What do I need to know before I begin making candles?
Anyone can learn how to make candles at home! Making your own candles is a fun way to completely customize them and express yourself creatively. There are lots of ways to customize the scent of your candles, from fragrance oils to essential oils.
Before you begin making candles, you should know that it’s okay to pace yourself. Many beginning candle makers experience information overload. There’s a lot to learn when starting a new hobby and soy candle making is no different!
Enjoy the process, take a few notes, and have fun with your first few candles. There are tons of free online resources to help with troubleshooting and improving your candles down the line, but make sure you celebrate your first few candles for what they are—an accomplishment!
Is soy candle wax right for me?
As demand for eco-friendly and natural ingredients continues to rise, soy candle wax remains one of the most popular plant-based waxes on the market. Soy candles are known for their excellent cold throw, long-lasting slow burn, and opaque white finish. Natural soy wax candles make impressive gifts for eco-conscious friends, housewarmings, and holidays.
When choosing the best type of wax to start with, it's helpful to review the properties of the wax. Different waxes are suited to different types of candles, but soy wax flakes are a great option for making natural soy candles.
Our best-selling soy wax is a great option for beginning soy candle makers! To achieve a strong hot throw, soy candles should cure for at least one week before burning.
Can I use essential oils to scent my candles?
You can use many essential oils to scent candles. However, some essential oils are better saved for wax melts or soap because they shift in aroma when exposed to a flame. Thoroughly test all essential oils in candles.
We recommend fragrance oils for candle making beginners. Many fragrance oils do contain essential oils; however, fragrance oils are made specifically for use in candles, making it a bit easier to achieve your desired scent and hot throw strength. Fragrance oils are made from a variety of aromatic ingredients, some made naturally and others synthetically.
Can I add gems, flowers, and other decorations to my candles?
There are tons of fun ways to customize your candles, but items not specifically intended for candles like crystals, dried plants, and glitter, aren’t recommended. Botanical candles look lovely, but the plant matter and crystals shift as the wax melts, creating burn issues and even fire hazards.
You don’t have to forgo the aesthetic of botanical candles, though! Wax melt embeds are a great alternative to real flowers and crystals, and you can customize them with candle dyes and fragrance oils. Silicone molds are perfect for wax melt embeds; find them in the baking section of your local craft store or online.
Is candle making profitable?
Absolutely! What might cost $5 in supplies can be sold for $20 or more, and you don’t need a lot of equipment or space to hit the ground running. Many candle makers start out right in their kitchen using the double boiler or microwave method. Candles generate a high return on investment, and many fragrance oils and essential oils can also be used for soap making or other body-care products.
Candle making kit for beginners
The easiest way to learn candle making and get all the supplies you need is with a kit. Check out our recommended candle making kits for beginners.
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Candle Making Instructions
Step 1: Make a double boiler to melt your candle wax
Place a medium saucepan on your burner or hot plate and fill ⅓ of the pot with water. This will create your double boiler. Heat on medium-high heat, stirring occasionally.
Step 2: Weigh out your soy candle wax and heat it in the double boiler
Pour the entire bag of wax into the pitcher (or ceramic 15 oz. mug) with the soy wax in the double boiler. Allow the wax to melt to 185°F (85°C).
Step 3: Place a cotton wick in each of your candle containers
Place on wick sticker on the bottom metal tab of the candle wick, and then place the wick in the center of the candle container. Repeat for the remaining two containers.
Step 4: Add fragrance once the wax reaches 185°F (85°C)
Once the wax hits 185°F (85°C), add 1 oz (28 g) of fragrance and then remove the pitcher from the heat. Gently stir for 1-2 minutes to allow the fragrance to bind with the wax.
Step 5: Allow the wax to cool to 135°F (57.2°C) then pour it into your prepared candle containers
Once the soy wax cools to 135°F (57.2°C), carefully pour the wax into the prepared candle containers. Filling each container to about ¼ of an inch (6 mm) from the top. Center the wick in each candle with a wick bar, clothespin, or popsicle stick, and allow the candles to cool.
Step 6: Trim the candle wick, add a warning label, then enjoy!
When the candles have completely cooled, trim each wick to ¼ of an inch (6 mm) and add a warning label to the bottom of the containers.
