening to facilitate the firming of the candle faster.
To do this, after melting, remove it from the stove and let it cool at around 10-15 degrees lower than the melting point. After initial cooling, you can place it in the refrigerator. Once it starts to show cooling, you can remove it and continue the cooling process at room temperature.
This method will ensure that gradual hardening happens and that the quality of the candle will still be maintained.
Conclusion
I know it is hard to estimate the time it will take for candles to harden and cure, especially for beginners, but it will be easier with the aid of resources, including this article. You have to note the optimum time according to wax types and heed experts’ advice to develop a well-cured and hardened candle. You will surely not wait in vain.
About The Author
