How to Make Candles at Home in 2024
Learn how to make candles for beginners and fall in love with the art of candle making. Wondering, how to make homemade candles? It might seem intimidating but this ancient art can be learned by anyone. According to Statista, “roughly a quarter of U.S. respondents mentioned DIY and arts & crafts when asked about their personal hobbies and activities in 2024.” You’re not alone in your craftiness and plenty of people can (and do) learn to craft!
Learning how to make candles at home is an ideal DIY home décor hack and you can even sell your creations. Online craft stores and farmers markets are excellent spots to show off your homemade candles. Discover how to make them right here.
Jump to Section
- How to Make Your Own Candles
- The Candle-Making Process
- Types of Wax and How to Make Candle Wax
- How to Make Scented Candles at Home
- How to Make Candles at Home Without Wax
- How to Make Candles With Essential Oils
- How to Make Candles at Home to Sell
How to Make Your Own Candles
So, how do you make homemade candles? Well, making your own candles is an art and a science, so you’ll need to follow some basic steps every time. What supplies do you need to make your own candles? Well, a container, the right wax and the right wick size are a must.
Choosing Your Candle Containers
Selecting a suitable container can be both fun and creative. Thrift stores, vintage shops and using creative IKEA hacks are perfect for finding unique glass jars, ceramic bowls, teacups or metal tins that give your candles a distinct look. Ensure that whatever you choose is heat-resistant to avoid any cracking or melting when the candle burns.
Is it cheaper to make your own candles? When you’re creative, yes! To reuse old candle containers, place them in hot water to melt any residual wax and remove the old wick. Once cleaned and dried, they’re ready for a new candle-making adventure.
Calculating How Much Wax to Use
To gauge the wax needed, fill your container with water, then pour it into a measuring cup to determine the volume. Use roughly one ounce of wax (by weight) per one fluid ounce of container space. This measurement helps ensure accuracy, avoiding waste or shortages during pouring.
Selecting the Right Wick Size
Choosing the proper wick size depends on the wax type, container diameter and fragrance strength. Many wick brands provide sizing charts, which can guide you in selecting the ideal wick diameter for your container and wax type. If the wick is too large, it can burn too hot, while a wick that’s too small may lead to tunneling and an uneven burn.
The Candle-Making Process
1. Melt the Wax
Start by melting your wax using a double boiler setup: fill a pot halfway with water, place a heat-proof container with your wax in the pot and heat gently until the wax melts completely. Stir occasionally and avoid letting it overheat. When it reaches around 180°F, it will look similar to olive oil and is ready for the next step.
2. Prepare Your Containers
While the wax cools, prepare heat-safe containers by cleaning them and securing the wick at the bottom center using a dab of glue. For wide containers, multiple wicks may be needed. Stabilize each wick with masking tape or a clothespin across the container’s top to ensure it stays centered as you pour.
3. Pour the Wax
Pour the wax into the containers when it reaches 120°F to 140°F, pouring slowly to avoid bubbles and ensure a smooth surface. Leave some space at the top and ensure the wick remains centered. Tap the container gently if you see air bubbles to release them.
4. Set and Cure
Allow the candles to cure at room temperature for at least 24 hours, keeping them in a stable location to prevent surface imperfections. This curing period helps ensure the scent throw is balanced and the wax sets smoothly for a clean burn.
5. Light and Enjoy!
Once cured, trim the wick to ¼ inch before lighting. Always follow candle safety practices — keep the candle on a stable surface away from anything flammable and never leave it unattended. Enjoy the warm glow and personalized scent of your homemade candle!
Types of Wax and How to Make Candle Wax
What kind of wax is best for candles? There are tons of different types of wax and even ways to learn how to make candle wax on your own. Choosing the right wax for your project is the most important step.
Paraffin Wax
Paraffin is a widely used, petroleum-based wax, great for pillar and taper candles. It's a budget-friendly option, holds scent and dye well, but can produce soot.
Soy Wax
A natural alternative, soy wax is eco-friendly, clean-burning and long-lasting. Ideal for container candles, soy wax’s slow burn time and gentle scent throw make it a popular choice for beginners and experienced makers alike.
Palm Wax
Made from palm oil, palm wax is a higher melting-point vegetable wax, which can help maintain candle form in warmer weather. It's known for effectively dispersing fragrances throughout the candle.
Rapeseed Wax
As a vegetable wax, rapeseed is known for its even burn and strong scent retention. This wax has a neutral odor, making it perfect for scented candles and a viable option for eco-conscious makers.
Gel Wax
Distinct for its translucent, jelly-like texture, gel wax is made from mineral oil and polymer resin. It's ideal for container candles and creates a modern, clear look.
Mixing Waxes
Make your own wax with blended waxes which are a mix of two or more different types of waxes. For example, you may create a mix that's roughly 75% beeswax and 25% organic coconut oil. Mixing the beeswax with coconut oil helps the candle solidify at a more even temperature and reduces the likelihood of center collapse, although it can still happen.
How to Make Scented Candles at Home
Making scented candles isn’t too much different from an unscented candle. You must measure fragrance or essential oil at a 1 oz to 1 lb ratio of wax. Different oils may provide a gentler scent than others, so experiment with different combinations to achieve your desired intensity. Stir the fragrance into the wax at around 140°F, just before pouring.
Here are some fantastic options for adding scents to your candles. Each option provides a unique fragrance experience and can be used alone or in combination to create custom scents.
Fragrance Oils
Fragrance oils are a popular alternative to essential oils and come in an endless variety of scents, from vanilla and lavender to unique blends like “ocean breeze” or “autumn spice.” These oils are synthetic or blended fragrances, often stronger and longer-lasting than essential oils, making them ideal for candles.
Vanilla Extract
Household vanilla extract can add a sweet, warm scent to candles. It’s subtle compared to commercial fragrance oils but works well when added sparingly. You can also experiment with other extracts like almond or coffee for different effects.
Citrus Zest
Grated lemon, orange or lime zest can add a refreshing, uplifting scent to your candles. Make sure the zest is thoroughly dried to avoid moisture in the wax. You can even blend zests for a custom citrus fragrance.
Herbs and Spices
Dried herbs like rosemary, thyme or lavender buds are another great way to infuse natural scents into candles. Crush them slightly before adding to the wax to release their fragrance and ensure they’re dried well to avoid moisture.
Baking Spices
Spices like nutmeg, allspice and ginger provide a cozy, bakery-style scent. These spices blend well for festive, holiday-themed candles and create a warm, comforting atmosphere in any room.
Vanilla or Mint Tea Bags
Using tea bags is an easy and unique way to scent candles. Add a tea bag (such as vanilla or mint) directly into the melted wax, let it infuse and then remove it before pouring the wax. This method creates a soft, pleasant aroma without overpowering the candle.
How to Make Candles at Home Without Wax
You can also make candles without traditional wax by using lard or vegetable shortening. These candles are low-cost, odorless and suitable for emergencies. For a vegetarian or vegan alternative, Crisco can be used to create a stable, long-burning candle with a lovely soft glow.
Use a glass jar, fill it with vegetable shortening, insert a wick and let it solidify. As it burns, you may notice some molten fat around the wick. Just ensure the wick remains upright to make relighting easier.
How to Make Candles With Essential Oils
For candles with essential oils, the general recommendation is 30-35 drops per 160 grams of soy wax, though this may vary depending on the strength of the oil. Essential oils offer a softer aroma compared to fragrance oils, allowing for a gentle scent throw and a more natural feel. Experiment with blends like lavender and eucalyptus or rosemary and lemon to create custom aromas.
How to Make Candles at Home to Sell
With the rising popularity of natural and handmade goods, selling homemade candles can be a rewarding business opportunity. Here are a few pointers to make your product stand out.
1. Create a Unique Scent Profile
Blend essential oils or fragrance oils to craft signature scents that cater to specific themes, seasons or moods.
2. Brand Your Candles Creatively
Packaging and names help set your candles apart in a competitive market. Try simple, clean and eco-friendly packaging to attract environmentally conscious consumers.
3. Safety and Testing
Be sure to thoroughly test each candle to ensure a consistent and safe burn. Include clear burning instructions on the label.
4. Eco-Friendly Appeal
Soy and beeswax candles, in particular, appeal to customers looking for sustainable, eco-friendly options. Highlight these qualities in your marketing.
5. Social Media Presence
Display your candle-making journey and products on platforms like Instagram or Etsy to reach a broader audience and showcase the artisanal process.
Use this comprehensive guide on candle making to create gorgeous candles for DIY fall décor and retail. For even more fun DIY ideas, check out other experiences happening on Classpop!
