Jessie Taylor
Candle-making is a fun hobby that can be therapeutic and rewarding. It's also a great way to save money and keep your house cozy. If you're thinking of starting, there are a few basic things you'll need to get going. First, you'll need to choose the right wax for your project, such as soy wax, beeswax, or paraffin wax. You'll also need a container to melt your wax in, such as a heat-safe pitcher or bowl, and a stove-top or slow cooker to heat it up. Next, you'll need a wick and, if you want a scented candle, some fragrance or essential oils. Finally, you'll need something to pour your wax into, like a jar, old teacups, or tins. With these basics, you can get started on making your own candles at home.
What do I need to start candle making?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wax | Soy wax, beeswax, paraffin wax, coconut wax |
| Container | Old jars, teacups, tins, glass jars, moulds |
| Wick | |
| Heat source | Stove-top, slow cooker, microwave, oven |
| Tools | Double boiler, heat-safe pitcher, saucepan/pot, heat-safe bowl, tall glass measuring cup, candle pourer, pencil or clothespin, chopsticks |
| Fragrance | Essential oils, fragrance oils, dried flowers |
| Packaging | Boxes, bags, tissue paper |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right wax
Type of Wax
The most common types of wax used in candle-making include paraffin wax, soy wax, and beeswax. Paraffin wax is a popular choice for container candles as it has a strong scent throw and can hold a large amount of fragrance oil. Soy wax is a natural alternative to paraffin wax and is known for its long burn time and ability to create a strong scent. Beeswax is another natural option derived from sustainable honey farming practices. It has a high melting point, resulting in longer burn times, and has a pleasant, subtle honey scent.
Melt Point
The melt point, or melting point, of the wax is important to consider, especially if you plan to add colour or fragrance to your candles. Some waxes, like soy wax, have a lower melting point, making them easier to work with when adding colour or fragrance. Beeswax, on the other hand, has a higher melting point, which contributes to longer burn times.
Scent Retention
If you plan to make scented candles, choose a wax that is known for its scent retention and throw. Paraffin wax and soy wax are good options in this regard, as they can hold a significant amount of fragrance oil and have strong scent throws. Beeswax also has natural scent retention due to its subtle honey fragrance.
Colour Options
If you want to add colour to your candles, consider waxes that take on colour easily. Paraffin wax and soy wax are commonly used for this purpose and can be found in a variety of colours or can be dyed to create custom shades. Beeswax naturally ranges in colour from light yellow to dark brown, so it may not be the best choice if you want to create specific colours.
Container Compatibility
When making container candles, it's important to choose a wax that is compatible with your container. Consider the size and shape of your container, as well as the type of wax. Some waxes, like soy wax, are versatile and work well in various containers. The size of your container will also determine the amount of wax you need, so be sure to measure accurately.
Cure Time
Different waxes have varying cure times, which is the time it takes for the fragrance to fully develop in the wax. Soy wax, for example, typically needs one to two weeks to cure, while other waxes may have a shorter cure time. This is an important factor to consider, especially if you plan to sell your candles, as it will impact the production time.
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Containers and moulds
When choosing a container, it's important to select one that is heat-safe and won't melt or catch fire. Glass jars should be made of tempered glass. You can also use moulds, which can be reused if cared for properly.
When making candles in containers, you will need to attach the wick to the container and secure it in place before pouring in the melted wax. With moulds, you can simply pour the wax in and insert the wick once the wax has cooled and solidified.
If you're making multiple candles, it's helpful to use oven-safe containers so you can melt the wax directly in the container you'll be pouring it into. This allows you to make multiple candles with different scents and colours at the same time.
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Wicks and stabilising
Wicks are an essential component of candle-making. The type of wick you use will depend on the type of wax and the size of your candle. For example, a heavier fragrance and darker colour will require a bigger wick.
To secure the wick, you can use a pencil or clothespin to hold it upright in the container. You can also attach the wick to the container or mould before pouring in the wax. It is important to ensure that the wick is stabilised and secured upright before the wax solidifies.
When making pillar candles, you will need to learn how to properly wick a pillar mould. Conducting a burn test will help you determine the proper wick application for your candles.
The type of wax you use will also impact the stability of your wick. For example, soy wax may require a one- to two-week cure time to fully develop its scent. Beeswax, on the other hand, has a high melting point, resulting in candles that burn longer.
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Adding fragrance
Type of Fragrance
You can use either essential oils or fragrance oils to scent your candles. Essential oils are natural and offer aromatherapy benefits, while fragrance oils are designed specifically for candle-making and provide a good scent throw. Note that not all essential oils are suitable for candle-making, and they can be more expensive and tricky to work with than fragrance oils.
Amount of Fragrance
Use the recommended amount of fragrance oil, which is generally around 6% to 10% by weight. This translates to roughly 1 ounce of scent oil for every 1 pound of wax. Adding too much oil can weigh down the wax and affect the scent throw.
Temperature
Add the fragrance oil when your wax is at the right temperature, typically around 60°C (140°F), so it binds properly. Some waxes, like soy, may need a longer cure time (up to two weeks) to fully develop their scent.
Experimentation
When starting out, you may go through a lot of fragrance oils as you experiment with different combinations. It's recommended to buy larger bottles (4oz or more) to give you room for trial and error. Once you find a scent combination you like, you can make a batch of candles with that fragrance.
Multiple Scents
If you want to make multiple scented candles in one batch, you can melt the wax in different oven-safe containers or in the containers that the candles will be poured into. This allows you to add different fragrances to each batch of wax.
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Packaging and selling
Once you've crafted your candles, it's time to think about packaging and selling them. Here are some tips to help you get started:
Packaging
When it comes to packaging your candles, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, you'll need to choose the right materials. This includes boxes, bags, tissue paper, and any other protective packaging to ensure your candles arrive safely to your customers. You can also look into custom packaging options, such as branded boxes or bags with your logo and colour scheme. This can help create a cohesive and professional look for your candle business.
Branding
Developing a strong brand identity is crucial for the success of your candle business. Think about your business name, logo, and product labels. Create a logo that represents your brand's style and values. You can then use these elements across your packaging, website, and marketing materials to create a consistent and recognisable brand image. Consider working with a graphic designer to help you create a unique and eye-catching brand identity.
Pricing
When setting the price for your candles, consider the cost of materials, labour, packaging, and your desired profit margin. Calculate the total cost of making each candle, including the cost of wax, wicks, fragrances, containers, and any other supplies. Then, decide on a pricing strategy that covers your costs and allows you to make a reasonable profit. Remember to factor in shipping costs if you're selling online, as well as any applicable taxes or fees.
Sales channels
There are several options for selling your candles. You can create your own online store using platforms like Shopify, which offers user-friendly tools to build an e-commerce website. Alternatively, you can sell your candles on marketplaces such as Etsy, which provides a platform specifically for handmade and craft items. Local markets and pop-up shops are also great options to connect directly with customers and build a local following for your candle brand.
Marketing
To increase sales and reach a wider audience, consider implementing marketing strategies such as social media marketing and content creation. Utilise platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok to showcase your candles, behind-the-scenes content, and customer testimonials. Engage with your audience through regular posts, stories, and reels to build a community around your brand. You can also collaborate with influencers or other brands in complementary industries to cross-promote your products and expand your reach.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need wax, wicks, a double boiler, and chopsticks... Candle wax is available as shavings, flakes, or blocks. You can use a variety of waxes, including soy, beeswax, and paraffin wax.
You can use repurposed containers like old jars, teacups, or tins. You can also buy new containers like pretty pink glasses, colourful hand-blown glass, or a footed planter.
You can add fragrance or essential oils to the melted wax, following the recommended proportions. Generally, you should aim for 1 ounce of scent oil for every 1 pound of wax.
You can add an artsy touch to your candles with dye. The marbling technique adds swirls of colour directly to the wax that can be viewed through the sides of the candle jar. You can also get creative with decorations. Pressed flower candles add a natural, artisanal touch.
