Beginner’s FAQs

How do I get started making candles?

There are numerous candle making techniques that can be learned. When first starting out, we recommend learning the basics of container candle making before moving onto more difficult techniques. Learning basic container candle techniques allows you to focus on the procedure of candle making while improving your skills.
We have a wonderful Candles Making Step by Step Guide that teaches you the basics of making a votive candle, while giving you some helpful hints. Just remember to take all the necessary precautions before you start with making Candles.

How much wax do I need to make the number of candles I want to make?

In order to determine how much wax you need to make a certain number of candles, it is important to know the following:
• 1 KG of Paraffin wax by weight will equal approximately 1304 ml of liquid melted wax.
• 1 KG of Soy wax by weight will equal approximately 1174 ml of liquid when melted.
• 1 KG of Beeswax by weight will equal approximately 1043 ml of liquid when melted.
To determine how much wax you will need to make the number of candles you want to make, use the following example: Say, you are using a container that holds 200ml of liquid. You would like to make 15 container candles using soy wax. Take the number of ml your container holds and multiply it by the number of candles you want to make 200 x 15 = 3000. This is the number of liquid (in ml) you will need (3000ml). Now, divide that number of ml by 1174 (which is 1 KG of soy wax in liquid form) 3000 / 1174 = 2.55 Kgs. This is the number of KGs of soy wax you will need to make 15 candles of your 200 ml container candles.
Tip: Always figure a little high for your final measurement (it’s easier to have some left over than to try and match the same color)

How do you calculate the burn rate of a candle?

In order to calculate the approximate burn rate of a candle use the following procedure:
First, find out the weight of your wax. For a freestanding candle, simply put the candle on a scale and that is how many kgs the candle weighs. For a container candle, weigh the finished candle. Then, subtract the weight of the empty container from the weight of the finished candle. (For example, the finished container candle weighs 1 Kg. The empty container weighs 200 gm. 1000 – 200 = 800 gm. The weight of the wax is 800 gms.)
Next, burn the candle an hour for every inch of the diameter. Be sure to use the diameter of the widest part of the candle. (For example, if the diameter is 3.5 inches, burn the candle for 3 1/2 hours straight to get the most accurate assessment). Write down your beginning time and ending time. Using this burn method, a properly created candle will burn a full melt pool to the edges. If the melt pool reaches the edge sooner, then the wick might be too large for the candle. If a full melt pool is not formed, then the wick is probably too small. At the end of your first test burn, weigh your candle again (for a container candle, be sure to subtract the weight of the empty container from this new weight). Write down the weight of the wax after your test burn and the total minutes burned. Let the candle re-harden and then begin the procedure again. Once the candle has been burned three or four times this way, you’ll have a good idea of its burn time.

How do you make the perfect candle?

Unfortunately, there is no such thing as the “perfect candle.” Candle making is an art. It takes time to test and refine candle making skills in order to achieve a beautiful candle that burns how you want it to, and, even then, no two candles will ever be identical. Given that you adequately research the products and the candle making steps, thoroughly test the items, and apply your own quality control procedures, you will be able to create and enjoy gorgeous, safe hand-made candles.

Can I use food coloring for my candles?

Food coloring will not work in candle making. Food colorings are water-based colors that will not mix with the wax. Instead, we recommend using Liquid Candle Dyes or Candle Color Dye Blocks. These colorants are oil-based and work great with many different waxes to create beautiful, long-lasting colors.

Can I use crayons to color my candles?

Crayons are not recommended for use in candle making. It is true that crayons are mostly dyed paraffin wax, but the other particles that make up a crayon could clog a wick, cause sputtering, or other numerous problems. When using a crayon to color a candle, you will not achieve the optimum burn. We recommend using liquid candle dye or candle dye blocks.

What is the ideal burn pool depth of the wax as a candle is burning?

For container candles, the ideal burn pool depth to achieve is 1/4” to 1/2” within about 4-5 hours.

How long should you let a candle cure before burning it?

Candles should always be left to cure undisturbed at room temperature (about 70° F) for at least 24 hours before being lit. Candles should remain open during cooling. Larger candles may require longer times.

How long should you let a candle cool off before shipping it?

Candles should always be left to cure undisturbed at room temperature (about 70° F) for about 4-7 days before shipping.

What is a double boiler and why do I need one to melt wax?

When you’re melting wax you always want to use a double boiler type setup. The purpose of a double boiler is to avoid placing the wax on direct heat. When you place wax on direct heat it can get too hot, too quickly and cause a fire hazard. A double boiler can consist of simply one pot inside of another pot with an inch or two of water in the bottom pot.
Many candle makers make their double boilers by placing a pouring pot inside of another old pot and again placing an inch or two of water in the bottom pot.
What are the benefits of using a pouring pot?
Many candle makers can’t live without their pouring pots and there’s a couple of good reasons.
1. You don’t have to ruin your good pots for candle making. It’s hard to get wax out of pots that have any kind of teflon-like, non-stick surface. Once you use a pot for melting wax, you probably wouldn’t want to cook food.
2. Pouring pots have a nice spout which makes it easy to pour wax into your mold or container. This is nice given the fact that you are working with hot wax and you don’t want to spill it.

Can I microwave wax to melt wax for candle making?

You should not use a microwave to melt wax. Microwave heat in such a way that certain areas get extremely hot while others are still cold. This can be very dangerous and create a fire hazard. Hot wax also splatters. This can create a mess and also create a fire hazard. You should always use a double boiler to melt your wax.

Why do I get small bubbles and pits on the outside of my pillar candles?

These bubbles form for a variety of reasons. Usually this happens when your wax sets too quickly and any air bubbles don’t have a chance to escape. There’s a few different things you can try to get rid of them.
1. Heat your mold before you pour your wax. Heat guns work well for this.
2. Try pouring your wax at a slightly higher temperature.
3. Try using placing your mold in a warm water bath while the wax cools. This can help the wax cool more slowly and let air bubbles escape.
4. Finally, you can try adding about 1% of vybar to your paraffin wax.

I have wicks that are 62-52-18C. What do these numbers mean?

The first number describes the wick size. The larger this number, the larger the wick.
The second number described the density of the wick. The higher this number, the tighter the braid of the wick. The tighter the braid, the lower the wax consumption.
The third number is the temperature of the wax that coats the wick.
The letter at the end of the wick number tells what the wick core is made out of. The following describes the usual letters:
Z – Zinc Core
P – Paper Core
C- Cotton Core
H – Hemp
The wick that you have would probably be used for a rather large container candle such as an 16 oz candle with a 4 inch diameter. Since there are so many different combinations of waxs, additives, wicks, and containers, the best way to find the right size wick for your candle is to do lots of testing!

What should I use to dye my candles? Chips, Blocks, or Liquid Dyes?

This really depends on personal preference, but here are some of the properties of each that I’ve noticed. Liquid dye is easiest to work with since you can measure it easily and get consistent results. On the other hand, it’s sometimes difficult to get really vibrant colors using liquid dye. Overall liquid is good for lighter or pastel colors.
Often you can get color blocks in a wide variety of colors and using more or less of the block in your wax can get you light or very vivid colors. The problem is that it may be difficult to get consistent results everytime since it’s difficult to measure how much you use.
Color chips can be an all around good choice since it’s easy to measure.

I’m having difficulty getting consistent results in my candle making. How can I improve this?
The secret to making consistently good candles is to record everything you do in your candle making. Without a record, you’ll never be able to remember what you did that worked well and what didn’t. Recording your steps lets you repeat your successes and avoid your mistakes. Be sure to write down some of the basic information such as:
• The type and how much wax – Be sure to record whether you had enough wax or too much.
• Additives – Record which additives you used and how much of each.
• Melting and Pouring Temperature – This can really make a difference in the appearance of your candles.
• Colors and Fragrances – Write down what type and how much colorant you used. Also record, what type and how much scent you used. Some combinations of colors and fragrances work better than others.
• Wick – Record what type and size of wick that you used. When you test-burn your candle later, be sure to note how well the candle burned with the particular wick you chose.

Should I use candle fragrance oils or essential oils to scent my candles?

Candle fragrance oils are made specifically for scenting fragrances. As a result this makes them the best choice for scenting candles. Some people prefer to not use synthetic fragrance for their candles so they turn to essential oils. Unfortunately, very few essential oils work well in candles. Usually the fragrance will either be very weak or the candle won’t burn well due to a clogged wick. As a result, we suggest that you stick with fragrance oils unless you’re up for a lot of serious testing.