6 Essential Candle Making Equipment

Making candles can either be a great pastime or a profession, but whatever your interest in the art of making candles, if you want to make them properly you’ll need some candle making equipment.

Professionals might use a large amount of equipment for producing a great many candles, whereas a hobbyist needs far less, but the basic principles of candle making equipment remain the same. Following are a list of the eight main pieces of equipment you’ll need to make great candles. Bear in mind that it’s an art that’s been practiced for centuries, so the equipment reflects age-old traditions and is both effective and basic at the same time.

Heating Equipment

To make candles, you’ll need a source of heat. The equipment you need for this might be as primitive as that used hundreds of years ago by candlestick makers of old. Since the wax needs to be melted, you’ll need a pot for this. These days, special wax melting pots are available. You could use a double boiler, which is a small pot for wax placed inside a larger one for boiling water. Whatever pot you choose, it will need to be placed on a hot plate or a stove, and if you want to monitor everything accurately, a thermometer will be very useful. You’ll also need molds, jars or other receptacles for your melted wax.

Wax

Wax is available in the form of paraffin, gel soy and beeswax. Paraffin is the most common choice for making candles. Soy wax is sometimes chosen because it is clean, natural and gives a longer lasting flame. Soy wax is available in flakes, which makes it slightly easier to use than paraffin, which comes to you in a slab. Gel is what you need for clear candles.

Wicks

Your wax won’t burn without a wick, so be sure to procure this very necessary piece of equipment. Choose the right kind of wick for the candles you are making and be sure to get enough.

Molds

The molds you choose should be heat resistant to avoid candles breaking. Choose the right mold for the type of candles you want to make. Bear in mind that they come in all shapes and sizes.

Fragrance

Fragrances for candles come from a variety of sources, including essential oils. You might decide on a fragrance that matches the season or you might have something else that’s special in mind. Whatever you choose, you aren’t limited when it comes to choice.

Dyes

Dyes for adding color to candles are available in a variety of forms and any color you can imagine. You can choose to use color blocks.

With the equipment described here, you’ll have all you need to make great candles. If you’re making gel candles, you can add some accessories. If you want to play with colors and fragrances, every shade and scent under the sun is available to you. Be sure to keep safety in mind when thinking about your heat source and to have fun with your candle making equipment.