4 Essential Candle Making Supplies for Beginners
Posted on: 14 October 2021
Want to start making your own candles, either as a hobby or to sell? It can feel overwhelming when you consider all the supplies you could purchase, but there are only a few essentials that you need to get started. Once you're sure the hobby is for you, you can invest in additional supplies to make your candles even more unique. Keep reading for details on the basic things you should purchase first.
1. Candle wax
Candle wax comes in different varieties, so you'll need to decide on the type of candle you want to make before purchasing. Container wax is perfect for pouring into jars, tins, and other holders, while pillar wax is used to make standalone candles. You'll also be able to choose between soy, palm paraffin, beeswax, or blends of several types. Wax is available in granules, flakes and sheets, making it easy to melt, pour and shape.
2. Containers
Unless you want to make pillar candles, you'll need containers to hold your candles. These could be classic options like glass jars, or quirky choices like coconut shells, vintage teacups or plant pots. If you're new to candle-making, it's fun to test out containers in a range of shapes, sizes and materials. Don't be afraid to experiment and think outside the box.
3. Wicks
Choosing the right wick is essential as it's the difference between a candle that burns well or fails. Many supply companies offer tables and calculators to help you work out the size of wick you need, according to the type of wax you're using and the size of your candle. These offer a rough guide, but it's important to carry out a burn test to see for yourself how well different sizes of wick work. It's trial and error at first, but you'll soon be an expert.
4. Fragrance oils
Part of the fun of creating your own candles is designing unique fragrance combinations. Pick up a selection of fragrance oils so that you can experiment with quantities and combinations. Most varieties of wax won't hold more than 12% of fragrance oil, but many candles contain a much lower percentage than this, so be ready to do some maths and test different percentages. If you're not sure about a new fragrance, test it on a small candle so that you don't waste too much oil.
It's not hard to get started with candle making once you know what you need. Pick up the basic supplies above and start experimenting today. Contact a company like Adelaide Moulding and Candle Supplies to get more tips.
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