Scented wax tarts, or melts as they’re sometimes called, are a very popular way to scent your home without a flame. Scent tarts come in all shapes, colors and packaging and here’s a way to make a “scent shot” in a cup. Note our wax recommendations. Tarts work best with a wax not designed for containers and have a slightly higher melt point – this is because the tart is easy to remove from the container or tart melter. Have fun experimenting with making scented tarts!
Materials:
Votive/Tart/Pillar Wax
Suggestions:
• KY 133 Versatile Paraffin Wax
• KY 143 Paraffin Pillar Wax
• KY Para-Soy Tart & Votive Blend (used in this tutorial)
Digital Scale
Fragrance Oil
Candle Dye (if desired)
Pour Pitcher
Thermometer
2oz Mixing Cups w/lids (5)
Presto Pot or double boiler to melt wax
Metal Spoon to stir wax
Safety goggles
Apron to protect clothing
Wax paper, old newspapers or aluminum foil
Step 1
Cover counter with wax paper, old newspapers or aluminum foil to make clean up easier. Prepare tart cups by placing them on a cookie sheet. This helps make it easier if they need to be moved.
Step 2
Melt the wax with the chosen method – Presto Pot or double boiler. Make sure to follow the wax manufacturer melting & pouring guidelines for correct temperatures.
For this tutorial, KY Para-Soy Votive/Tart Blend is being used so it will need to be heated to approx 165°F. Use the thermometer to correctly monitor the temperature.
Step 3
Set the pour pot on the digital scale and tare. Transfer needed amount of wax to pour pot – in this tutorial (5) tarts will be created, so 5.5 oz. of wax will be needed. Transfer the 5.5 oz of wax, and add .5 oz of Rustic Escentuals candle fragrance oil. Stir well (approx 2 min). Then add drops of Rustic Escentuals candle dye until desired color is achieved and stir well. . To test the color, add a few drops of the colored wax onto a white surface, like a paper plate, and let cool – this will give you a better idea of what the candle will look like when the candle cools. If the wax is not dark enough, add a bit more color, mix, and test again. Dyed candle wax appears darker when it is melted.
Step 4
Allow wax to cool to approximately 155°-160°F. Once cool, pour into mixing cups. Fill to approximately 1/4″ below the top of the mixing cup.
Step 5
Allow tarts to cool completely. Once cool, place lids on the cups. Do not put lid on cups while wax is still warm because this can cause condensation. Allow tart to cure for 2-3 days.
To use, remove lid and the tart should pop right out of the cup. Place in a tart melter & enjoy.
SOME SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
- Cover counter with wax paper, old newspapers or aluminum foil to make clean up easier.
- Be sure to wear safety goggles for eye protection. You do not want to be splashed in the eye with hot wax! Remember with wax – safety first.
- Waxes used in making candles are very similar to cooking oils – they are flammable and they are poured at high temperatures, but with certain precautions, accidents may be avoided. NEVER HEAT WAX ABOVE 210°F.
- For safety, wax should be melted in a double boiler. Wax should NEVER be heated directly over an open flame or burner. Direct heating can cause wax to explode and result in serious injury.
- Use of a thermometer is advised to ensure proper wax pouring temperature.
- Never leave hot wax unattended. Keep children and pets away from the area where wax is being melted and poured.
- Never pour water in a wax fire. Water will cause the fire to spread. To extinguish a fire in a pan, cover the pan with its lid. Use a dry chemical fire extinguisher.
- Never pour melted wax into the sink or other drains.