New to Candle Making? Your Beginner Candle Making Guide
Ready to start your candle-making journey? Whether you’re crafting as a hobby or exploring a small business idea, this beginner-friendly guide covers the key basics of candle making for beginners. From choosing your types of wax to wick testing and fragrance blending, we’ll walk you through the essentials—no fluff, just the steps that matter.
Step 1: Choose Your Candle Type
Decide whether you want to make container candles or pillar candles. This decision shapes everything else, especially the type of wax you’ll need.
- Pillar candles (freestanding): Try ProBlend 450 for a reliable structure.
- Container candles (poured into jars or tins): Choose a wax based on your preference for soy or paraffin.
- Top-selling soy wax: Golden Wax 464
- Top-selling paraffin wax: ProBlend 400
Soy wax is natural and clean-burning. Paraffin has a stronger, hotter throw. Many candle makers even blend them.
Step 2: Choose the Right Wick
Wick size is everything—it controls how your candle burns. Start by measuring the diameter of your container and consider your formula, including any fragrance oils and colorants.
Here are some examples of what we might recommend to a customer needing wick suggestions*:
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Wick Type and Sizes To Test |
Jar Width |
Type of Wax |
Additives |
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2.5” |
Soy container wax |
Fragrance only |
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2.5” |
Soy container wax |
Fragrance and dye |
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2.5” |
Paraffin container wax |
Fragrance only |
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2.5” |
Paraffin container wax |
Fragrance and dye |
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1” / tealight candles |
Soy or paraffin |
Fragrance and dye |
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3.75 – 4” |
Soy container wax |
Fragrance and dye |
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3.75 – 4” |
Paraffin container wax |
Fragrance and dye |
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Pro Tip: Always test 2–3 wick sizes for each recipe to ensure optimal performance. Even changing just the fragrance oil can affect how a candle burns.
Step 3: Understand Your Additives
- Fragrance oils: Start with 6–10% by weight. Follow your wax manufacturer’s recommendations.
- Essential oils: Use only those approved for candle use.
- Dyes: Liquid, chips, or blocks—mix into wax at 180°F for even color.
Step 4: Melting & Pouring
Use a double boiler for safety and even heating. General guidelines:
- Heat wax to 185°–195°F
- Add fragrance at 180°–185°F
- Pour the wax at 160°–180°F
Let the wax cool slowly for the best results. Place candles on a wire rack instead of a flat surface for even cooling.
Step 5: Curing & Testing
Let your homemade candles cure for at least 24 hours before burning. For stronger scent performance, aim for a 5-day cure.
Once cured, trim the wick to ¼ inch before lighting. Always test burn to check for:
- Tunneling
- Sooting
- Wick mushrooming
Keep a candle journal to log your results and improve each batch.
Bonus Beginner Candle Making Tips
- Clean your containers with soapy water to avoid wet spots.
- Avoid adding botanicals or decorative items—they can be a fire hazard.
- Never leave wax melts or candles unattended.
- Preheat jars slightly to help with adhesion.
- Always follow IFRA guidelines for safe usage rates.
Common Questions
What’s the difference between hot throw and cold throw?
Hot throw refers to the scent released when a candle is burning. Cold throw refers to the scent that is perceived before lighting. Both matter because they impact your candle’s whole aromatic experience, from the moment someone opens the lid to the time the flame is dancing.
Can I use any essential oil in candles?
Not all essential oils are candle-safe. Always use oils that are heat-stable and approved for candle making.
Why is my candle tunneling?
Tunneling occurs when the wick is too small or the candle is not burned long enough to melt the entire top layer of wax. Try a larger wick and burn for 2–3 hours.
Can I make candles with kids?
Yes, but always supervise. Consider making wax melts together since they don’t involve an open flame.
What not to put in candles?
Avoid dried flowers, glitter, herbs, and anything flammable that isn’t candle-safe. These can cause uneven burning, clog the wick, or become fire hazards.
Do I need a license to sell homemade candles?
Regulations vary by state, but in general, yes—you may need a business license, liability insurance, and must follow labeling requirements. Check with your local small business administration.
Favorite this page and reference it whenever you need. Whether you’re crafting candles at home for fun or just starting as a maker, this candle making for beginners guide gives you the fundamentals you need.
Start small, test often, and enjoy the process of creating something scented, useful, and uniquely yours.
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