Candle Making Supplies
Being part of the global community is absolutely fabulous. All candle making supplies that you would require to
make your own candles can be purchased from various online candle making supplies websites. These candle making
supplies that be purchased online includes:
Wax is a very essential part of candle making! You can't make candles without
wax!! All the different types of candle wax, including beeswax, paraffin, soy and other vegetable-based waxes,
like bayberry I am sure that you've all heard the saying "you get what you pay for" so use a quality supplier
rather than canning wax from the grocery store. Your candles will thank you.
Wax additives are required for getting the right texture and rigidity. In essence different wax additives are
required to create different effects. The main two that you will need to start with are stearic acid and
vybar. Stearin is a useful additive that increases the depth of the colors, reduces dripping and improves
burning. It also increases the tendency of the paraffin wax to shrink, making removing candles from rigid molds
much easier. Vybar increases the opacity (creaminess) of wax and helps it to burn better.
Most candles are made from molds, and these come in all shapes and sizes. Materials used include plastic, metal,
rubber, latex and glass. The cheapest to start with are the basic plastic molds but you cannot use scent or high
temperatures (wax over 180° F) in them. Metal molds are the most expensive but they are tough and sturdy and
have the advantage of being suitable to heat before pouring the wax in to give a shiny finish to your candles.
Novelty style candles with a lot of detail are generally made from 2 piece plastic or rubber. The shape of these
enables you to make candles from odd shapes that could not be removed from a rigid straight mold. The main
drawback to using rubber or latex candle molds is that they have a limited lifespan. There are several household
items that you can use to make your own candle molds when you are just starting out. This ensures that candle
making expenses does not become too exorbitant. Instead of buying these candle making supplies you can make use
of empty food jars, yoghurt tubs, etc.
Mold Seal
If your work of art requires the creation of pillar candles you will
need something called mold seal to hold the wick in place. This mold seal will prevent the wax from leaking
though the hole. Mold seal is akin to putty and is re-useable and plumbers putty or blue-tack work just as
great!
Candle wicks are an integral part of candle making supplies and are available in many types and sizes depending
on your needs. The most common suitable candle making wick is braided cotton that has been treated chemically to
improve the quality of burning. Wick is sold in graduations and the size of your candle determines the size of
the wick. If you are unsure, tell the candle making supplier what size diameter candle you intend
to make and they will advise on which type of wick would be best suited for your needs.
Candle Making Coloring and Dye
Coloring and dyes are used by candle makers to make a vast range of colors and shades. How much you use depends
on the size of your candle and how dark you want it to be. The more dye you use, the deeper the color. Proper
candle dyes are inexpensive and worth investing in. DO NOT use wax crayons. Dyes come in different
shapes: blocks, color chips/flakes and of course liquid dye. The beginner will benefit form using blocks or
chips in red, yellow and blue. You can conjure up any color by mixing these primary colors in the right
proportions. Candle dyes are available from all reputable, good candle making suppliers.
Melting System
Of all the methods that you can use, DO NOT even think of making use of a microwave or direct heat. Beginners
should preferably make use of a double boiler which can be fashioned using two saucepans: one inside the other -
ideal for the beginner candle maker. There is also the more sophisticated presto kitchen kettle which is
thermostatically controlled, ideal when working with wax. Or you could go one up and get the Burco system
which is essentially a big version of a double boiler except it has the temperature control. As you learn more
about candle making, candle making supplies and actually making you own
candles, you will learn why temperature is so important. Alternatively you can use a coffee can set
inside a saucepan 1/3 full of water.
Thermometer
To measure the temperature of your melting candle wax, a specialist thermometer covering the scale 38 to 177° C
(100 to 350° F) is recommended. A candy thermometer covers the same scale. The normal household thermometers
would be useless when making candles as it is not calibrated to measure those high temperatures.
Scales
Kitchen scales are ideal. They can be used to measure the amount of candle wax and other materials required.
Ladle
A ladle is an absolute necessity as a candle making supply. It is a very handy tool used to ladle the candle wax
out of your smelter.
Measuring and Pouring Jug
Ladle out your candle wax into a jug and use the jug to pour into the molds. It will be easier to control pouring
into molds if you pour from a jug.
Heat Gun or Blow Torch
This is as essential to the candle maker as the hammer is to a carpenter! They can be used to cover up a
multitude of sins as far as surface imperfections are concerned, use them to preheat metal candle molds before
pouring the candle wax in, to keep the candle wax hot for as long as possible and also use them to get rid of
bubbles in gel candles.
Candle Making Kits
Candle making kits for beginners are a relatively inexpensive way to try your hand at candle making; there are
literally kits in all price ranges to fit all size pockets. These candle making kits normally comes with the
candle making equipment that you will require to make your very first candle at least.
Nonetheless, it really does not matter which kit you choose to begin your candlemaking exploits,
it is relatively easy to add to your candle making supplies as you get more adept at the art. Wholesale candles
and candle making supplies bought from thrift shops make for a very economical hobby.
A key candle making supply might be a good book on candle making, and many of the kits available
include a book that gives basic instruction, with some including a more thorough history of candle making
through the ages.
Non Essential Candle Making Supplies
Wicking Needles
These candle making supplies are useful but not essential to insert the wick into rubber or latex candle
molds.
Dipping Can
This is a tall cylindrical metal vessel used for making hand dipped tapers and over-dipping molded candles. It
must be deep and wide enough to allow a candle to be completely immersed. This is very much like a dipping tank
is used in galvanizing steel (on a big scale) or like an asparagus boiler with the basket removed (on a small
scale). Obviously you would not need to go so big unless you intend making candles on a commercial scale of
great proportion. Let me again mention: non essential for your first few candles.
Water Bath
This is basically a bucket of water. The moment the candle is poured into the mold, and then it is placed into a
bucket which is then filled with water. One should always be careful that water doesn't splash inside the mold
and make sure the water level comes right up to the top of the mold. All these candle making supplies and moulds
can be bought from suppliers. Check the links page for a plethora of candle making suppliers.