How to Make Candles: A Beginner’s Guide to Candle Making

We’ve been sharing candle making tutorials on this blog for nearly a decade, so we wanted to put together this beginner’s guide to candle making with all our best tips and tricks, plus links to past projects you may want to try. Making candles does require a few basic supplies, including a stovetop or something similar to melt the wax. I love to make candles for myself, as I almost always have a candle burning in my kitchen every evening. I also love to give homemade candles as gifts. A DIY candle makes a great housewarming gift, wedding gift, birthday, Mother’s Day, or holiday gift.

Candle Making Supplies – Basics

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of candle making, let’s take a look at the basic supplies you’ll need to get started:

• A stovetop or a melting pot
• Wax (available in various types, including paraffin, soy, and beeswax)
• Wick (available in various sizes and materials)
• Scent oil (optional)
• Thermometer
• Double boiler or a heat-resistant glass bowl
• Colorants (optional)
• Mold (optional)

How to Make a Candle – the Basics

Now that we’ve covered the basic supplies, let’s move on to the steps involved in making a candle:

Step 1: Measure Out Your Wax

The easiest way to measure out your wax is to fill your container that will become your candle with the wax pellets. Then, use your kitchen scale to find the weight so you know how much scent oil to use.

Step 2: Melt the Wax

In your melting pot, add the wax. In your larger pot, add enough water so it will cover your melting pot at least halfway. Heat the larger pot with the water and melting pot over medium heat. This is essentially a double boiler, like you might use to melt chocolate. While you can melt the wax in the melting pot directly, using a double boiler ensures the wax doesn’t overheat.

Step 3: Add the Scent Oil

Use your thermometer to check the temperature of the wax. Once it reaches 185°F, stir in the scent oil so it gets well distributed. Turn off the heat and allow your wax mixture to cool to 125°F before pouring.

Step 4: Prepare the Wick

While the wax melts (or as it cools off), add your wick to the container. Use a wick sticker or hot glue to stick the metal bottom of the wick to the bottom center of the container. Then, use a clothespin or stick to wrap the top of the wick around so it will stay center once you pour in the wax.

Step 5: Pour the Wax

Pour the wax into your container. If the wick shifts around, fix it while the wax is still hot and very liquid. Once your candle hardens, you’re ready to trim the wick and use it!

Types of Wax & Wicks

While there are other types of waxes and wicks beyond those listed above, these are likely what you will want to use as a beginner.

Types of Wax

• Paraffin wax
• Soy wax
• Beeswax

Types of Wicks

• Cotton wicks
• Paper wicks
• Synthetic wicks

What is Scent Throw?

Scent throw is exactly what it sounds like; it is the radius around your candle where the scent will reach as it burns. There are four factors that affect scent throw:

• The type of wax
• Thickness of the wick
• Amount of scent oil used
• Temperature of the wax when you add the scent oil

While you may want to use different types of waxes for cost or health reasons, just know that generally the hotter the melting point of the wax the smaller the scent throw will be. As far as how much scent oil to add, you may think adding more will always mean a larger scent throw. Not true. If you add too much oil, it can weigh down in the wax. You should aim for 1 ounce of scent oil for every 1 pound of wax (generally). This is why you may want to use a kitchen scale once you’ve measured how much wax will fit your container so you can best calculate how much scent oil to use.

How to Make Molded Candles

Making a candle in a mold is a little different because you will not need a container. You can reuse molds over and over if you care for them. See this tutorial for a flower pillar candle DIY for step-by-step instructions and tips for success. Here are some cute molds:

• Silicone molds
• Glass molds
• Plastic molds

Where to Buy Containers

If you’re looking for a specific type of container or mold, here are some great places to check out:

• Amazon
• Etsy
• Michaels
• Hobby Lobby

Step 1: Choose Your Container

Choose a container that will fit your needs. Make sure it’s clean and dry before adding the wax.

Step 2: Measure Out Your Wax

Measure out your wax, following the instructions above.

Step 3: Melt the Wax

Melt the wax in the container, following the instructions above.

Step 4: Add the Scent Oil

Add the scent oil to the melted wax, following the instructions above.

Step 5: Pour the Wax

Pour the wax into the container.

Step 6: Allow the Wax to Cool and Solidify

Allow the wax to cool and solidify before removing it from the container.

Conclusion

Making candles is a fun and rewarding hobby that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. With these basic supplies and steps, you’re well on your way to creating your own beautiful homemade candles. Remember to experiment with different types of wax, wicks, and scents to find the combination that works best for you. Happy candle making!

Resources

If you’re interested in learning more about candle making or want to try out some new techniques, here are some great resources to check out:

• Candle making tutorials on YouTube
• Candle making books on Amazon
• Candle making classes at your local craft store

Join the Conversation

Have you ever tried making candles? What’s your favorite type of wax or scent? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below!