Hello Everyone! Today we will be going over the tools every candle maker needs in order to get started making candles. If you’ve always wanted to get started in the wonderful world of candle making, then get out your notebook and jot this stuff down. After you have your materials gathered, we will go through how to use them with a basic candle making tutorial!
- Melting System - This is also known as a “double boiler”. There are several options here for varying budgets.First, you can go out and buy an actual double boiler. Second, you could buy a pouring pot (which is a good thing to have anyways) and set that into a pot deep enough. Lastly, you could use one of the DIY double boiler methods which are:
- To use two saucepans, one inside the other.
- Or to use a coffee can inside of a saucepan.
- Thermometer - Next you will need a special thermometer for measuring the temperature of the wax. It would be a good idea to get this from your local craft store because a normal thermometer will not work. This thermometer needs to cover a scale of 100-350 degrees Fahrenheit (38-177 degrees Celsius).
- Scale - A standard kitchen scale will work just fine. This will be for measuring out how much wax you need for the most part.
- Pouring Utensil - If you are using the melting system above where you place the pouring pot into the pan then you will be able to use a pouring pot for this. Otherwise, you will need a ladle or something else that you will be able to move the wax from the pot to the container.
- Wax - Of course you will need this! Did you even doubt?
There are many types of wax and for the seasoned candle maker there is a clear difference. But for getting started, you can probably stick with the standard Paraffin. There is also soy, gel, and container wax, as well as a wide variety of types within each. - Wicks - Another crucial ingredient to a candle. There are many types of wicks and the main factor when your just starting out is the size of the wick. If you are making a tealight as apposed to a pillar, you will need a much smaller wick. Go to your local craft store and see what varieties they have. You should find everything you need to get started.
- Coloring - Next you will need to add some color and life to your candles. There are several different choices here, including the following.
- Block Dyes - The cheapest option and probably the best for beginners.
- Color Chips - Another fairly cheap option, also good for starting out.
- Liquid Dyes - Gives off a much deeper color but is more expensive than block dyes. Probably not the best type of coloring to start out with.
- Molds - If you want to make anything but container candles, you will most likely need some molds. These come in a very wide variety of shapes and sizes. They also come in metal (the most durable option), plastic, rubber, latex, and glass. While metal molds are the most expensive, they will last a long time and stand up to many, many batches of candles.
- Extras - Other good things to have are:
- Additives - There are a very wide variety of different additives to make your candles shinier, more colorful, burn longer, etc. It’s probably best to start out without these to get the hang of the actual candle making process.
- Mold Seal - This will hold cored wicks in place inside the mold. It is a reusable type of putty.
- Heat Gun/Blow Torch - Can be used to cover up and correct mistakes, preheat metal molds, give a shiny finish, get rid of bubbles in gel candles, etc. The ultimate tool to make your candles look absolutely professional.
- Wick Pins - Mostly used in votive and tealight molds where the wick is pre-centered within the mold.
- Wicking Needles - Used to pierce rubber/latex molds to insert the wick into the candle through the mold.
- Water Bath - A bucket of cool water to place a freshly poured candle into. This will simply make the candle cool quicker and give it a shiny finish.
With the above tools, you will be able to get started with candle making! Come back soon to view the basic tutorial on how to make your candles with the new tools you buy.
