Candle and Wax Melt Supplies
Information
Wax Melt Essentials: What You'll Need
One of the joys of creating wax melts is their simplicity. With just a few key ingredients, you can craft beautiful, fragrant pieces that fill your home with delightful scents.
Here's what you'll need to get started:
- Wax (such as soy wax flakes or paraffin wax)
- Fragrance or essential oils
- Silicone moulds
- A heat-resistant pouring jug
- Mica powder or wax dyes (optional, for colour)
For those looking to add a personal touch, consider incorporating elements like biodegradable glitter or dried flowers. These can transform your wax melts into miniature works of art.
While fragrance oils are popular for their strong scent throw, essential oils blends can be an excellent choice for those seeking natural aromatherapy benefits. Lavender for relaxation, citrus for energy, or eucalyptus for clarity are just a few options to explore.
Crafting Wax Melts: A Step-by-Step Guide
Creating wax melts is a straightforward process that allows for plenty of creativity. Here's a simple method to get you started:
- Measure and melt your wax in a heat-resistant jug using a double boiler or microwave. If using a microwave, heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each.
- Allow the wax to cool slightly before adding your chosen fragrance or essential oils. This helps preserve the scent.
- Add any colourants if desired, stirring gently to distribute evenly.
- Carefully pour the wax into your silicone moulds.
- Let the wax cool and harden at room temperature. Avoid refrigeration, as rapid cooling can cause cracking.
- Once fully set, gently remove the wax melts from the moulds.
We recommend also having a glance at our beginner’s guide to making wax melts for more detailed information.
Pro tip: Keep an eye out for white spots on your wax, which can indicate overheating. While harmless, they may affect the appearance of your final product.
Candle-Making Essentials
Whether you're a novice or an experienced chandler, having the right supplies is crucial for creating beautiful, fragrant candles. Here's a list of essential items to get you started:
- Candle container (ceramic, glass, or metal)
- Wax (soy, paraffin, or beeswax)
- Fragrance or essential oils
- Candle wicks
- Wick holders or centering devices
- A double boiler or heat-safe pouring pitcher
- Thermometer
Pro tip: The size of your container will determine the amount of wax and fragrance needed. As a general rule, you'll need about twice the volume of wax as your container's capacity.
For optimal scent throw, refer to our fragrance oil measuring guide to determine the ideal amount for your candle size.
Candle-Making: A Step-by-Step Guide
Creating your own candles can be a rewarding experience. Here's a simplified process to get you started:
- Prepare your container by securing the wick to the centre of the base using a wick sticker or a small amount of melted wax.
- Melt your wax using a double boiler or a heat-safe container in the microwave. Heat in short intervals, stirring between each, until fully melted.
- Allow the wax to cool slightly, then add your chosen fragrance or essential oils. Stir gently to incorporate.
- Carefully pour the wax into your prepared container, keeping the wick centred.
- Allow the candle to cool and set for at least 24 hours at room temperature.
- 6. Trim the wick to about 1/4 inch before lighting.
Remember, practice makes perfect. Don't be discouraged if your first attempts aren't flawless – each candle you make will improve your skills.
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.
Soap-Making Supplies
In addition to candles and wax melts, our waxes can enhance your homemade soaps. Here are some key ingredients for soap crafting:
- Natural waxes (beeswax or soy wax): Add hardness and moisture to your soaps
- Essential oils: For fragrance and potential therapeutic benefits
- Soap moulds: Available in various shapes for creative designs
- Colourants: Natural options like mica powders or plant-based dyes
- Lye and base oils: Fundamental ingredients for traditional soap-making
Wholesale Opportunities
Are you a business owner looking to purchase supplies in bulk? We offer wholesale options for:
- Wax melt making supplies
- Candle making supplies
- Soap making ingredients
To learn more about our wholesale offerings and pricing, please fill out our wholesale inquiry form.
Candles vs. Wax Melts: Understanding the Differences
While both candles and wax melts offer aromatic experiences, they have distinct characteristics:
| Feature | Wax Melts | Candles |
| Burn Time | Longer due to slower heat absorption | Varies based on size and type |
| Cost Efficiency | Generally more economical | Can be pricier due to containers and wicks |
| Scent Control | Easier to adjust strength | Fixed once poured |
| Safety | Flameless option | Open flame requires caution |
| Portability | Compact and easy to transport | More fragile due to glass containers |
Choose between wax melts and candles based on your preferences for ambiance, safety concerns, and desired level of customisation.
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.
Most waxes will be perfectly safe for melting as long as the proper precautions for use are put into place.
The only type of wax which may cause harm when melted or burned is paraffin wax. Paraffin wax is made from petroleum oil - which is also used to make gasoline - and can release harmful chemicals like benzene and toluene when melted.
For this reason, natural waxes like soy wax or beeswax are generally best for your wax melts.
The amount of wax melts you'll get out of 1kg will largely depend on the mould sizes you're using, so there's no real way of judging it for certain.
Generally, though, 1kg of soy wax will equate to around 1174ml of liquid wax when melted.
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.
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.
Wax Comparison Table
| Golden Wax 464 | Golden Wax 494 | Nature Wax C3 | KeraWax 4600 | KeraSoy 4130 | KeraSoy 4120 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Format | Flakes | Flakes | Flakes | Pastilles | Pastilles | Pastilles |
| Container Candles | Yes | No | Yes | No | Yes | No |
| Pillar Candles | No | Yes | No | Yes | No | Yes |
| Tea Lights | Yes | No | Yes | No | Yes | No |
| Wax Melts | No | Yes | No | Yes | No | Yes |
| Fragrance Load | 8% | up to 10% | 8-10% | 12% | 10-12% | 5-10% |
| Melting Point | 70-75°C | 52-58°C | 51-55°C | 57°C | 42-48°C | 60°C |
| Fragrance Addition Temperature | 60-70°C | 70-75°C | 55-60°C | 82-85°C | Immediately prior to pouring | Immediately prior to pouring |
| Colour Addition Temperature | 80-85°C | 76-82°C | Powder 88°C Liquid, block or chips 68°C |
Powder 80°C Liquid, block or chips 70°C |
Powder 75°C Liquid, block or chips 70°C |
Powder 75°C Liquid, block or chips 70°C |
| Pouring Temperature | 60°C | 65-75°C | 55°C | 55-65°C | 45-55°C | 55-65°C |
| Cure Time | at least 2 days at 18-25°C | at least 2 days at 21-24°C | at least 2 days at 20-25°C | at least 2 days at 18-25°C | at least 2 days at 20-25°C | at least 3 days 18-25°C |