Candle Making Accessories: the Essential Equipment
In the making of candles there are many accessories that will make life easier for you. The bottom line is
that you will need some basic equipment and tools. These are readily available from craft shops, mail
order or through the internet. If you do not wish to spend too much initially, you will probably find
that you already have most of the basic tools, or at least adequate alternatives. Following is a list and
description of these items that you will require in the candle making process:
Melting Pots
Wax melting pots are varied in shape, size, composition, materials and price. Wax melting pots can be very
simplistic or sophisticated in that it can vary from a simple metal pot, to a percolator-like functional
shaped pot to an industrial sized smelter.
Wax Dyes and Fragrances
When creating you own candles you do not have to stop at the visual aspect alone. You can enhance you
candles even more by adding color and scent. It is essential that dyes and fragrances need to be
carefully measured and combined with the candle wax in the right proportions for a properly made,
clean-burning candle that is both visually appealing and aromatic. It is not advisable to make use of
pigments to color candles. When making use of pigmentation you might end up with a candle that does not
color all the way through, this is due to the fact that pigments are particles that require special
treatment and if used directly in the melting process, the particles may settle or they may clog the wick
when the candle is burning.
Spray
An easy way of releasing the finished candle from a tin mold is to make use of silicone spray. There are
also special release powders available on the market that you add to your formulation to this end.
Furthermore, sprays are available to add gloss and luster to the finished candle for a professionally-made
appearance. You can also use acrylic paints and other applications to create designs and add finishing
touches to your homemade candles.
One of the most important skills to be developed to produce proper burning well-made candles is wicking.
Wickers can help in placing the candle wick and keeping it straight through the setting process.
Other additives you might consider in candle making will aid in the setting and desired rigidity.
Stearic Acid
Stearic acid, or stearine, is an animal fat byproduct, but you can find a vegetable (palm oil based)
substitute available. This candle additive acts as a hardener for low melt point waxes, and lowers the
melt point of higher temperature waxes.
Vybar
Vybar is used to make the candle wax hard, impart a creamy texture and assist in the scent throw of the
candle.
Luster Crystals
Luster crystals are absolutely fantastic when making white candles.
Clear Crystals
Yet another polymer that acts like luster crystals are the clear crystals that can also be used with
candle making.
Plastic Additives
Plastic additives are used when making hurricane and embedded candles.
Microcrystaline Wax or Micro Wax
Microcrystaline wax, or micro wax as it is also known, comes in many different grades – all for different
uses.
UV Inhibitor
Purple and red candles have a reputation for fading the quickest under UV light. UV inhibitor will only
help to protect the candle; it cannot guarantee that they will not fade eventually.
Mineral Oil
Add mineral oil if you want your candles to have a mottled look.
And last but not least -
Cleaning Equipment
Nowadays there are special wax-cleaning solutions on the market. These will help with clean-up and the
spills that occurs during the candle making process.