Let's make a candle !

Creating your own container candles is a relaxing and rewarding craft. Whether you're making candles for your home, as gifts, or to start a small business, this step-by-step guide will walk you through the process.  For this guide, we will be making a candle in a 20cl candle jar using soy wax.

What You'll Need

• Wax: NatureWax C-3 Soy Wax
• Containers: 20cl candle jar (preheat prior to pouring wax)
• Wicks: TCR 27/16 (recommendation only - testing is essential).
• Fragrance Oil: Your chosen scent
• Dye: Optional
• Thermometer
• Weighing Scales
• Double Boiler or Melting Pot
• Wick Stickers
• Wick Holders
• Spoon or spatula for stirring

Step 1: Prepare the Wick and Container

Attach the Wick: Use a wick sticker to secure the wick tab to the centre of the container at least 1 hour before pouring. Remove the paper and put the sticky side on the metal tab then place in the centre of the glass and press down firmly.

Position the wick: Use a wick holder to keep the wick upright and centre.

Step 2: Measuring and Melting

Measure the Wax: Weigh out 152.8g (or 153g) of soy wax.

Measure the Fragrance Oil: Weigh out 12.2g (8% fragrance load).

Melt the Wax: Melt the wax in your double boiler over a medium heat.  While the wax is melting, stir regularly.  Use your thermometer to check the temperature of the wax. Melt the wax to 80°C–85°C. then remove from the heat. Do not exceed 93°C. Never leave wax unattended.

Step 3: Add Fragrance and Colour

Fragrance oil and dye (if using) can be added to the wax once it is completely liquid. Stir slowly until fully blended for 2 minutes.

Step 4: Pouring the Wax

Preheat Containers: Warm containers to 40°C–60°C.

Pouring the wax into your container: Allow your wax to cool to 76°C then pour carefully into your container leaving ½ inch from the top.

Check Wick: Keep centred as wax sets.

Step 5: Cooling, Trimming, and Curing

Allow the candle to cool at room temperature.

Trim the wick to ¼ inch once solid.

Allow to cure for at least 48 hours. For best scent throw, we recommend waiting 2 weeks before lighting.

Congratulations you have made your first candle !

                                                                                   

Beginner Candle Making Tips

Keep Your Wick Trimmed

Trim to approximately 5mm before each burn.

Always Test Your Wicks

Different fragrance oils behave differently.
Testing and record keeping is essential.

Soy Wax Frosting Is Normal

Soy wax can naturally frost over time.
This does not affect performance.

Use Accurate Temperatures

Temperature control can dramatically improve your candle results.

Final Thoughts

Candle making is a process of testing and refining.

Every wax, fragrance and wick combination behaves differently, so don't be afraid to experiment and keep notes during your testing.

At Irish Candle Supplies, we're passionate about helping makers create beautiful candles with confidence.