How to Make a Candle in 10 Easy Steps (2024)

If you start by yourself Candle making businessFiguring out what candles to make and sell is one of the most fun parts of the job. With a variety of scents, waxes and accents (like pressed flowers) to choose from, the process requires a lot of thought and creativity.

But with careful planning and the right tools, making candles at home is pretty easy, and your candle-loving friends will love the candles you make as home décor.

And this may just be the beginning Side job Or small businesses.

Now you can learn what materials you need and follow our 10 step guide on how to make your own candles.

Materials and tools needed to make candles

Here’s an overview of the materials you’ll need to make your own homemade container candles:

material

wax

Candle wax typically comes in the form of wax shavings or wax flakes and can be purchased in bulk online or at your local craft store.

The most common types of wax used to make candles are:

• Paraffin wax
• Beeswax
• Soy Wax

Wix

All candles need a wick, which is usually made from paper, cotton, zinc, or wood.
Thinner wicks are fine for most candles, but will go out quickly if used for larger candles. Similarly, thicker wicks are better for larger candles because they produce a bigger flame and melt the wax quicker.

Fragrance oil

Scented candles get their scent from essential or fragrance oils that are added to the melted wax during the candle making process.

You can use single note fragrances, pre-blended fragrance oils, or create your own combinations.

Here are some scent inspirations:

• Single note:
  Bergamot, Mandarin, Rosemary
• Pre-blended: Sea Breeze, Apple Pie, or Pumpkin Spice
• Custom Mix: Rose Patchouli, Lavender Sage, Mint Lime

The amount of fragrance oil and type of wax you use will determine how strong the scent will be from your candle. Waxes with higher melting points, like beeswax, will have less scent than waxes with lower melting points, like paraffin.

tool

Spatula

Using a heat-resistant spatula to stir the wax will ensure it melts evenly.

Heat-resistant candle container

Mason jars, glass bottles, and tins also make great candle containers – the larger the container, the larger the candle will be.

Double boiler

A double boiler is a kitchen tool that distributes heat from your stove evenly to control temperature, making it ideal for melting wax. You can use a store-bought double boiler or make your own by filling the bottom of a pot with water and placing a metal bowl on top.

thermometer

To measure the wax temperature, use a candy thermometer, digital infrared thermometer, or deep fry thermometer.

Popsicle sticks or pencils

You will need a popsicle stick, pencil, chopstick, or other lightweight, straight object to stabilize the core during the curing process.

Paper towels

Be sure to avoid getting wax on your kitchen towels – paper towels are great for wiping up wax drips.

How to Make a Candle in 10 Steps

1. Prepare containers and equipment
2. Measuring the wax
3. Melt the wax
4. Adding scent
5. Place the core
6. Stabilize the core
7. Pouring the wax
8. cleaning
9. Wait until the candle hardens
10. Light the candles

Making candles at home requires a few special items, some planning, and a little bit of time, but it’s easier than you might think. We’ll take you through the candle-making process step by step.

1. Prepare containers and equipment

You can buy candle holders or specialized candle jars at a craft store, or you can use empty mason jars or tin cans. Make sure you like the look of the container; most poured candles cannot be removed from the container before burning.

Make sure your candle container is clean and dry and place it on a flat surface with your wick, fragrance oil, popsicle stick, chopstick or other wick holder nearby.

2. Measure the wax

Measure out the amount of wax by pouring the wax flakes or shavings into a candle container to serve as your candle mold. Shavings take up more space than melted wax, so use two candle containers’ worth of wax flakes per candle.

3. Melt the wax

Pour the wax shavings or flakes into a double boiler and gently heat the wax. Carefully stir the melted wax with a spatula, catching any bits of wax that rise to the edge of the pot.

Paraffin wax melts at about 100 degrees F, soy wax melts at about 124 degrees F, and beeswax melts at about 145 degrees F. Use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperatures.

4. Add fragrance

If you want to make scented candles, now is the time to get creative.

Some fragrance oils are made specifically for candle making. In these cases, follow the directions on the package. If you use essential oils, add 30-40 drops of oil per 8 ounce candle. Add the oil slowly, stirring with a spatula.

5. Place the core

Place each wick into your candle container. Put a drop of wax (or superglue) on the bottom of the wick and allow it to dry on the bottom of the jar, adhering the wick to the center bottom of the jar. Make sure the bottom of the wick is centered in the container to ensure an even burn.

6. Stabilize the core

Before pouring, place 2 popsicle sticks over the top of the jar to hold the wick in place. This will help the wick stand upright as the wax hardens. You can also use a chopstick, pencil, or butter knife, but be careful not to drip too much wax.

7. Pouring the wax

Carefully pour the wax into your candle container until it is just below the rim. Pour slowly to minimize air bubbles.

8. Clean up

Dried wax can be difficult to clean up. If any melted wax drips onto your work surface or the outside of your candle molds, wipe it up with a paper towel. If any hardened wax spills, you can use hot water to clean it up.

9. Wait for the candle to harden

Soy candles will harden at room temperature in about 4 hours and are fully cured in 3-4 days. Paraffin wax candles will harden faster (about 2 days) and beeswax candles can take up to 10 days to fully harden. Once the candle is dry, remove the chopsticks and cut the wick.

If your candle dries out and develops holes or dents in the surface (usually caused by air bubbles that rose during drying), warm the wax a little more and apply a thin layer on top.

10. Light a candle

Light it up and let it burn! Candles make a great gift or online store item and are a cost-effective way to achieve a beautifully lit and aromatherapy scented home.

learn more: How to Start a Candle Business in 2024