Candle Making Process: The Definitive Step-by-Step Cheatsheet

Introduction to Candle Making

Candle making is a rewarding craft that combines science and creativity to produce functional art. This comprehensive cheatsheet walks you through the entire process from preparation to finishing touches. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your technique, these steps will help you create beautiful, high-quality candles efficiently and safely.

Preparation Phase

Essential Equipment Checklist

• Double boiler or dedicated wax melter
• Digital thermometer (heat resistant)
• Kitchen scale (measures in grams/ounces)
• Heat-resistant pouring pitcher
• Stirring utensils (wooden or silicone)
• Containers/molds
• Wick centering devices
• Timer
• Heat gun or hair dryer (for finishing)
• Protective gear (gloves, apron, eye protection)

Material Selection Guide

Pre-Making Calculations

1. Container Volume Calculation:

   • For cylindrical containers: πr²h (r=radius, h=height)
   • Remember to subtract 0.5-1 inch from height for safety margin
   • Convert to ounces or grams based on wax density

2. Wax Amount Formula:

   • Container volume × 0.86 (density factor for most waxes)
   • Add 10% extra for spillage and testing

3. Fragrance Load Calculation:

   • Soy wax: 6-10% of wax weight
   • Paraffin: 8-12% of wax weight
   • Beeswax: 3-6% of wax weight

4. Colorant Ratio:

   • Liquid: 1-3 drops per pound of wax
   • Block: 0.5-2 grams per pound of wax
   • Start with less – you can always add more

Step-by-Step Candle Making Process

1. Workspace Setup

1. Clean and clear all work surfaces
2. Cover area with newspaper or craft paper
3. Arrange all materials in order of use
4. Ensure proper ventilation
5. Keep fire extinguisher accessible
6. Pre-heat containers if working in cool environment (optional)

2. Wick Preparation

1. Select appropriate wick size for container diameter and wax type
2. Cut wick 2 inches longer than container height
3. Attach wick to metal sustainer (if not pre-tabbed)
4. Secure wick to bottom of container using:
   • Hot glue dot (wait until fully set)
   • Wick sticker
   • Double-sided tape
5. Center wick using:
   • Commercial wick centering device
   • Wooden skewers and tape
   • Clothespin balanced across container top

3. Wax Melting Process

1. Measure exact wax amount using scale
2. Break or cut wax into smaller pieces for faster melting
3. Place wax in double boiler or melter
4. Heat gradually, monitoring temperature constantly
5. Heat to manufacturer’s recommended temperature:
   • Paraffin: 180-185°F (82-85°C)
   • Soy: 170-180°F (77-82°C)
   • Beeswax: 160-165°F (71-74°C)
   • Coconut: 150-160°F (65-71°C)
6. Stir occasionally for even heating
7. Remove from heat when fully melted

4. Adding Additives

1. Allow wax to cool to additive-specific temperature
2. Add any wax additives first (stearic acid, vybar, etc.)
   • Follow manufacturer’s recommended percentages
   • Stir thoroughly until completely dissolved
3. Cool to fragrance-appropriate temperature:
   • Paraffin: 180°F (82°C)
   • Soy: 170-175°F (77-79°C)
   • Beeswax: 155-160°F (68-71°C)
   • Coconut: 145-150°F (63-65°C)
4. Add pre-measured fragrance oil
5. Stir continuously for 1-2 minutes (count 120 stirs)
6. Cool to dye-appropriate temperature (usually 5-10°F cooler)
7. Add colorant gradually until desired shade is achieved
   • Test color by placing a drop on white paper
   • Remember color will appear lighter when set

5. Pouring Technique

1. Let wax cool to proper pouring temperature:
   • Paraffin: 160-170°F (71-77°C)
   • Soy: 120-140°F (49-60°C)
   • Beeswax: 145-155°F (63-68°C)
   • Coconut: 125-135°F (52-57°C)
2. Pour slowly down the side of container or along wick
3. Leave 1/4 inch space at top of container
4. Tap sides gently to release air bubbles
5. Readjust wick to center if shifted during pouring
6. Cover with cardboard tent to slow cooling (optional)
7. Move containers carefully to cooling area

6. Cooling Process

1. Place candles in draft-free location
2. Maintain room temperature between 70-75°F (21-24°C)
3. Allow candles to cool completely undisturbed:
   • Small containers: 4-6 hours minimum
   • Medium containers: 8-12 hours
   • Large containers: 24+ hours
4. Resist the urge to touch or move during initial setting
5. Look for even surface appearance and color
6. Document cooling conditions and results

7. Second Pour (if needed)

1. Check for sinkholes or uneven surface after initial cooling
2. Reheat small amount of same wax mixture to pouring temperature
3. Pour carefully into depressions or uneven areas
4. Fill just to level of original pour
5. Allow to cool completely (2-4 hours minimum)

8. Finishing Touches

1. Trim wick to 1/4 inch before first burn
2. Remove any wick centering devices
3. Clean container exterior with alcohol wipe
4. Fix minor surface imperfections with heat gun:
   • Use lowest setting
   • Hold 6-8 inches away
   • Move continuously in circular motion
5. Add labels and warning information
6. Apply any decorative elements (dried flowers, twine, etc.)
7. For container candles, secure lid if applicable

9. Curing

1. Allow candles to cure before burning:
   • Paraffin: 24-48 hours
   • Soy: 3-7 days (minimum)
   • Beeswax: 2-3 days
   • Coconut: 3-5 days
2. Store in cool, dry place during curing
3. Keep away from direct sunlight
4. Curing improves scent throw and burn quality
5. Document cure time for quality control

Testing & Quality Assurance

Burn Test Protocol

1. Conduct burn test after full cure time
2. Light candle in draft-free location
3. Allow to burn until melt pool reaches edge of container (1-4 hours)
4. Observe and document:
   • Flame height (ideal: 0.5-1 inch)
   • Melt pool formation and depth
   • Tunneling/mushrooming issues
   • Scent throw quality
   • Smoke production
   • Burn time per hour of burning
5. Extinguish and examine:
   • Wick behavior
   • Wax consumption pattern
   • Container temperature

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Advanced Techniques

Layered Candles

1. Pour first layer and let cool until set but still slightly warm
2. Create texture with fork or tool if desired
3. Pour next layer at slightly lower temperature
4. Repeat until all layers are complete
5. Ensure each layer cools adequately between pours

Container Preparation for Adhesion

1. Preheat glass containers to 100°F (38°C)
2. Apply container adhesion additive for challenging containers
3. Use hot glue gun for secure wick placement
4. Clean containers with alcohol before pouring

Record Keeping for Replication

1. Document exact measurements of all ingredients
2. Record temperatures at each step
3. Note ambient conditions (humidity, room temperature)
4. Track cure time and burn performance
5. Photograph results for reference

Resources for Further Learning

Recommended Suppliers

• Candle Science
• Lone Star Candle Supply
• Bramble Berry
• The Flaming Candle

Testing Equipment

• Burn rate testing apparatus
• Scent throw evaluation tools
• Flash point testers for fragrance oils

Educational Resources

• Candle Making Workshop by Sandy Allison
• The Everything Candlemaking Book by Marie-Jeanne Abadie
• National Candle Association guidelines

Online Communities

• Candle Science Forum
• Candle Making Forum
• Instagram candle maker communities
• YouTube candle making channels

Remember: The best candles come from practice, precise measurements, and meticulous attention to temperature control. Keep detailed notes of each batch to refine your process over time!