Candle Making Supplies
Professional, unique candles are just a few moments away with our growing selection of creative candle making supplies.
Information
Making your own candles is a great way to channel your creativity at home.
Candle making is relatively inexpensive, endlessly enjoyable, and can provide you with tons of personalised gifts for you and your loved ones.
Finding good quality supplies for candles isn't much of a challenge either - so long as you know just what kind of candle you're looking to create.
As with all DIY projects, there are a few handy tips to keep in mind before getting started, so we've detailed some of the basics on how to find the right candle making supplies below.
What supplies do you need to make candles?
For those that have never made a candle before, it can be overwhelming seeing all the possible options out there. But no need to fear!
We've outlined the staples you'll find in most candle making kits, so you're free to experiment with any other added ingredients (like dyes or glitters) you'd like from there.
You will need:
- A candle container
- Candle wax - preferably soy wax flakes
- Fragrance oils or essential oils of your choice
- Candle wicks
- Glue dots
- A heat-proof glass bowl
Your candle container can be any size you'd like, but remember that the amount of wax and fragrance oil you add must be modified to accommodate this.
Your wax will need to be around twice the size of your container, and your wick length should be significantly taller than the rim.
If you're not sure how to best to measure the scents you want to use, you can check out our candle fragrance measuring guide.
How to make candles at home
When making candles, it's always important to follow a trusted recipe. If you're a complete beginner, our beginner's guide may be a good place to start.
If you're working with fragrance oils in particular, our fragrance oil candle making guide may suit you better. We'll be touching on some of the basics below.
- Place your wax flakes in a heatproof bowl and place over a pan of hot water. Leave it to sit until the wax has melted and then set aside for a minute.
- Take your chosen container and use a glue dot to place your wick inside. Try to attached it to the centre base as closely as you can.
- Use a wick holder, chopsticks, or a couple of pencils to help keep the wick straight.
- Going back to your wax, add the fragrance oils or essential oils of your choice.
- Take the melted wax and carefully pour it into your container.
- Wait 24 hours to allow the wax to cool, then snip off the wick to your desired length.
- Light your candle and enjoy!
What's the difference between a fragrance oil and an essential oil?
Deciding between fragrance oils and essential oils for your candle is a question many hobbyists continually face.
The primary difference between both oil types is that fragrance oils are synthetic, while essential oils are natural. Both can be used in candles, and both have their own advantages.
Most crafters, however, prefer the stability that a fragrance oil provides them with. Fragrance oils are more often than not designed for candle making specifically, meaning they tend to carry a better scent throw and are easier to work with.
They also offer aromas that have more personality than their natural counterparts. That being said, fragrance oils do not have the aromatherapy benefits that essential oils provide.
Find out more about the difference between essential oils and fragrance oils.
Can I buy candle making supplies wholesale?
Interested in wholesale candle making supplies? Candle making offers a wealth of possibilities for customisation and creativity. Each time you make one, you can change up the scent, colour, or even the shape to feed your mind with new opportunities.
If you're a business owner looking for wholesale candle supplies, you can fill in our wholesale form to learn more about what we offer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Fragrance oils are added to candles to enhance the sensory experience. When the candle burns, the fragrance oil heats up, releasing a pleasant aroma that can set a mood, evoke memories, or create a specific ambiance in a space.
Scented candles can transform an environment, making it feel cosy, romantic, refreshing, or even festive, depending on the chosen scent. Additionally, many individuals find certain fragrances therapeutic, aiding in relaxation, focus, or rejuvenation.
To preserve the quality and lifespan of your candles, store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, which can cause fading or warping. Keep them in an upright position to prevent deformities.
If candles are scented, it's best to store them in their original packaging or wrap them in foil or plastic to retain the fragrance. Avoid storing candles near heaters or in hot cars, as extreme temperatures can affect their shape and scent.
For long taper or pillar candles, lying them flat can prevent warping. Regularly dust off stored candles to maintain their appearance and ensure a clean burn when lit.
When crafting candles, the fragrance oil you choose plays a pivotal role in setting the ambiance. Common categories of fragrance oils include:
Floral: Evoking romantic and calming atmospheres with scents like rose or lavender.
Citrus: Bright and invigorating, with aromas like lemon or grapefruit.
Woody: Creating a cosy environment with notes of cedarwood or pine.
Spicy: Introducing a festive or exotic touch through scents like cinnamon.
Fruity: Offering playful and sweet aromas, such as apple or berry.
Your choice should align with the mood or setting you aim to create with your candle.
Products
Ylang Ylang (Complete) Essential Oil
Fresh Linen (Floral) Fragrance Oil
Pumpkin Spice Premium Fragrance Oil
A Beginner's Guide to Making Candles
Candle making is a fun and easy way to get creative with your oils - no expertise needed.
Learn More
Apple & Cinnamon Fine Fragrance Oil
From £2.49How many candles does 1kg of wax make?
The amount of candles you'll get out of your wax will largely depend on the size of the container you're using - tea light candles are likely to go a lot further with 1kg of wax than three wick candles.
For reference, though, a standard collection of 20cl candle glasses should make a total of around 6 candles.
Is candle making profitable?
Candle making businesses can be highly profitable, especially if you're offering a good range of unique scents and customisations.
Candles are one of those items that never really go out of style, so starting up your own business can certainly provide you with a solid client base before you even get started.
There is also a very low-cost barrier to starting a candle business, so you don't have to worry about breaking the bank too much.
Is it cheaper to make your own candles?
If you find yourself buying five or more scented candles a year, it's almost definitely cheaper to invest some time in making your own.
The world of crafting offers the chance to make beautiful candles with your favourite custom scents, colours, and shapes - without having to sift through 1000 sites to find them.
Gathering your candle making equipment sorted is an easy practice too, and you can refer to our list above for all the tools you'll need to get started.
Which wax holds the most scent?
Generally, paraffin wax is hailed as the wax that holds the most amount of fragrance, although that doesn't necessarily mean it's the best for you to use.
Soy wax can also hold long-lasting, highly effective fragrances, while simultaneously providing you with an all-natural base that won't release toxic fumes.
How much does it cost to make 100 candles?
The cost of your homemade candles will depend on a number of factors, such as the size of your containers, the number of oils you're using, the type of wax you're using, and the quality of the ingredients.
That being said, the average cost to make 100 candles tends to be around £120, give or take several of these conditions.