The Basic Supplies for Candle Making

Many candle making supplies are common to all types of candles, while some are specific to the type of candle you will be making. This page will give you an idea of what you will need to get started, and at approximately what cost.

What type of candle do you want to make?

Supplies for making pillar candles

Required:

• Wax melting kit
  An inexpensive double boiler setup that prevents the wax from reaching dangerously high temperatures. Also includes a thermometer and stir sticks.
• 136°F - 141°F melt point paraffin wax or beeswax.
  A medium melt point wax is recommended for making pillar candles.
• Wick.
  The wick you choose depends on the diameter of your mold and your wax formula. Our wick page has guidelines for selecting the proper wick. Waxed wick is recommended.
• Molds.
  Over 100 molds to choose from! Aluminum molds are more durable, and metal molds offer a more rustic look to your candles.
• Mold sealer/wick holder bar or jiffy wicker.
  Needed to seal the wick hole in the mold.

Recommended:

• Silicone mold release spray.
  Helps the candle to release from the mold more easily.
• Additives.
  Most popular for pillars are Kemamide release powder, Vybar 103, stearic powder (regular or vegetable), and parol oil. Our additives page explains what they do and recommends how much to use.
• Dye.
  Dozens of colors to choose from! Be sure to select a dye instead of a pigment for solid color throughout the candle, as pigments can clog the wick.
• Scent.
  Everyone's favorite candle ingredient! Recommended usage is 1/4 - 1 ounce of scent per pound of wax.
• Mold cleaner.
  Sometimes wax sticks to the mold, and it's a good idea to clean it out after each use.

Average start up cost:

• Approximately $100, plus shipping cost.
• Estimate includes all Required and Recommended items above, with 10-11 lbs. paraffin wax, and multiple 2 oz. scents, dyes, and additives.
• Makes about ten to eleven 3" x 4.5" round pillar candles.

Also consider:

• Base leveler.
  For straightening crooked candles and smoothing out the bottoms.
• Warning labels.
  Provide instructions on how to burn candles properly. Gives your candles a finished, professional look.

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