What equipment do you need to start making candles?
After taking a candle making course here in London, I was inspired to start making candles at home. One the first question that comes up is what supplies do I need start making candles? Many of the lists I found are US based, here is one with UK suppliers.
Must haves
Wax
Wax should be your first purchase, but what kind of wax? The classic’s paraffin wax and beeswax are falling out of fashion due to being less eco-friendly, the later is not vegan-friendly, and they tend to burn more soot.
That leaves vegetable waxes, like Soy and Rapeseed. I’ve not yet used Rapeseed, but I had good results with Soy wax. The next thing to consider is what kind of wax do you need? I wanted to make candles in a jar, so for that, I used a container blend, but if you’re looking to make pillar candles or wax melts, use a pillar blend. I ended up using KeraSoy which is manufactured here in the UK.
Wicks
The next most important item is a wick, choosing a wick is a bit of trial and error, you need one that has the correct diameter for the container you are using (this is usually stated by the manufacturer, if not, ask). I would save yourself time and get wicks that are pre-waxed and pre-crimped in a sustainer (the metal bit).
Metal Jug
You need this to blend fragrances into the wax, and to pour it into your containers.
Thermometer
I didn’t want to clean up a food thermometer each time, so got this badass laser thermometer. You need to make sure the wax is not too hot when blending in your fragrance (or you will destroy it).
Scales
You’ll need to measure out both your wax and fragrances, a set of scales helps to reduce wastage and ensures you have the right ratio of wax to fragrance (most wax can only hold around 10% of fragrance).
Scents & Fragrances
This is where it gets creative. You can use essential oils or fragrance oils (usually blended specifically for candles). I would recommend buying small amounts so that you can do a couple of trail runs and see how it throws (smells while it burns).
Containers
You could use old jars, cups, or go all out and get amber glass jars like I did.
Should haves
Wick adhesive
You could use a hot glue gun if you have one, or you can buy wick glue dots to stick the wicks to the containers.
Whisk
A small cheap whisk to blend the scent with the melted wax, failing that anything metal would probably work.
Wooden Pegs
Clothes pegs can be used to hold the wick in place while the wax cools, although I’ve seen people use all sorts.
Nice to haves
Bain Marie
Or you could always put a pot/pyrex dish inside one and other with water in between.
Measuring jug
You need something to measure out your fragrance and essential oils, ideally not plastic as they can be strong.
That’s a wrap, good luck making your own candles!
