Candle Making Material

Candle making material comes in two forms: What you need for supplies (wax, scents, wicks, etc.) and what you need in the way of equipment (thermometer, molds, containers, etc.).

The material varies a bit, depending on if you plan to make wax candles or gel candles. While much of the equipment is the same, there are differences in the some of the supplies necessary.

Let's check out some of the materials you need for scented candle making.

The Equipment

The following equipment is the minimum that you need for making either wax or gel candles:

• Thermometer -- the candy-making kind that measures to at least 300 degrees. You can also find these labeled as candle thermometers, but they are pretty much the same.
• Wax melter.  This can be a double-boiler, a metal pitcher on a trivet (used with the bottom part of a double-boiler, deep fryer or a professional-grade wax melter. In addition, a glass or enamel pot can be used for gel candles, as they need higher melting temperatures.
• Something to stir with. Metal or hard plastic is recommended. Wood can be used with wax candles, but not with gel candles (can leave bubbles).
• Ladle -- used if your wax/gel melter of choice doesn't have a pouring lip, or is too heavy to lift.
• Scale, for measuring the wax weights, plus the weights of any additives.

Those are the very basics for candle making material equipment, that all kinds of candles use. Here are some extra supplies needed, depending on the kind of candle you plan to make:

• Molds, for molded candles. Also mold release (can be a vegetable cooking spray or a candle-specific release.
• Containers for container candles. Make sure you choose glass thick enough to withstand the heat of the wax, plus the heat of the candle when burning.
• Dipping container for taper candles. Needs to be as tall as the finished candle plus at least an inch.

Candle Making Material: Supplies

Now that you know the equipment, now you need to know the candle making material supplies. The absolute basics are:

• Wax for candle making or gel candle wax, as appropriate for your candle type.
• Wicks, the appropriate type and size for your candle.

The next are optional.

• Additives: These can range from materials to make your finished candles harder, to those that enable your candle to accept more scent.
• Colors.  Wax candles can use either dye blocks or liquid. Gel candle need to use liquid dye, so as not to cloud the gel. Not recommended: crayons, lipstick, etc., as they can possibly clog your wick.
• Fragrances: Can range from fragrances made for candles to essential oils. Candle-specific fragrances usually have more "staying power" than essential oils. Note: Gel candles require a non-polar fragrance oil and cannot use essential oils.

In addition, gel candles often use embeds; items that are embedded in the clear gel to give the candle a 3-D look.

Making Candles

The following pages include information on making wax candles and how to make gel candles.

These pages also give information on resources you can use.

If you are a brand-new chandler (candle maker), I suggest you start by purchasing a kit with all the supplies you need. And I don't suggest that you purchase your items at craft stores unless they have someone who is very familiar with candle-making to help you.

(I took a trip to a very large and famous craft store the other day and they made it so terribly easy to pick the wrong combination of supplies!)

Enjoy putting together your candle making materials, and making beautiful candles! 

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Scented Candle Making

The joys of scented candle making are many; not the least of which is coming up with your own special fragrances!

When it comes to candle scents, choose those made for use with candles and/or soaps; they generally have the staying power to keep the candle scented longer.

Gel candles require non-polar (oil based) fragrance oils; they cannot use essential oils or oils that are water or alcohol based!

Speaking of essential oils, they generally aren't recommended for candle making, primarily because their scents are volatile and disappear quickly.

(If you like to use essential oils, choose one of the flameless candles.)