As a modern gentleman, I appreciate the finer things in life – a well-tailored suit, a smooth whiskey, and the warm ambiance of a scented candle. While candles are often associated with a feminine touch, I believe every man should have a go-to candle that reflects his personal style.
The good news is, with a few simple supplies and techniques, you can easily make your own masculine scented candles at home.
In this article, I’ll walk you through the process step-by-step. We’ll cover everything from selecting a manly fragrance to pouring the perfect candle. So grab your supplies and let’s get started on this DIY project that will leave your space smelling great and showcase your chivalrous spirit.
Gathering Your Candle Making Supplies
Essential Tools
Before you begin, make sure you have these must-have candle making tools on hand:
- Double boiler or makeshift double boiler (a pot and heat-safe bowl)
- Thermometer
- Stirring utensils
- Wick holders or chopsticks
- Wick trimmer
Selecting Your Wax
The type of wax you choose will impact the final look and burn of your candle. Here are a few options well-suited for this project:
Soy Wax
Soy wax is eco-friendly, burns cleanly and throws off scent well. It’s my personal go-to for candle making.
Beeswax
If you want an all-natural option with a subtle honey scent, beeswax is a great choice. Keep in mind it has a lower scent throw than other waxes.
Paraffin Wax
Paraffin is a classic candle making wax that is affordable and offers a good scent throw. However, some argue it is less eco-friendly.
For this tutorial, I recommend using soy wax or beeswax for a more natural candle. You can find high quality candle wax from this link.
Wicks and Containers
Be sure to select wicks and containers appropriate for the size of candle you want to make. I like using tins or heavy glass jars for a rustic, masculine look.
Choosing a Masculine Fragrance
Essential Oils
Using pure essential oils is a great way to scent your candles naturally. Some manly essential oil options include:
- Cedarwood
- Pine
- Sandalwood
- Bergamot
- Frankincense
Blending Essential Oils
Don’t be afraid to mix and match essential oils to create a custom scent. A few drops of vanilla or orange added to woodsy oils adds a nice depth and sweetness.
Fragrance Oils
Fragrance oils are synthetic oils designed for candle making. They tend to have a stronger scent than essential oils. Some masculine fragrance oil ideas are:
- Leather
- Tobacco and vanilla
- Teakwood
- Whiskey
- Mahogany
Preparing Your Candle Containers
Cleaning
Ensure your candle tins or jars are clean and free from any dust or debris. Give them a quick wash with soap and water and allow them to fully dry.
Securing the Wick
Gluing
Use a small amount of hot glue or wick stickers to adhere the wick to the bottom center of your container.
Wick Holders
Slide a wick holder or chopsticks over the wick to keep it centered while pouring your candle.
Melting and Pouring the Wax
Fill a pot with a few inches of water and bring to a simmer. Place your wax in a heat safe bowl and set over the steaming water, stirring until fully melted.
Adding Fragrance
Fragrance Load
Most waxes can hold about 1 oz of fragrance oil per 1 pound of wax. Start with less and add more according to your preference.
Stirring
Remove the wax from heat and let cool slightly before adding your fragrance. Stir gently but thoroughly to fully incorporate the scent.
Pouring
Carefully pour the scented wax into your prepared containers. Hold the wick centered and steady as you pour.
Curing and Finishing Your Candle
Curing Time
Allow your candle to cool and cure for at least 24 hours in a cool, dry place. This allows the wax to set and the fragrance to fully bind.
Trimming the Wick
Once your candle is fully cured, trim the wick to about 1/4 inch before burning. This ensures a clean, even burn.
Candle Care and Safety Tips
- Burn your candles for no more than 4 hours at a time.
- Never leave a burning candle unattended.
- Keep candles away from drafts, flammable objects, children and pets.
- Discontinue use once only 1/2 inch of wax remains.
Conclusion
Making your own masculine scented candles is a rewarding and enjoyable project. With a little patience and practice, you’ll be crafting candles that rival any store-bought option.
I encourage you to get creative with your fragrance and container choices to really personalize your candles. Whether you prefer woodsy, spicy or clean scents, the perfect manly candle is just a DIY away.
I hope this guide has inspired you to give candle making a try. Trust me, your nose and your home will thank you. Stay charming, my friends!
