Simply enter the number of candles you want to make and their desired size, and our calculator will instantly provide you with the amount of wax and fragrance oil you’ll need.
Candle Making Supplies Checklist
Our candle making supplies checklist helps streamline the process, prevents last-minute scrambles, and enhances your overall crafting experience by keeping you organized and focused:
- Wax:
- Choose your preferred type (e.g., paraffin, soy, beeswax, palm).
- Fragrance Oils:
- Select your desired scents.
- Wicks:
- Choose the appropriate size and type for your candle.
- Containers or Molds:
- Decide on the shape and size (e.g., jars, tins, or silicone molds).
- Colorants (Optional):
- Select candle dyes if you want to add color.
- Equipment:
- Double boiler or a dedicated wax melting pot.
- Thermometer (to monitor wax temperature).
- Stirring utensil (e.g., wooden spoon or spatula).
- Scale (for accurate measurements).
- Wick holder or centering device (to keep wicks in place).
- Safety Gear:
- Heat-resistant gloves.
- Safety goggles (optional, for extra protection).
The Basics / FAQ
Choosing Your Wax
The first step in your candle-making adventure is selecting the right wax. Here are some popular options:
- Paraffin Wax: This is the most common candle wax, known for its excellent scent throw and affordability. It’s great for beginners!
- Soy Wax: A favorite among eco-conscious crafters, soy wax is made from soybeans and burns cleaner than paraffin. It’s perfect for those who want a sustainable option.
- Beeswax: This natural wax has a beautiful honey scent and is known for its long burn time. It’s a bit pricier but worth it for its unique qualities.
- Palm Wax: Another natural option, palm wax creates stunning crystalline patterns on the surface of candles. It’s important to source sustainably!
Understanding Fragrance Load
Fragrance load refers to the amount of fragrance oil you can safely add to your wax without compromising the candle’s performance. Here are some key points:
- Typical Load: Most waxes can hold about 6-10% fragrance oil. For example, if you’re making a 1-pound candle, you can add 0.6 to 1 ounce of fragrance oil.
- Trial and Error: Different waxes and fragrance oils may have varying scent throw, so feel free to experiment within the recommended range to find your perfect balance.
- Cure Time: Allow your candles to cure for a few days after pouring to let the fragrance fully develop. This will enhance the scent throw when burned.
Wax Gravity
Wax gravity refers to the density of the wax, which can affect how much wax you need for a particular container. The average density of most candle wax is around 0.86. Here’s what you need to know:
- Understanding Density: Wax density can vary between types (e.g., paraffin vs. soy). Knowing the gravity helps you calculate the amount of wax needed based on the volume of your container.
- Using the Calculator: Our Candle Wax Calculator takes the guesswork out of this! The calculator is set to use a wax gravity of 0.86. Simply input your container size, and it will provide the amount of wax and fragrance oil needed.
FAQ: Common Candle Making Questions
1. What temperature should I melt my wax?
- Each type of wax has a different melting point. Generally, paraffin melts around 120-160°F, while soy wax melts at about 120-180°F. Always refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines.
2. How do I prevent my candles from tunneling?
- Tunneling occurs when the wick doesn’t burn evenly. To avoid this, make sure to trim your wick to about 1/4 inch before lighting and allow the candle to burn long enough for the wax to melt evenly across the surface.
3. Can I mix different wax types?
- Yes! Mixing waxes can create unique textures and scents. Just be sure to test your blends for performance and scent throw.
4. How do I choose the right wick?
- The wick size depends on the diameter of your candle. A wick that’s too small will lead to tunneling, while one that’s too large can create soot. Consult a wick guide for recommendations based on your chosen wax and container size.
