BW-921 Wax Melts That Smell Like Christmas Vacation

Published by Kevin Fischer on

This week we made wax melts that smell like Clark Griswold’s living room using BW-921 Pillar Soy Wax.

SUPPLIES
  • 202 g BW-921 Pillar Soy Wax
  • 12 g Blue Spruce (CandleScience)
  • 3 clamshell molds
  •  3 drops of green candle dye
  • 1 drop of blue candle dye
EQUIPMENT
  • 4 lb aluminum pour pot
  • Kitchen scale
  • Hot plate
  • Rubber spatula
  • Infrared thermometer
METHOD
  1. Using a scale, measure the weight of water in the container, making sure to subtract the empty container weight if possible.  Record as Water Weight.
  2. Calculate Total Blend Weight by multiplying Water Weight by 0.86.  This is roughly the sum of wax and fragrance to make up a single candle.
  3. Calculate Wax Weight assuming a generous 6.0% fragrance load by dividing the Total Blend Weight by 1.06.  Read more about calculating wax weight here.
  4. Fill aluminum pour pot with wax and place on heat.
  5. While wax is melting, measure 6.0% fragrance oil by multiplying the Wax Weight by 0.06 into a glass beaker, small cup, or other temporary impermeable device you wish.
  6. When wax is between 185°F and 200°F, take off heat.
  7. Add 3 drops of green, and 1 drop of blue.  Or whatever combination makes you feel like you’re freezing cold and trying to find a tree.
  8. Add fragrance oil to wax blend at or above 185°F and stir for approximately 2 minutes.
  9. At roughly 180°F, pour blend into clamshell mold.  If the blend drops below the pour temperature, place back on the heat until blend reaches proper temperature.
  10. Continue to stir and measure temperature until fragrance blend reaches 165°F, then pour into second clamshell mold.
  11. Continuing the same process as before, pour remaining wax into clamshell mold at 150°F.
  12. Cool and cure for 5-7 days in a relatively stable temperature range (68°F – 86°F) before melting or testing.
PRO NOTES
  • As the volume of wax in the pour pot diminishes, the temperature drops much faster as a result.  If you miss the pouring temperature window, don’t be afraid to place the blend back on your heat source until you’re happy.  Stir frequently to ensure an even blend temperature throughout.
  • Experiment with color combinations.  Most dyes recommend a certain amount per pound of wax.  If you’re measuring in grams:
    • 680 grams = 1.5 pounds
    • 454 grams = 1 pound
    • 227 grams = 1/2 pound
  • Don’t be afraid to play your favorite Christmas movie or music while making these.  The final product tends to look better as a result of the vibe.
  • However tempting, don’t add tree sap to your wax.