THE BASICS OF CANDLE MAKING

 If you are reading this Guide, then you’ve taken the first steps toward learning the basics of making your own candles. 

Let’s start by listing some of the things you’ll need to get started on your candle making journey.  First, you will need the following

• A melting pot
• A Thermometer
• A pour pot
• A scale for weighing wax and
• A small craft hammer for breaking up the wax.

The next group of supplies you will need are

• Candle making wax
• Wicks
• Dye
• Fragrance Oils
• Molds and containers

Wax melting is a relatively easy process, however, I suggest that you take a few precautions, for safety’s sake.

1. Hopefully, you won’t ever need this, but always have a fire extinguisher available and know how to use it. Never use water to extinguish a wax fire. Liquid wax is the same as oil, and therefore would need to be treated like an oil fire.
2. Never leave melting wax unattended.  Constantly monitor the temperature of your wax. Don’t let it go above 250° Fahrenheit. If the wax reaches the flash point, 300° or above, it produces highly flammable vapors.
3. Use a double broiler, they help distribute heat and prevents dangerous temperatures. Never melt wax directly on your stove.
4. Always use a thermometer to monitor the temperature of your wax. Follow these instructions and you are ready to start making your candles.

A DOULBE BOILER

A double-boiler is created by boiling a pot of water on a heat source. And then placing the pouring pot (containing the wax) within this boiling water. The pouring pot is never in direct contact with the heat source (flame). The boiling waters heats the pouring pot quickly and evenly, without scorching the wax.  It also minimizes the chances of a fire. Even with a double boiler, do not leave it unattended.

Double Boiler Set Up

1. Choose an old pot that’s large enough to place your pouring pot into.
2. Add an inch or two of water to the old pot.
3. Bring to a boil.
4. Place your pouring pot directly into this boiling water. You may wish to place a metal cookie cutter, or similarly shaped item in the bottom of your old pot to elevate the pouring pot.
5. Lower the heat to a simmer. It is not necessary to have a rapid boil. Simmering water and rapidly boiling water are the exact same temperature, 212° F.
6. Periodically add water to replace water lost to evaporation. Do not let the double boiler run dry. It can quickly get too hot.
7.