Step 1: Prepare Your Burner and Workspace

Begin by finding a stable, heat-resistant surface for your burner, away from flammable materials and out of reach of children or pets. Fill your burner bowl with a thin layer of sand or salt if available—this helps disperse heat. Ensure your workspace is well-ventilated, as the natural resins produce fragrant smoke which, while pleasant, can build up in an enclosed area.

Gather all your tools before you start, including charcoal discs, incense resin, tongs, and a lighter. This preparation will help you work safely and efficiently.

Step 2: Light the Charcoal and Place It Safely

Using tongs, hold a charcoal disc and ignite it with your lighter or match. The disc will begin to crackle and produce sparkling as it heats up—wait until the entire piece shows an even, greyish layer (about 2–3 minutes). Place the hot charcoal in the centre of your prepared burner on top of the sand or salt. Never touch the charcoal with your fingers, as it becomes extremely hot.

Once in place, allow the charcoal a few extra moments to reach its hottest point before proceeding.

Step 3: Add the Incense Resin

Pinch a small amount of your chosen resin (a pea-sized piece is plenty) and gently place it on the hot charcoal using a spoon, tongs, or tweezers. The resin will quickly start to melt, release aromatic vapours, and gently smoke. For those looking to experiment, you may wish to create your own resin-infused candles by melting “Paraffin Wax” – for Craft Candles, 500g Granulated Wax and mixing in small bits of incense resin before setting the candle.

Be cautious not to overcrowd the charcoal—start small and add more resin as the scent begins to fade or if you prefer a stronger aroma.

Step 4: Monitor, Enjoy, and Extinguish Safely

Allow the resin to smoulder, enjoying the release of deep, complex fragrance through its natural smoke. Never leave burning charcoal or resin unattended. If you wish to stop the scent before the charcoal is exhausted, you can cover the burner to smother the charcoal or, when safe, transfer remaining charcoal to a non-combustible container to cool.

Dispose of spent charcoal and residues only once completely cold. Let your space air out if the scent becomes too dense or smoky.

Tips, Common Mistakes, and Troubleshooting

• Place your resin carefully: Too much resin at once can smother the charcoal or create excessive smoke.
• Control your burn time: Resin aroma is potent; use small amounts and pause between additions as needed.
• Ventilation is essential: Open a window or door if the space grows smoky or overwhelming.
• Always use heat-proof burners and never leave lit charcoal unattended.