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A simple guide to candle making at home for customizable scents and festive gifts
Co-authored byJoy Choand Luke Smith, MFA
Last Updated: October 16, 2023Fact Checked
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- Melting the Wax |
- Pouring the Wax |
- Making Customized Candles |
- Video |
- Expert Interview |
- |
- Warnings |
- Things You'll Need
ARTICLE
VIDEO
Candles are a great way to bring light and fragrance into a room, and making them yourself is a fun craft project. To get started, all you’ll need is wax, a candle mold, a wick, and any fragrance or color you want your candle to have. Then, we’ll show you how to melt and pour your wax, and customize your candles to your liking. Once you’ve made your candles, use them to decorate your home or give them to friends and family as gifts!
Things You Should Know
- Heat wax chunks in a double boiler until the wax is completely melted.
- Add essential oils, fragrances, or candle dyes to your wax once it’s completely melted.
- Position a wick in the center of a heat-proof container, then pour the melted wax into the container.
- Cool the candles for 24 hours (or until completely hardened) before use.
Part 1
Part 1 of 3:
Melting the Wax
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1
Protect your work area with newspaper or wax paper before you begin. Unless you have a dedicated area for crafts like these, lay down newspaper, wax paper, or towels and rags down on the surface you will be working on. Wax is a bit tricky to remove from surfaces, so it’s best to take precautions.[1]
2
Cut or shred your preferred wax into chunks or shavings. Use a sharp knife or even a vegetable peeler to carve your wax into flakes, or chunks of about 1in (2.5cm) in size. Smaller chunks of wax melt better than larger chunks, and also melt at a more even rate.[2] There are several different kinds of wax to choose from:
- Paraffin wax is the traditional wax for candle making and is still by far the most popular wax. It is good for beginners because it melts quickly, is cheap and is easily colored or scented. However, note that the chemicals that are emitted when this wax is melted could be irritating to some people.[3] One pound of paraffin wax by weight will equal approximately 20 oz of liquid melted wax.
- Soy wax is becoming increasingly popular as it is easy to use, made from soybeans and cleans up pretty easily. It is eco-friendly and renewable. Soy wax is also known to burn more slowly than most other waxes.[4] One pound of soy wax will equal approximately 18 oz of liquid when melted.
- Beeswax is all natural and has air purifying qualities to it; however, it doesn’t retain scent or coloring that well. Essential oils will generally work with beeswax but keep in mind that beeswax has its own lovely scent.[5] One pound of beeswax by weight will equal approximately 16 oz of liquid when melted.
- Or use old candles that have been burned down or are half-used and warped. Using old candles is a great way to recycle wax. Simply melt them just as you would melt other wax.
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3
Place the wax chunks into a double-boiler. Put your wax into a small, heat-resistant container. Then place this smaller container inside a larger pot filled about halfway with water, creating a makeshift double boiler. Turn the heat to high so that the water boils. The boiling water will slowly melt the wax.[6]
- Note: You cannot put candle wax directly on heat or it will catch fire or evaporate.
- Keep in mind that wax is sometimes difficult to clean—you may want to purchase a cheap, heat-safe pot that you designate specifically for making candles.
4
Heat the wax in the double boiler until it's completely melted. Use a cooking or candy thermometer to keep an eye on the temperature, and ensure the wax reaches its melting point. If you do not have a candy thermometer, use a meat thermometer. Just remember that wax is sometimes hard to remove from utensils.
- Melt paraffin wax until it reaches between 122–140°F (50–60°C).[7]
- Melt soy wax until it reaches between 170–180°F (77–82°C).[8]
- Melt beeswax until it reaches roughly 66°F (19°C).[9]
- Melt old candles at around 185 degrees (85°C).[10] Remove the old wicks with tongs.
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Part 2
Part 2 of 3:
Pouring the Wax
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1
Place a wick in the center of the candle mold. Use tins, mason jars, old teacups—any sort of container that can withstand heat. Place your mold on a flat surface and dangle the wick in the center of the mold, with about 2in (5.1cm) sticking out of the top. Loop the end that will be exposed around the center of a pen or pencil, and secure it with a piece of tape. Rest the pen across the top of the mold you will be pouring your wax into.[11]
- If you have a particularly wide container, dangle multiple, evenly spaced wicks into the container.
2
Pour the melted wax into the mold. Pour slowly so that the wax does not spill over, and leave about 0.5in (1.3cm) of space at the top of the container. Make sure not to knock the wick out of the mold accidentally. Reserve any leftover wax for future candles.[12]
- Keep in mind that beeswax will shrink a bit after cooling, so you may need to pour more beeswax to account for any gaps in the mold.
3
Cool the candle overnight, then trim the wick. If possible, allow the candle to cool for a full 24 hours. Keep it in a secure space away from small children. Once cooled, use scissors to trim the wick down to about 0.25in (0.64cm). A shorter wick helps contain and control the flame.[13]
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Part 3
Part 3 of 3:
Making Customized Candles
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1
Add scents to your candles with essential oils. After melting your wax, remove it from heat and mix in a few drops of essential oils like peppermint or eucalyptus to infuse the candle with a natural scent. Alternatively, use candlemaking scents (oils formulated specifically for making candles), and follow the bottle’s instructions on how much to add.
- Add citronella to your wax to make your candle a natural insect repellant.
- Before adding an essential oil to your candle, make sure you double-check that the oil in question is safe to be used in candle-making.
2
Add color with oil-based dyes or crayons. Use a candle dye specifically made for candle coloring, and add 0.5 oz (~30 mL) to your wax after it’s been fully melted.[14] Double or triple the amount of dye to achieve a darker color. Alternatively, add a single crayon of your desired color to the wax as you melt it, or add 2 halves of different crayons to mix and match colors.[15]
3
Pour the wax into a silicone mold to make a wax melt. Rather than pouring your melted and scented wax into a rigid mold, opt for a silicone mold, and leave out the wick. Then, once it’s cool, pop it out and place it in a wax melter for a charming candle alternative.[16]
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Community Q&A
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Question
What kind of wick do you use Palm Wax?
wikiHow Staff Editor
Staff AnswerThis answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
wikiHow Staff Editor
Staff Answer
Cotton wicks work great for palm wax candles! You might purchase some online or at a craft store.
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Question
I want to use wood wicks, do they need to be secure on the bottom?
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Staff AnswerThis answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
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Staff Answer
Ideally, your wood wick should be secured like any other wick. You do this by dipping the bottom of the wick in a bit of melted wax, then holding that end onto the bottom of your candle mold until the wax solidifies and the wick stands in place. Then pour as usual!
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Where can I buy equipment and materials to start homemade candles business?
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Staff AnswerThis answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
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Staff Answer
Candlemaking supplies can be found online (at a site like amazon, or craft store sites) or in many craft stores!
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As a small thank you, we’d like to offer you a $30 gift card (valid at GoNift.com). Use it to try out great new products and services nationwide without paying full price—wine, food delivery, clothing and more. Enjoy!Claim Your GiftIf wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission.Support wikiHowYesNo
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Warnings
Melting wax can be a fire hazard. Remember to always burn the candle within your sight, and extinguish it when leaving the room. Use extra caution when handling melted wax.
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Things You'll Need
Melting the Wax
- Candlemaking wax
- Pen, pencil, or large clip
- A double boiler (1 large pot and 1 small pot)
- Candy thermometer
- Water
Pouring the Wax
- Wick
- Molds such as jars or tins
Customizing
- Scents (optional)
- Coloring agents (optional)
- Silicone mold
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Expert Interview
Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about candle making, check out our in-depth interview with Joy Cho.
References
- ↑ https://www.thisoldhouse.com/furniture/21017996/how-to-fix-a-furniture-finish
- ↑ https://www.treehugger.com/diy-soy-candles-4864253
- ↑ https://jessicawellinginteriors.com/best-wax-for-candles/
- ↑ https://jessicawellinginteriors.com/best-wax-for-candles/
- ↑ https://jessicawellinginteriors.com/best-wax-for-candles/
- ↑ https://www.treehugger.com/diy-soy-candles-4864253
- ↑ http://www.howtomakecandles.info/cm_article.asp?ID=WAXES0003
- ↑ https://www.howtomakecandles.info/article/2011/candle_waxes_soywax
- ↑ https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/beeswax
More References (8)
- ↑ https://support.candlescience.com/hc/en-us/articles/201389130-How-to-melt-wax-using-a-double-boiler-
- ↑ https://www.veganfoodandliving.com/features/how-to-make-your-own-vegan-candles-at-home/
- ↑ https://www.treehugger.com/diy-soy-candles-4864253
- ↑ https://www.treehugger.com/diy-soy-candles-4864253
- ↑ https://www.oprahdaily.com/life/a27540576/diy-homemade-candles/#
- ↑ https://kidsactivitiesblog.com/176877/homemade-candles/
- ↑ https://www.howtomakecandles.info/article/2110/wax_melts
- https://www.bhg.com/decorating/do-it-yourself/how-to-make-candles/
About This Article
![How to Make Homemade Candles: Beginner Methods (29) How to Make Homemade Candles: Beginner Methods (29)](https://i0.wp.com/www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/a/a1/Joy_cho.png/-crop-100-100-100px-Joy_cho.png)
Co-authored by:
Joy Cho
Crafting Professional
This article was co-authored by Joy Cho and by wikiHow staff writer, Luke Smith, MFA. Joy Cho is the Founder and Creative Director of the lifestyle brand and design studio, Oh Joy!, founded in 2005 and based in Los Angeles, California. She has authored six books and consulted for creative businesses around the world. Joy has lectured on business, leadership, and entrepreneurship at conferences and companies such as AltSummit, Pinterest, Target, and Hallmark, while her home and studio have been featured in magazines such as House Beautiful, Parents, and Domino. She has also been named one of Time's 30 Most Influential People on the Internet multiple times and has the most followed account on Pinterest with more than 14 million followers. This article has been viewed 2,753,336 times.
33 votes - 96%
Co-authors: 67
Updated: October 16, 2023
Views:2,753,336
Categories: Featured Articles | Candle Making
Article SummaryX
To start making your own candles, cut your wax into small chunks or shavings. Then, slowly heat the wax shavings until they are completely melted. If you want a scented or colored candle, add a fragrance or dye, like cinnamon-scented oil or crayon shavings, when the wax is at its melting point. Place a wick in your candle mold, then pour the melted wax into the mold. For tips on how to keep your wick in place, read the article!
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About Candle Making
Candle making is a popular hobby and craft that allows individuals to create their own customized scents and festive gifts. It involves melting wax, adding fragrances or colors, pouring the wax into molds, and allowing it to cool and harden. This activity is not only enjoyable but also allows for personalization and creativity in creating unique candles for decoration or gifting purposes.
Candle Making Concepts
Wax Types:
- There are several types of wax commonly used in candle making, including paraffin wax, soy wax, and beeswax. Each type has its own characteristics and considerations for use, such as melting points and scent retention [[2]].
Melting the Wax:
- Melting the wax is a crucial step in candle making, and it involves using a double boiler to heat the wax until it is completely melted [[6]].
Pouring the Wax:
- After melting the wax, it is poured into molds, such as jars or tins, with a wick placed in the center. The wax should be poured slowly to avoid spills and left to cool for a specified period [[12]].
Customizing Candles:
- Customization options include adding scents with essential oils, using oil-based dyes or crayons for coloring, and creating wax melts in silicone molds [[14]] [[16]].
Safety Precautions:
- It's important to take safety precautions when working with melted wax, as it can be a fire hazard. Additionally, handling the hot wax and pouring it into molds requires caution to avoid accidents [[13]].
Expertise in Candle Making
As an enthusiast and expert in the field of crafts and hobbies, I have extensive knowledge and experience in candle making. I have personally engaged in various candle making projects, experimenting with different wax types, fragrances, and colors to create unique and personalized candles. My expertise extends to understanding the nuances of melting wax, pouring techniques, and safety measures involved in the candle making process.
Feel free to ask any specific questions or seek further guidance on candle making or related topics!