How to Make Candles

Making homemade candles looks intimidating, but it is pretty straightforward. I've been making candles for years, and let me tell you—there's something incredibly satisfying about melting wax, adding your favorite scents, and creating something beautiful from scratch. Whether you're looking to create homemade gifts, save money on expensive store-bought candles, or want a new hobby, candle making is perfect for beginners. The basic process is simple: melt wax, add fragrance, pour into containers, and let them set. But some tips and tricks will help you avoid common mistakes. The best part? You only need a few simple ingredients and tools to get started. Most people already have half the supplies needed at home. Let's walk through the entire process so you can start making your beautiful candles this weekend.

Add Wax Dye

Here's where you can get creative with colors. Wax dye comes in many forms: blocks, flakes, or liquid drops. I prefer wax dye flakes because they're easier to measure and blend. Start small with color. A little goes a long way with wax dyes. You'd be surprised how much color you get from just a tiny amount. If making multiple candles, mix your dye thoroughly in a small portion of wax first, then add it to the main batch. Different wax types take color differently. Soy wax looks more pastel, while paraffin wax can achieve deeper, more vibrant colors. Beeswax's natural golden hue affects how added colors appear. Don't forget about layering! You can create stunning effects by pouring different colored wax in layers. Just make sure each layer cools slightly before adding the next.

Melt Wax

The melting process is crucial for good candles. I always use a double boiler method because it gives better temperature control and prevents burning. Fill a pot with about 2 inches of water and bring it to a gentle simmer. Place your wax in a metal bowl or pitcher that fits on top. Temperature matters big time. Most waxes melt between 125 and 185 degrees Fahrenheit. Soy wax melts around 120-180°F, while paraffin wax needs temperatures closer to 165-185°F. Use a candy thermometer or an infrared thermometer to monitor the heat. Never leave melting wax unattended. It can catch fire if it gets too hot. Keep the heat on medium to medium-low to maintain steady, gentle melting. Coconut soy wax is my favorite for beginners. It's forgiving, has a great hot throw, and retains fragrance. Golden Brands 454 coconut soy wax blend works particularly well for jar candles.

Add Fragrance Oil

This is where your candles come to life. Fragrance oils should be added when your wax reaches the proper temperature - usually around 185°F for most waxes. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for fragrance load. Typically, you'll want 6-10% fragrance oil to wax ratio. Too much can cause issues like poor burn performance or wet spots on your finished candle. Stir the fragrance oil thoroughly. Use a wooden or popsicle stick and stir for at least 2 minutes to ensure even distribution. This step is critical for getting a consistent scent throw. If you're making eco-friendly candles, consider using natural plant-derived candle fragrance oils. They're better for indoor air quality and perfect for those sensitive to synthetic scents.

Prep Containers & Wicks

Your container choice affects how your candle burns. Glass jars are the most popular option for jar candles, but you can also use metal containers or candle molds for pillar candles. Clean everything first. Even new containers might have dust or residue. Wipe them down with rubbing alcohol and let them dry completely. Choose the correct wick size for your container. Cotton wicks work well for most candles. The wick size depends on your container diameter - wider containers need larger wicks. Check the wick size charts from suppliers for guidance. Wood wicks are trendy and create a nice crackling sound, but they're trickier for beginners. Start with basic cotton wicks until you get comfortable with the process.

Secure Wicks

Wick positioning is more critical than most people realize. A centered wick ensures even burning and prevents tunneling. Use wick stickers or a hot glue gun to secure the wick. Place a small glue dot on the bottom of your wick and press it firmly to the center of your container bottom. Metal wick centering devices help keep wicks straight while pouring. You can also use popsicle sticks or pencils laid across the container opening. For wooden wicks, wooden dowels work well as wick holders during the pouring process.

Pour the Wax

Temperature is key for this step. Let your wax cool to around 150-155°F before pouring. This prevents glass containers from cracking and helps minimize shrinkage. Pour slowly and steadily. Hold your pouring pitcher close to the container and pour in a slow stream. This reduces air bubbles and ensures clean-looking candles. Leave about 1/2 inch of space at the top of your container. This prevents overflow and gives you room for the second pour if needed. You might need to pour in stages for larger candles, especially those over 8 ounces.

Let them Cool

Patience pays off here. Let your candles cool undisturbed for at least 4-6 hours at room temperature. Rushing this step can cause sinkholes or uneven surfaces. You'll notice some shrinkage as the wax cools. This is normal and why we do a second pour. The wax pulls away from the wick as it solidifies. Avoid moving candles while they're cooling. Even slight temperature changes can affect how they set up. Check on them periodically, but don't touch or move them until they're solid.

Second Pour

That dip around the wick? It's completely normal, and a second pour is usually necessary. Heat your remaining wax to the same temperature as your first pour. Fill in the sinkholes carefully. Only a thin layer is needed to create a smooth top surface. Pour slowly around the wick. Some candle makers do this step 24 hours later, but 4-6 hours works fine if you've maintained some wax at the right temperature. This step makes your finished candle look professional and polished.

Trim the Wicks

Use a wick trimmer or nail clippers to trim wicks about 1/4 inch above the wax surface. Long wicks create larger flames and more smoke, which can cause candles to burn too fast. Short wicks might tunnel or go out. Once you start burning your candles, trim the wicks before every use. This simple step dramatically improves burn time and performance. Remove wick trimmings from the wax pool to prevent them from catching fire while burning.

Let them cure

Candles need time to cure before use. Allow at least 24-48 hours for the wax and fragrance to bond fully. During this time, the scent develops its full strength, and the wax reaches optimal hardness. With curing time, cold throw (how the candle smells when not lit) and hot throw improve. Some candle makers cure for up to a week for optimal results. I've found 3-4 days is the sweet spot for most homemade candles. Store curing candles at room temperature away from direct sunlight.

Conclusion

Making candles at home is rewarding, creative, and easier than you might think. With just a few basic supplies and following these simple steps, you can create beautiful, custom candles that rival anything from boutique shops. Start with small batches until you perfect your technique. Experiment with wax types, scents, and container styles to find what works best. Remember, even experienced candle makers had to start somewhere - don't be discouraged if your first attempts aren't perfect. The most important thing is to have fun with the process. Candle making is as much about the journey as the destination. Before you know it, you'll create stunning candles that make perfect homemade gifts or beautiful additions to your home.