~Tips & Tricks for making perfect wax melts~
One of the #1 questions I'm asked is
"How do you make your wax melts?" and "Do you have any tips and tricks you could share?"
Well I sure do!
Making wax melts may seem way too easy, and I'm here to help it stay that way; so we're going to cover EVERYTHING. The scent throw, the perfect wax, the coloring, the duration of the scent throw... we're going to discuss it all!
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First off, let's discuss the basics.
There are a LOT of things to consider when choosing the right materials to get started on your melt-making journey. You'll want to ask yourself questions such as...
~Are you looking to make melts in clamshells,
or molded melts that you plan to pop out of tart molds and package?
~Are you wanting bold color, mild color, or no color at all?
~Are you wanting a wax that leaves a smooth surface after cooling, or perhaps you'd like it to have a bit of frosting?
~How long would you like the scent throw of your melts to last?
All of the questions above point to one big decision...
You need the PERFECT wax for the job!
~Wax & Duration of scent throw~
Paraffin waxes tend to hold scent longer than soy wax. Soy wax breaks down much more rapidly than paraffin wax, leaving the scent throw strong, but for a lesser amount of time when it comes to wax melts. A paraffin blend wax melt may last up to as much as 20 hours, while 100% soy melts may last only up to the 5-8 hour range depending in the fragrance. Straight paraffin waxes may be nice for some, but there is one thing that is sometimes the last thing that comes to mind too late... melting. These melts need to actually melt right? Straight paraffin waxes tend to be pretty hard, while having greater melt point than paraffin/soy blended waxes.
There is a large array of wax tart warmers on the market today. Some electric warmers have heated plates that have removable bowls to set the wax in, while other electric warmers rely on a small heat-producing light bulb. While the heated plate type warmers may be hot enough to melt and entire wax melt made of straight paraffin, that isn't always the case for a light bulb-type warmer.
And let me tell you... there is no customer like the angry customer that will come back if the wax melts they purchased, don't melt.
I always recommend trying a paraffin blend/soy blended wax to steer clear of situations like this.
We have several variations to choose from, however
I really recommend using our EZ Parasoy wax for clamshell molds.
Amazing scent throw, color retention... not to mention this wax leaves a creamy smooth finish to melts, which is extremely appealing to the eye.
Give it a try, and see why so many customers LOVE this wax for clamshells.
Q: "Why isn't the EZ Parasoy wax able to be used for molded wax melts?"
A: "The EZ Parasoy wax is a fairly soft wax. Not quite as soft and crumbly as 100% soy can be, but it is much softer than a paraffin wax. When packaging molded melts made with this wax, the wax tends to "smear" the clear plastic bags, or storage boxes. Because of this, I don't recommend this wax being used for molded melts, as the wax is a bit too fragile for such use."
Q: "What wax can be used for making molded wax melts?"
A: The IGI 4794 is a great choice for making molded wax melts. This wax has a smooth, creamy, opaque appearance, and will leave a matte finish.
Scent throw. And lots of it!!!
Scent throw can be a touchy topic for candle makers. There is much to be said about the different techniques that are used to get that oh-so-perfectly strong scent throw that the makers and customers long for.
You'll come to realize that wax is going to be your sole platform for making great melts.
Your "home base" of melt making so to speak.
Scent throw is off when you're doing everything by the book?... Try a different wax!
Color won't hold no matter what you do?... Try a different wax!
You just can't get that darn frosting to go away?... Try a different wax!
The wax is just too soft to keep its shape for molded melts?... Try a different wax!
You get the idea.
Most waxes are recommended to be used at 6%... in candle making.
But we're not making candles, are we now.. so if you're not satisfied with the scent throw at 6%, check the specific ranges for the wax you are using and bump it up. If you've been testing at 6%, but your wax has a max fragrance capacity of 9%, bump it up to 9% and see where that takes you. Better? Worse? Same? It's all about testing. Trust your nose!
If you can't smell it, chances are your customers won't either.
Speaking of maximum usage.. little known fact time!
Using too much fragrance in wax may not sound like a bad idea, but using too much fragrance, can actually drown out the smell all together! No joking here. Really.
Time and time again I have comments made to me how a customer is adding a LOT of fragrance to their wax and is just having no scent throw.
In these situations, I always recommend to bring it back to basics with their testing. Back it up to a stable 6% again and see what the difference is. Better? Worse? Same?
~Pouring Temperature~
Pouring temp plays a big role in making appealing clamshell packaged wax melts.
Pour your wax too hot into the mold, and it will actually melt the entire plastic mold. Not... fun.
No matter what wax you are using, pour no hotter than 160°F, to avoid melting the packaging.
~Achieving a smooth finish~
Depending what wax you plan to use, some waxes require what's called a "repour". A repour is a second pouring of wax, after the first pour has cooled and dents in the wax (sink holes) are visible, causing the wax to need a second "repour" in order to leave a smooth surface. This is quite common in candles, however it sometimes happens also with making wax melts. If you happen to ever encounter a situation where your melts are left with sink holes after they have cooled, instead of pouring an entire new layer of wax to smooth the surface, try using a Craft Heat Gun. Heat guns heat at a fast pace, while not having such a wind force behind them like a blow dryer does. I have actually heard of a couple customers using a hair blow dryer to heat the surface of the wax to smooth it out, but it does not typically end well, for obvious reasons of wax being blown everywhere. :)
~Frosty finish~
If you are looking to achieve a "frosty finish" (snow-like appearance) on your melts, you're in luck! Our 100% soy EzSoy wax tends to "frost" quite a bit more than other comparable waxes when poured at a higher temperature. The frosted look is quite popular around the holidays, with no additives needed! Pouring into the clamshell molds when this wax is a bit hotter, rather than when the wax is in the "slushy" cooling stage, will help achieve this "frosty" look.
Using this method, with the Frost Bite fragrance is perfect for a Christmas Craft Show!
~Wax Melts Packaging~
There are several different kinds of wax melts packaging options on the market today, and we happen to carry quite a few of them!
Clamshell Molds are one of the #1 mold packaging options available. They're easy to use, they are a nice handy size that fits in your hand, and they seal in all of the yummy wax melt fragrances for years (literally) until they are opened.
Foil Cups: Remember seeing those little mini cupcake foil cups in the baking isle at the store? They happen to make super cute wax melt packaging! Fill up a few, and package them in a clear back, sealed with a twist tie for an attractive gift.
Wax Brittle Boxes: This is a newer form of packaging, that has become quite popular. Fill a clear plastic cello bag with molded wax melts or crumbled wax melts, and seal the bag within the brittle box. These stack nicely and make for a memorable palm-sized gift for any event.
Clear Plastic Cello Bags: Cello Bags are an excellent way to cost-effectively package your wax melts. We offer a variety of sizes, with features such as hanging holes, to fit you specific needs.
Souffle Cups: These plastic souffle cups are a fantastic idea for individual melts. They come with matching lids, and look absolutely wonderful in a basket filled with a variety of colors. Price them 10/$6.00, etc for a nice profit at a craft show or farmer's market.
~Storing Wax Melts~
When packaging molded wax melts, I've heard of customers often times using our clear plastic air-tight Cello Bags to package their wax melts. Storing the melts in a cool, dry, dark place within an air-tight storage container is the best possible way of storing wax melts. This also helps ensure that your wax melts last for as long as possible before they are used or sold.
~Safety Warning Labeling!~
Last but not least of the topics I wanted to be sure to cover here, is safety warning labels for these items. It is extremely important that you label each and every one of your wax melt packages with a simple warning label to ensure proper warnings and safety advisories have been mentioned for all customers, or anyone who may handle and use your wax melts after they are given away or sold.
PLEASE look through and select one of our many
Warning Label options
to keep both yourself and your customers safe.
We offer both white labels, as well as kraft brown to suit your labeling needs.
Thank you!
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I hope to have covered a few things that you may have been wondering about, as you venture onto making superior wax melts. As I gather more helpful info, I will always be adding information to this blog to help everyone learn as much as they possibly can, to make the best product possible.
PLEASE let me know if there are any questions that you may still have, or any advise that I may be able to give, to help you succeed.
As always, if there is a topic that you would like to see a blog about, we would love to hear from you!
Please send us an email with your request to info@candlesupply.com
Happy Wax Melt Making!
~Elya
