What Supplies Do You Need For Candles?

A common question we get asked regularly, is what supplies people will need to make their own candles. The answer to this is very dependent on the type of candles you are looking to make, and we will cover this below.

One of the most common types of candles that people make, is a container candle. This is the type of candle that comes in a glass jar, a tin, or some other sort of item that contains the wax. Supplies you need to make a container candle will differ to those of pillar candles. To make a container candle you will need the following:

A container wax – this is very important as the wax needs to adhere to the side of the container. If you use the wrong wax, it will not stick to the side, and if your container is transparent, it will not look good. We recommend wither KeraSoy Container Wax or Kerax 4105 paraffin container wax. The choice is yours between a soy or paraffin blend, we believe paraffin gives a better scent throw, however some people prefer to use soy.
A candle container – if you are making a container candle, and essential supply is the container you will use. We have a wide variety of glassware for this. Whether you want a coloured candle jar, amber aromatherapy candle glass, or a clear/transparent candle we provide it. We also offer them in varying sizes, as well as stocking candle tins. Tins make great containers, and are also a very affordable solution.
Candle fragrance oil, or essential oil – If you want your container candle to have a scent, you will need to use a fragrance or essential oil. We stock a wide variety of Scented Living fragrance oils, enabling your candle to smell like a famous perfume, to a seaside resort. If you want aromatherapy candles, we also sell Le Sol essential oils.
Candle Wicks – For your candle to burn, you will need a wick. There is a lot of trial and error that goes into this. You will need the correct wick for the correct sized container. You will then need the correct type of wick for the wax you are using.
Candle dye – if you want your candle to be a different colour than the cream wax, you will need to use bekro dye. This enables you to colour the wax anything you would like.
Candle safety labels – if you are looking to sell, or gift your candles, safety labels are very important. They will tell people how to safely use your candle, and also will prove safety information on the chemicals that might be in the candle.
A thermometer – when melting the wax, and pouring it, you need to have it at the right temperature. A thermometer lets you easily check the wax temperature.
Scales – you will need to weigh out the amount of fragrance you are adding, and how much wax you are using. This lets you easily calculate the percentage you need, and also makes it easy to remake the same candle in the future.
A double boiler – this is what you will need to melt the wax. You can also recreate this by placing a bowl in a hot pan of water, or even use a microwave if you are desperate. We would typically not recommend the microwave.

If you are looking to make a Pillar candle, you will need a lot of the same supplies. There are some important differences though:

Pillar wax – it is important that you use a pillar wax, so that it has the strength when set to stand freely. We recommend KeraSoy Pillar wax or Kerax 4600 parrafin wax for this.
A mould – instead of a container, you will need a pillar mould to set your candle in. Once it is set you can remove the mould and let the candle stand on its own.

You will then need all of the other items listed above. This is a quick list of all the candle making supplies you will need, to make your own candles at home. Make sure to check out our other guides to learn more about the candle making process. Or if you have any questions, please get in touch at info@scentssoapsandcandles.co.uk

A container candle being poured.