How To Make Candles in 10 Simple Steps (2024)

If you’re starting your own candle-making business, figuring out what kind of candles to make and sell is one of the most fun parts of the job. There are many different fragrances, waxes, and accents (like pressed flowers) to choose from, and this process can take a lot of thought and creative energy.

But making candles at home can be fairly simple, as long as you plan carefully and use the right tools—and your candle-loving friends will appreciate your additions to their home décor.

Plus, this might just be the start of a side hustle or small business.

Ahead, learn what materials you will need and follow our 10-step guide on how to make candles.

Materials and tools needed to make candles

Here’s an overview of the supplies you’ll need to make homemade container candles.

Materials

Wax

Candle wax typically comes in wax shavings or wax flakes, which can be purchased in bulk online or from your local craft store.

Some of the most common types of wax used to make candles are:

• Paraffin wax
• Bees wax
• Soy wax

Wicks

Every candle needs a wick. Wicks are typically made of paper, cotton, zinc, or wood.
Thin wicks are appropriate for most candles, but can snuff out easily when used in large candles. Likewise, thick wicks tend to have larger flames, which melt wax quicker, making them a better choice for large candles.

Fragrance oils

Scented candles get their fragrance from essential oils or fragrance oils, which are added to the melted wax during the candle-making process.

You can use single-note fragrances, with one scent, pre-blended fragrance oils, or make your own combinations.

Here’s some scent inspiration:

• Single note: 
  bergamot, mandarin, or rosemary
• Pre-blended: sea breeze, apple pie, or pumpkin spice
• Custom combinations: rose patchouli, lavender sage, to mint lime

The amount of fragrance oil and the type of wax you use will determine how much scent your candle gives off. Wax with a higher melting point, like bees wax will give off less scent than wax with a lower melting point, like paraffin.

Tools

Spatula

A heat-proof spatula for stirring wax will ensure an even melt.

Heat-proof candle containers

Mason jars, glass jars, or even tin cans make excellent candle containers. The larger the container, the larger your candle will be.

Double boiler

Double boilers are kitchen tools that evenly distribute stovetop heat for controlled warming—and they’re perfect for melting wax. You can use a store-bought double boiler or make one by placing a metal bowl on top of a pot with a small amount of water in the bottom.

Thermometer

Use a candy thermometer, a digital infrared thermometer, or a deep-fry thermometer to measure the temperature of your wax.

Popsicle sticks or pencils

To stabilize the wick during the curing process, you will need Popsicle sticks, pencils, chopsticks, or other lightweight, straight objects.

Paper towels

Don’t get wax on all of your kitchen towels! Paper towels are ideal for cleaning up wax drips.

How to make candles in 10 steps

1. Prep containers and supplies
2. Measure the wax
3. Melt the wax
4. Add your fragrances
5. Place the wick
6. Stabilize the wick
7. Pour the wax
8. Clean up
9. Wait for the candle to cure
10. Light your candle

Making candles at home requires a few specialized items, some planning, and a little bit of time—but it’s simpler than you might think. Here’s a step-by-step guide to the candle-making process.

1. Prep containers and supplies

You can purchase votive holders or specific candle jars from a craft store, but empty Mason jars or even tin cans will also work. Just make sure you like the look of the vessel—most poured candles cannot be transferred out of their container prior to burning.

Make sure that your candle containers are clean and dry, and place them on a flat surface. Keep your wicks, fragrance oils, and Popsicle sticks, chopsticks, or other wick holders nearby.

2. Measure the wax

Measure your wax by pouring wax flakes or wax shavings into your candle containers, which act as your candle molds. Because shavings take up more space than melted wax, use approximately two candle containers worth of flakes per candle.

3. Melt the wax

Pour your wax shavings or flakes into your double boiler and slowly warm the wax, using your spatula to carefully stir the melting wax and catch any bits that rise up the edges of the pot.

Paraffin wax melts at around 100 degrees Fahrenheit, soy wax melts at approximately 124 degrees Fahrenheit, and beeswax melts at around 145 degrees Fahrenheit. Use your candy thermometer to monitor the temperature.

4. Add your fragrances

If you are making scented candles, now is the time to get creative.

Some fragrance oils are specifically designed for candle making. For these, follow the instructions on the packaging. If you are using essential oils, add 30 to 40 drops of oil per eight ounce candle. Add the oils slowly and stir with your spatula.

5. Place the wick

Place one wick in each candle container. Seal the wick to the center bottom of the jar by placing a drop of wax (or a drop of Super Glue) on the bottom of the wick and letting it dry on the bottom of the jar. For an even burn, make sure the base of the wick is centered in the container.

6. Stabilize the wick

Before you pour the wax, place two Popsicle sticks across the top of the jar, sandwiching the wick between them. This will keep the wick upright as the wax hardens. You can also use chopsticks, pencils, or even butter knives—just be careful not to drip too much wax on them in the process.

7. Pour the wax

Carefully pour the wax, filling the candle container to just below the top of the rim. Pour slowly to minimize air bubbles.

8. Clean up

Dried wax can be tricky to clean up. Wipe up any melted wax drips on your work surface or the outside of the candle mold with paper towels. Hot water can be used to clean up hardened wax spills.

9. Wait for your candle to cure

Soy candles will harden to room temperature in about four hours and completely cure in three to four days. Paraffin wax candles cure faster (in about two days), and beeswax candles take up to 10 days to cure completely. Once the candle is dry, you can remove the chopsticks and trim your wick.

If your candle has dried with pockmarks or indentations in the surface—typically caused by air bubbles rising during the drying process—warm a little bit more wax and add a thin layer on top.

10. Light your candle

Light ’em up and let ’em burn! Candles make great gifts or online store items, and are a cost-effective way to achieve a beautifully lit, aromatherapy-infused home.

Learn more: How To Start a Candle Business in 2024