Candle making is a delightful and rewarding craft that allows you to create beautiful, functional items for your home, as gifts, or for your business. Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to refine your candle-making skills, having the right tools is essential for achieving professional results. In this post, we’ll explore the essential tools you’ll need to get started with homemade candles, ensuring your candle-making experience is enjoyable and successful.

Wax

The core ingredient for candle making is wax. There are several types of wax to choose from, each with its own unique properties, depending on your preferences and goals for candle making.

Paraffin Wax: This is the most common type of wax, known for its smooth texture and excellent scent throw. It's widely used in commercial candles.

Soy Wax: A popular choice for those seeking a more eco-friendly option, soy wax burns cleanly and is made from renewable resources.

Beeswax: This natural wax has a lovely honey scent and a light golden hue. It’s ideal for those who prefer an all-natural option.

Palm Wax: Known for its crystalline appearance and hardness, palm wax is another natural option, though it’s important to ensure it’s sustainably sourced.

Wick

Choosing the right wick is crucial for a well-burning candle. Wicks come in various sizes and materials, including:

Cotton Wicks: These are the most common and work well with most types of wax. They are typically braided or twisted.

Wooden Wicks: Wooden wicks create a crackling sound, similar to a fireplace, and are popular for their rustic charm. They can come in a variety of widths to create flames that burn in various shapes across the top of the candle

Hemp Wicks: Often used for eco-friendly candles, these wicks burn slowly and steadily.

To determine the right wick size for your candle, consider the diameter of your container and the type of wax you’re using.

Containers and Molds

The vessel you choose for your candles not only affects their aesthetic but also how they burn. Some options include:

Glass Jars: These are the most common and versatile containers for candles. They allow you to observe the wax as it burns and come in various shapes and sizes. At Burch, our glass jars come in two colors, clear glass and amber. From straight sided jars to mason or even hex jars, we have a wide variety of options that will complement the scents and aesthetics of your candles.

Metal Tins: These are great for travel candles or when you want a more industrial look.

Silicone Molds: Perfect for making pillar candles or other unique shapes, silicone molds are flexible and easy to use.

Ensure your chosen container or mold is heat-resistant to handle the melted wax.

Thermometer

Monitoring the temperature of your wax is essential for a smooth and even burn! Using a thermometer ensures that your wax is heated to the correct temperature.

Avoid Overheating: Wax should be heated to a specific temperature for optimal pouring and scent throw. Each type of wax has its recommended temperature range.

Ensure Proper Scent Throw: Adding fragrance oils at the right temperature ensures they bind well with the wax, enhancing the candle’s scent.

Consider a digital thermometer with a probe for the most precise temperature readings.

Pouring Pitcher

A pouring pitcher is indispensable for transferring melted wax into your containers or molds!

Heat-Resistant Materials: Look for a pitcher that is heat-resistant. Most pouring pitchers are made from stainless steel, which can handle high temperatures well.

Spout for Precision: A pitcher with a spout allows for controlled pouring, reducing spills and mess.

Stirring and Measuring Tools

Accurate measurements are crucial when mixing fragrance oils and dyes into your wax! Once your wax is melted, it needs to be stirred to ensure an even distribution of fragrance and color.

Wooden Spoons: Wooden spoons or spatulas are ideal for stirring without affecting the wax’s properties.

Heat-Resistant Silicone Spatulas: These are durable and won’t melt or degrade over time.

Measuring Cups: For precise measurement of liquids and wax.

Kitchen Scales: To weigh out wax and other ingredients accurately.

Fragrance Oils and Dyes

For a personalized touch, you’ll want to consider adding fragrance oils and dyes to your candles.

Fragrance Oils: These come in countless scents and are essential for creating candles with pleasing aromas. Always use oils specifically designed for candles to ensure they burn safely.

Dyes: Candle dyes come in liquid, block, or powder form. They allow you to add vibrant colors to your candles, making them more visually appealing.

Heat Source

A reliable heat source is necessary for melting your wax.

Double Boiler: This is the safest method for melting wax. It prevents direct heat from burning the wax and ensures even melting.

-Electric Melting Pot: Designed specifically for candle making, these pots offer precise temperature control and a convenient way to melt larger quantities of wax.

With these essential tools, you’ll be well-equipped to dive into the world of candle making. As you gather your supplies and start experimenting, you'll discover the joy of creating beautiful, handcrafted candles. Of course, the key to successful candle making is not just having the right tools, but also practicing and refining your technique. Enjoy the process and happy candle making!