Candle Making Tips for Beginners

April 4, 2025

Candle making is a fun and rewarding hobby! Here are some beginner-friendly tips to get you started on the right (and safe) waxy path:

Wax: Soy wax is great for beginners—it's clean-burning and easy to work with.
Wicks: Match wick size to your container size and wax type.
Containers: Heat-safe jars or tins work best.
Fragrance oils (optional): Designed for candle making—don’t use essential oils unless labeled safe for high heat.
Colorants (optional): Use dyes made for candles.
Double boiler or melting pot
Thermometer
Wick holders or chopsticks to center wicks

Use a thermometer
Temperature matters! Melt your wax slowly and avoid overheating. Most soy wax melts around 120–180°F, and you should pour it at 130–150°F depending on the brand.
Preheat your containers
Warm jars help reduce sinkholes and frosting.
Secure your wick
Use a bit of hot glue or a wick sticker to keep it centered. A crooked wick = uneven burn.
Measure your fragrance
6–10% fragrance load is typical. Use a scale, not a spoon.
Don’t pour too hot
Pouring wax that’s too hot can cause cracking, uneven tops, or sinkholes.
Avoid bubbles
Stir gently and steadily when adding fragrance to avoid air bubbles.
Cure your candles
Let them sit 1–2 weeks before burning for the best scent throw—especially soy wax.
Trim wicks before burning
Keep the wick around 1/4 inch to prevent soot and large flames.
Test, test, test
Burn tests help you make sure your candles are safe and perform well.
Stay safe
Never leave melting wax unattended. Keep a fire extinguisher nearby and work in a well-ventilated area.

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