If you love scented wax melts and want to add a touch of shimmer and sparkle to them, using mica powder is a fantastic way to achieve that. Mica powder is a popular additive that can create beautiful swirling sparkles in your wax melts, giving them an elegant and eye-catching look. In this article, we'll take you through the process of using mica powder in your homemade wax melts, ensuring you end up with delightful, visually appealing wax melts.
Introduction
Wax melts are becoming increasingly popular for their long-lasting fragrance and safety compared to traditional candles. Incorporating mica powder into your wax melts allows you to enhance their appearance and make them truly unique. Whether you're a seasoned wax melt maker or just starting, adding mica to your creations will add that special touch.
What is Mica Powder?
Mica powder is a finely ground mineral pigment that comes in a variety of colours, including metallic shades. It is widely used in various craft and cosmetic products due to its shimmering and sparkling properties. While mica is commonly used in soap making, bath bombs, and cosmetics, it can also be an excellent addition to your wax melts.
The Beauty of Mica in Wax Melts
When mica powder is added to melted wax, it initially creates a beautiful, shimmering effect. However, as the wax cools and hardens, the colour of mica becomes less intense. But fear not! When you melt your wax melts in a wax warmer, the vibrant colour of mica will reappear, creating stunning swirling sparkles that captivate the eye. This effect is why so many people adore using mica in their wax melts.
Ingredients You'll Need
Before we get into the step-by-step guide, let's gather the ingredients and tools you'll need to make wax melts with mica powder:
- Soy Wax (e.g., KeraSoy 4120 or KeraWax 4600)
- Wax Melt Moulds (e.g., Flower Moulds)
- Fragrance Oil (e.g., Jasmine)
- Candle Dye (e.g., Pink Candle Dye)
- Mica Powder (e.g., Peach Pink Mica Powder)
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Wax Melts with Mica Powder
1. Measure & Melt Your Wax
Start by measuring the desired amount of soy wax. For example, you can weigh out 300g of soy wax to fill two silicone moulds. Melt the wax on a medium heat setting.
2. Prepare Your Moulds
While the wax is melting, prepare your moulds. For a more glittery finish, add a bit of extra mica powder to the bottom of the moulds. Rub the mica powder around the moulds to ensure good coverage.
3. Add Your Dye
Once the wax is fully melted and reaches about 65°C, add the desired amount of candle dye. For example, 1g of pink dye can be added to achieve a beautiful hue.
4. Add Your Mica Powder
While the wax is still on low heat, gently stir in the mica powder. Remember, a little bit of mica goes a long way, so use it sparingly. The mica powder will create exquisite swirls in the wax.
5. Add Your Fragrance Oil
Once the mica powder has been thoroughly mixed into the wax, add your chosen fragrance oil. Stir it gently to avoid creating air bubbles in the wax.
6. Pour the Wax
Allow the wax to cool to a temperature of 55-65°C and then carefully pour it into the prepared moulds. Let the wax melts set for 24 hours.
7. Remove the Wax Melts
Once the wax melts have solidified, carefully remove them from the moulds. Gently push the bottom of the mould, and the wax melts should pop out easily.
8. Enjoy!
Your shimmering wax melts are now ready to be enjoyed. Place one on your wax warmer and let the delightful fragrance fill your space.
Using Mica and Dye Chips Together
If you desire brighter colours in your wax melts, you can combine mica and dye chips. While mica might create more subtle colours in hard wax, the sparkles will come to life once the wax is melted. By using dye chips and mica powder together, you can achieve both vibrant colors and mesmerizing sparkles in your wax melts.
Can You Use Mica in Candles?
Mica powder is ideal for wax melts and wickless candles. However, it is not recommended for candles with wicks. Mica is a fine powder, and its particles do not dissolve entirely in wax, potentially clogging the wick and affecting the candle's performance. If you still wish to experiment, use a small amount of mica on the top of your candles for a slight shimmering effect.
How Much Mica Can You Use in Wax?
A little mica goes a long way. You can use any amount of mica in your wax melts, but it's essential to find the right balance. Start with a small quantity and gradually increase it until you achieve the desired shimmer and effect without compromising the overall performance of the wax melts.
Conclusion
Using mica powder in wax melts is a fantastic way to add a touch of magic and elegance to your creations. The shimmering swirls and sparkles created by mica will delight your senses and bring joy to anyone using your scented wax melts. So, get creative, experiment with colors, and enjoy making your unique and visually stunning wax melts!
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
1. Can I use mica powder in my candles with a wick? While mica is excellent for wax melts and wickless candles, it is not recommended for candles with wicks. Mica particles might clog the wick and interfere with the candle's performance.
2. How do I achieve vibrant colours in my wax melts using mica? If you want more vibrant colors in your wax melts, consider using a combination of mica powder and candle dye chips. The dye chips will provide brighter pigments, while the mica will add shimmer and sparkles when the wax is melted.
3. Is mica safe to use in cosmetic products like lip balm? Yes, mica powder is safe to use in various cosmetic products, including lip balm. It is widely used in the cosmetics industry for its shimmering properties.
4. Can I use different scents with the same batch of mica-colored wax melts? Absolutely! Once you have created your mica-colored wax melts, you can use them with various scents. Simply place a new wax melt on your warmer each time you want to switch fragrances.
5. Where can I purchase mica powder and other wax melt-making supplies? You can find mica powder, soy wax, fragrance oils, and other wax melt-making supplies at craft stores, online retailers, or specialized candle-making supply shops.
Serathena handmade wax melts are made with the maximum scent load cured for two weeks to merge the wax with the fragrance we sell quality wax melts at the most cost effective price, www.serathena.co.uk