Make Your Own Candles
In this article, you will learn about equipment required to make your own candles. I also offer tips on where and how to source that equipment without breaking the bank.
Have you ever wanted to make your own candles as a hobby? Candle making is not only a fulfilling hobby, but also one that does not necessarily require you to spend a lot for start-up.
This means you can start as soon as you buy the most basic materials… namely, wax and wicks. If you want you want to learn how to make scented candles or candles in a variety of colors, add fragrances and dyes to your list. These start-up materials can be found both online and at your local craft shop.
Equipment Required to Make Your Own Candles
In time, you may want to go one step further and buy more advanced candle making equipment. But for beginners, here’s the equipment you will need to make your own candles:
Heat Source:
If your goal is to start a candle making venture and produce lots and lots of candles, you may have to buy a commercial grade wax melter that could cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars. But for a humble start, the best option for a heating source would be your good ole’ kitchen stove.
In fact, your kitchen alone offers a lot of other great advantages for candle making. Aside from the stove, the kitchen usually has a good lighting, running water, ample counter-space, and convenient electric outlets. You can save a lot of money by using what you already have.
Keep in mind though that you will have to move your stuff come dinner time. But if you do not want to disturb dinner, you may have to setup somewhere else using an affordable hot plate or a modified Presto Pot.
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How to Make Your Own Candles
Double Boiler:
Safety is the main reason why a double boiler is the ideal tool for melting wax. There are types of candle wax that catches fire easily once the temperature exceeds 212 F (100 C). So use a double boiler for a slow and even heating process. Also, make sure there is a thermometer at hand.
A double boiler is simply two pots that fit one-inside-the-other, often used to create mustards and chocolate sauces. For candle making, use the lower pot to boil water and provide indirect heat to the upper pot which contains the candle wax.
Double boilers specifically made for candle making are sold in stores. But if your budget is tight, you can improvise your very own double boiler by using your own pots and pans at home. Or, go to Target or Walmart and buy an aluminum or stainless steel pot and a $5 large Pyrex measuring cup.
Thermometer:
As already mentioned, a good thermometer is required to make your own candles. A standard candy thermometer will do the trick. They are available for $10 at your local Target or Walmart. When buying a thermometer, make sure that it has a temperature reading range between 100 F (38 C) and 212 F (100 C).
Some websites say that a thermometer is not necessary in candle making. This is a fallacy. It is important that you know the temperature to avoid burning your wax, and so you know when to pour it. Keep in mind that not all wax has the same optimal pour temperature.
A thermometer allows you to create special effects because you are able to control the pouring temperature. This is especially true when using gel to make your own candles. If you want to avoid bubbles in your candles, pour your gel as it reaches its optimal pouring temperature, which is 200 F.
In fact, bubbles aren’t always a bad thing. Have you ever seen classy looking champagne glass candles or those cool seascape gel candles? Yup, they all have bubbles.
If you want bubbles in your candles for design purposes, just let the gel cool below 200 F before pouring.
Some other helpful tools and materials:
If you want to make your own candles, the following items will also be helpful.
* Craft Scissors
* Paring Knife
* Kitchen or Postal Scales
* Dipping Can
* Baking Pan
* Water Bath Container
* Measuring Cup
* Measuring Spoon
* Mold Release Spray
* Glue Gun or Glue Tabs
* Wick Holders
* Tape measure
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How to Make Your Own Candles
Keep a Candle Making Journal:
Throughout your candle making career, you will always be refining your formulations and techniques in search of perfection. It always helps to keep careful records so you can refer back to them instead of relying on your memory.
Here’s a quick video about keeping a candle making journal:
