A Guide to Candle Making Supplies
Whether you desire to make candles for your own home enjoyment, to give away as gifts to family and close friends, or to begin a small home business, you will need the same basic candle making supplies. Candles are made with two absolutely essential components – a wick and some wax. A third component may be a holder for the candle.
Lets look at wax first. Do you want the simple and easy candle of paraffin wax or the natural purity and honey scent of beeswax? Paraffin is still the most available and least expensive type of wax used in candle making. It adapts to many candle types, is easy to work with and is fast cooling. Beeswax is more difficult to use, must be heated slowly, and used an extra thick wick. It is also more expensive as it is less available. A third wax, developed in 1991, that is becoming increasingly popular is soy wax, made from hydrogenated soybean oil. This eco-friendly wax emits less soot than paraffin.
The second essential component, the wick, can be purchased in several sizes and lengths, either primed (wax coated) or unprimed. Wick size refers to the diameter of the finished candle, based on paraffin candles. For example the wick size “one inch” would be used for a one inch diameter candle. Wicks are made from braided cotton fiber, and some have a core of paper or metal wire, for support. Choosing the correct wick size is essential, and you will need to do some experimenting with waxes other than paraffin.
Your candle making supplies include certain necessary equipment. A double boiler can be used to melt the wax. A good candy thermometer is needed to determine the right pouring temperature. To give your candle shape, you will need molds. Many mold styles and shapes are available, or you can use materials such as cans, empty jars or juice containers. Your mold must be shaped to easily release the candle once it has cooled. You can also make container candles, where the candle remains in the container.
Most candle makers also consider color and scent as essential supplies. They will allow you to make unique and beautiful candles. Any wax soluble substance can color a candle, from wax crayons to mineral pigments. However, ready made dye disks are the most reliable and convenient. These are available in a complete array of colors, and you can custom-color your wax by using them in combination.
Scent is the finishing touch to any candle. It can change the room’s atmosphere, mask bad smells, or even repel bugs outdoors. Candle making suppliers offer a wide range of oil-based perfumes, in many fragrances. You can also use essential oils, and make your own aromatherapy candles. Never use alcohol based scents, as the alcohol will not mix into the wax, and your candle will not burn correctly.
The basic supplies you will need to make candles at home can be purchased for under $100, and for that amount you will be able to make several unique and individual candles. Decide which waxes and other supplies you want to use, invest in a good reference book or a candle making class, and go ahead and enjoy your candle making!
