Getting started with candle making does not require a huge investment. A basic set of quality supplies is enough to make your first batch of candles at home, and many of the tools can be reused indefinitely. Here is a complete list of what you need and where to find it.
Essential candle making supplies
Wax
Soy wax flakes are the best choice for beginners. They are easy to work with, melt evenly, and produce a clean-burning candle with good fragrance throw. Buy from a reputable candle supply company to ensure consistent quality. You will typically need approximately 10 percent more wax by weight than the volume of your vessels.
Fragrance oils
Use candle-specific fragrance oils rather than essential oils. Essential oils have a lower flash point and can behave unpredictably at candle-making temperatures. A typical fragrance load for soy wax is 6 to 10 percent of the wax weight. Start at 8 percent and adjust based on your results.
Wicks
Pre-waxed cotton wicks with metal sustainers are the easiest to work with. The wick size should match your vessel diameter. Most candle supply companies provide wick size guides based on vessel diameter and wax type. Buying a wick sampler pack is a good way to test different sizes before committing to a large quantity.
Vessels
Glass jars, ceramic pots, and metal tins all work well for container candles. Make sure they are heat-resistant and have no cracks or chips. Clean and dry them thoroughly before use.
Pouring jug
A dedicated wax pouring jug with a handle and spout makes the process much easier and safer. Stainless steel or aluminium jugs are ideal as they are easy to clean and conduct heat evenly.
Thermometer
A digital thermometer is essential for monitoring wax temperature accurately. Soy wax should be melted to around 75 to 80 degrees Celsius and fragrance added at around 65 to 70 degrees. Pouring temperature is typically 55 to 60 degrees.
Double boiler or bain-marie
Never melt wax directly over a flame. Place your pouring jug in a pan of simmering water and melt the wax gently. A dedicated wax melter is a useful upgrade once you are making candles regularly.
Wick centring tools
These hold the wick in the centre of the vessel while the wax sets. Dedicated wick bars are inexpensive and reusable. Two chopsticks or pencils rested across the top of the vessel work just as well.
Scales
Candle making is a precise craft. Weighing your wax and fragrance oil rather than measuring by volume gives consistent results. A set of kitchen scales accurate to 1g is sufficient.
Optional but useful
- A heat gun for smoothing the surface of finished candles
- Labels and packaging for gifting or selling
- A dedicated candle making notebook for recording your formulas and results
Where to buy candle making supplies in the UK
Several specialist candle supply companies operate in the UK, offering wax, fragrance oils, wicks, and vessels. Buying from a UK supplier means faster delivery and the ability to ask for advice from people who understand the specific challenges of candle making in a British climate.
Prefer to buy rather than make? Browse our Scented Soy Candles, all hand-poured in Carlisle, Cumbria. Or explore our Best Sellers for our most popular fragrances.