Top 10 Candle Making Tips at Home - Beginner’s Guide

Candle making at home is a relaxing and rewarding hobby. Whether you're making candles for personal use, gifting, or starting your own small business, it all starts with understanding the basics. With the right tools, a few tried-and-tested techniques, and a bit of creativity, you can make beautiful, fragrant candles that burn safely and evenly.

In this complete guide, we’ll walk you through the top 10 candle making tips at home along with a section on where to buy high-quality candle supplies online in the UK.

1. Choose the Right Wax

Different waxes have different melting points, scent throws, and finishes. Soy wax is great for beginners due to its clean burn and ease of use. Beeswax burns longer and naturally purifies the air, while paraffin wax offers strong scent throw and vibrant color results.

2. Measure Ingredients Accurately

Precision is key in candle making. Use a digital scale to weigh your wax, fragrance, and dye. Eyeballing can result in poor scent throw or uneven burning.

3. Use a Thermometer

Temperature matters more than you think. Wax that's too hot can burn off the fragrance, while wax that's too cool may not mix evenly.

Recommended Temperatures:

• Add fragrance between 60°C - 70°C (based on wax type)
• Pour soy wax at around 55°C - 60°C

4. Select the Right Wick

The wick controls the size of the flame and how the candle burns. Use a wick that suits your container's diameter and wax type. Cotton and wooden wicks are the most popular.

5. Add Fragrance Oils at the Right Time

Adding fragrance oils too early can cause them to evaporate. Add them when the wax is at the ideal temperature (usually around 65°C for soy wax).

6. Use a Wick Holder or Centering Tool

Wicks often shift when you pour the wax. Use a wick holder or centering device to keep your wick straight and upright until the wax sets.

DIY Option: Use chopsticks or pegs across the top of the container.

7. Preheat Your Containers

Cold glass or metal containers can cause wax to cool unevenly and create sinkholes. Warm them slightly in the oven (at low heat) before pouring the wax.

8. Avoid Overloading with Fragrance or Color

Too much fragrance or dye can clog the wick, causing poor burning. Stick to recommended ratios provided by your wax supplier.

Rule of Thumb: No more than 10% fragrance oil by weight.

9. Let Candles Cure

Curing is essential for scent throw and wax hardness. Soy candles benefit from a 1-2 week curing time. During this period, the scent fully binds with the wax.

10. Safety First

Always use a double boiler to melt wax, never heat it directly. Wear gloves when handling fragrance oils and keep a fire extinguisher nearby.

Bonus Tip: Never leave melting wax unattended, especially when using open flames or stoves.

Where to Buy Candle Making Supplies Online in the UK

Finding the right supplies is key to candle making success. Here are 5 top online stores where you can find quality ingredients and tools:

1. VedaOils UK

VedaOils is a top pick for candle makers. They offer a wide range of candle waxes, essential and fragrance oils, wicks, jars, and natural dyes. Perfect for beginners and bulk buyers, VedaOils provides great customer service and fast shipping within the UK.

2. Supplies for Candles

Known for their large variety and competitive pricing, Supplies for Candles offers everything from soy and paraffin wax to wicks, containers, and packaging. They even have helpful wick sizing guides and starter kits.

3. Cosy Owl

Eco-conscious crafters will love Cosy Owl. They stock vegan, cruelty-free, and sustainable candle making ingredients. Their site is also packed with guides, blogs, and troubleshooting advice.

4. Craftovator

Craftovator combines quality and affordability. With a user-friendly website and a wide range of supplies, they are a go-to for DIY enthusiasts and small business owners. They also offer great bundle deals.

5. Hobbycraft

For quick in-store pickups or beginner kits, Hobbycraft is a convenient option. While their selection is more limited, they stock essential items like wax blocks, basic wicks, and molds.

Final Thoughts

Candle making is both a science and an art. With the right tips and supplies, you can create candles that are not only beautiful but also clean-burning, fragrant, and safe to use. Remember to test, tweak, and enjoy the process—every batch helps you improve.

Whether you're crafting for fun or starting a new business, these candle making tips and trusted online suppliers will help light the way.