DIY Incense: How to Make Incense

Author: Wholesale Supplies Plus
Tuesday, July 2, 2024

(Enlarge Image)

How to Make Your Own Incense Sticks

Introduction to DIY Incense
Creating your own incense sticks is an excellent way to test new fragrance oils or make a variety of scents without using a large amount of oil mix and sticks. With a 12ml Refresher Oil Base and 6ml fragrance oil blend, you can make up to 23 sticks, but working with 20 sticks is more practical. This method is especially useful if you have a wide range of scents, as it allows for small batch testing.

Materials Needed for Making Incense Sticks

Supplies for a 20 Stick Batch:

20 – 11" incense sticks
12 ml Refresher Oil Base or Dipropylene Glycol (DPG)
6 ml high-quality fragrance oil
1 Glass test tube (25 x 250 mm, 10" tall)
2 Disposable pipettes
A permanent marker (optional, for marking test tubes)
Holder to keep the test tube upright
Drying rack

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Incense Sticks

Step One: Prepare the Test Tube
Start with a clean, dry test tube. Use a pipette to add 12ml of Refresher Oil Base to the test tube. Mark the test tube with a permanent marker to avoid measuring again in the future.

Step Two: Add Fragrance Oil
Measure and add 6ml of fragrance oil to the Refresher Oil Base. A 50/50 blend is an excellent starting point for testing. Adjust the blend as needed for different scents.

Step Three: Mix the Oils
Mix the oils together by placing your thumb over the top of the test tube and gently shaking it. It’s normal for some fragrance oils to float or sink due to density differences.

Step Four: Dip the Incense Sticks
Place the incense sticks into the test tube so they are covered up to the first quarter. Leave them to soak for three days.

Step Five: Store the Tubes
Store the test tubes upright in a stable holder, such as broom holders mounted to the wall, test tube racks, or a sturdy box or basket that won’t be disturbed.

Step Six: Dry the Incense Sticks
After three days, check if the incense sticks are fully soaked. If not, allow more time. Once soaked, remove the sticks and place them on a drying rack. Ensure the drying rack is covered in a material like window screen, which is also suitable for incense cones. Leave the sticks to dry completely, which can take some time. Test dryness by running a stick over a paper towel; there should be no residue.

Step Seven: Package the Incense
Once dry, bag the incense sticks and label them with the scent name, your business information, and a warning and instruction label.

Tips for Creating Personalized Scents

Experiment with Blends: Small batches are ideal for testing various fragrance blends to find the perfect combination.
Adjust Ratios: Some scents may require a different ratio than the standard 50/50 blend. Adjust accordingly.
Label Accurately: Use a permanent marker to label your test tubes with measurements and scent information for easy reference in future batches.

Frequently Asked Questions About DIY Incense

How Long Should Incense Sticks Soak in the Oil Mixture?
Incense sticks should soak in the oil mixture for at least three days to ensure they are thoroughly saturated and absorb the fragrance evenly.

Can I Use Any Type of Fragrance Oil?
It is recommended to use high-quality fragrance oils specifically designed for incense or candle making. These oils blend well with the Refresher Oil Base and ensure a consistent and safe burn.

How Can I Store the Soaking Incense Sticks?
Store the soaking incense sticks in an upright position using holders such as broom holders, test tube racks, or a sturdy box. This prevents spills and ensures the sticks remain submerged in the oil mixture.

Why Is It Important to Mix the Oils Properly?
Properly mixing the Refresher Oil Base and fragrance oil ensures an even distribution of scent on the incense sticks, preventing uneven burning and scent throw.

How Should I Package and Label My Incense?
Package the dried incense sticks in airtight bags to preserve their scent. Label each package with the scent name, your business information, and a warning and instruction label to ensure proper use.

What Are Some Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Incense?
Common mistakes include not allowing enough soaking time, using low-quality fragrance oils, and improper mixing of the oil base and fragrance. Additionally, not properly drying the sticks can result in poor performance.

Questions & Answers (0)

No items listed at this time, please check back often as we are adding kits/items everyday.