Candle Making How-To: Start Your Candle-Making Journey with Wickii
Ready to dive into candle making? This step-by-step guide on candle making how-to will walk you through creating beautiful candles at home. If you’re just getting started, check out our Candle Making Starter Kit for everything you need in one package. You can also choose from our Wickii 100% Soy Wax or Wickii CocoSoy Wax to craft the perfect candle.
Step 1 – Gather Your Candle Making Supplies
Here’s what you’ll need to get started on your candle-making journey:
- Melting Pot (Double Boiler) or Jug
- Wax
- Pouring Jug
- Candle Jars
- Wicks
- Fragrance Oils (optional)
- Fragrance Measuring Cup
- Colour Chips (optional)
- Stickums
- Thermometer
- Wick Holders
- Stirrer
Step 2 – Preparation
- Clean and dry your container.
- Wipe the wick bottom to remove any residue, and secure it to the jar with a stickum.
- Use a wick holder to keep the wick centered as you pour.
Step 3 – Measure Your Fragrance Oil
Use a measuring cup to accurately measure fragrance oil. Fragrance load depends on wax type and your scent preference. Testing is advised for best results.
- Wickii 100% Soy Wax: 6% - 8% fragrance load
- Wickii CocoSoy Wax: 6% - 8% fragrance load
Example Calculation
If using a 250ml jar at 8% fragrance load:
250ml x 8% = 20ml of fragrance.
Reduce wax by the fragrance volume, so you’ll need:
230ml Wax + 20ml Fragrance.
Step 4 – Melting the Wax
Set up a double boiler with wax in the top and water below, stirring until all wax is liquid. Monitor temperature carefully for best results:
- Wickii 100% Soy Wax: Heat to approximately 85°C
- Wickii CocoSoy Wax: Heat to approximately 80°C
Step 5 – Adding Fragrance and Colour
Pour the melted wax into your pouring jug. Add colour chips gradually to achieve the desired shade. Test a droplet on a white plate to preview the final colour.
Stir in fragrance (up to 10% maximum) for about 1-2 minutes, allowing it to fully blend.
- Wickii 100% Soy Wax: Add fragrance at 70-80°C
- CocoSoy Wax: Add fragrance at 70-80°C
Step 6 – Cooling the Wax
Let the wax cool to the pouring temperature:
- Wickii 100% Soy Wax: 40-60°C
- CocoSoy Wax: 40-70°C
Step 7 – Pouring Your Candle
Carefully pour the wax into your container, keeping the wick centered with your wick holder. Re-center the wick if needed after pouring.
Step 8 – Curing Your Candle
Allow the candle to harden naturally. As it sets, you’ll see the colour lighten. Curing for 24 hours to a week enhances the scent throw.
Once set, remove the wick holder and trim the wick to 6mm for cotton or 10mm for wooden wicks. Any sinkholes can be smoothed with a heat gun on low.
Your candle is ready after curing. For best fragrance throw, allow one week before burning.
Congratulations, You’ve Made Your Candle!
Note: This candle making how-to is a guideline; practice and testing will help you perfect your candles!
