At Skär Organics, every candle is made by hand and falls into one of two categories: hand-poured or hand-dipped. Each candle undergoes rigorous testing in a variety of conditions to ensure it meets our high standards. A beeswax candle might seem simple, but matching the right type of wax with the right wick is a delicate art, especially when working within the boundaries of certified organic materials.
One of the greatest challenges we’ve faced is sourcing the right kind of technical wick that aligns with our organic certification. Early in our journey, we improvised with organic cotton to create our own solution. This limited our range initially, but it also inspired us to develop unique techniques to expand it. Let’s take a closer look at the two methods we use to craft our candles.
Hand-Poured Beeswax Candles
In our hand-poured range, we create pillar candles, votives, tealights, and aromatherapy candles. Each type requires careful attention to wax temperature and technique to achieve a flawless finish and optimal performance.
Wax Temperature
Temperature control is crucial when pouring beeswax. If the wax is too hot, it becomes difficult to extract the candles from their moulds. If it’s too cool, bubbles can form on the surface of the votives and tealights. For our aromatherapy candles, we pour at an even cooler temperature to preserve the potency of the essential oils.
Pillar Candle Technique
Our pillar candles demand a specialist technique to ensure they are both beautiful and easy to remove from the moulds. We avoid using any lubricants as they would compromise the purity of the candle and require listing as an ingredient. Instead, we’ve perfected a method that balances wax temperature, cooling time, and pouring precision. The result is a candle with minimal blemishes and a pristine finish.
Hand-Dipped Candles
Our hand-dipped collection includes Dinner, Slim Dinner, Stubby, and Twisted candles. While the principles for creating these candles are similar, each type requires subtle adjustments to ensure the perfect finish.
Beeswax Temperature
For dipped candles, we work with beeswax at a slightly higher temperature than for poured candles. This ensures a smooth finish and helps the layers of wax adhere seamlessly, reducing the likelihood of surface bubbles.
Dipping Technique
The process begins with threading the appropriate wick onto a dipping basket. The basket is then lowered into molten beeswax, held for two seconds, and lifted quickly. Depending on the basket size, we can dip up to 114 candles at a time.
Initially, we allow the candles to cool for 2–3 minutes between dips. As the layers build and the candles thicken, the cooling time increases to prevent overheating. This adjustment is critical to avoid ripples and ensure even wax build-up. The dipping and cooling cycle continues until the desired thickness is achieved, with calipers used to check accuracy.
Layer Testing and Redipping
Once the candles reach the required thickness, we test each layer for uniformity. Inner layers often retain more heat, which can slow wax build-up. These layers may need to be redipped to ensure consistency. Timing is critical here; if the candles cool too much before redipping, the new layer of wax may not adhere properly, leading to bubbles or uneven surfaces.
Craftsmanship in Every Candle
Whether poured or dipped, each candle is a testament to our commitment to craftsmanship and quality. Every step, from selecting the wick to the final inspection, reflects our dedication to creating candles that are as beautiful as they are functional. Explore our collection and experience the difference of Skar Organics.