Candle making questions answered
Updated June 2026Independently researchedNo paid placement.
Candle making kits offer a convenient, all-in-one starting point for beginners, providing essential tools, wax, wicks, and instructions. However, even with a kit, a little background knowledge on wax types, wick sizing, and safety practices will help you get better results and avoid common mistakes. This guide answers the most common questions to help you choose and use a kit with confidence.
What should a good candle making kit include?
Most quality kits come with wax (usually soy or a soy blend), pre-tabbed wicks, a melting pitcher or pour pot, a thermometer, and a wick centering device. Some also include a small scale for measuring wax, fragrance oils, a pouring pitcher with a spout, and a heat-safe container or mold. Look for kits that provide clear, step-by-step instructions and safety warnings. The best kits include enough material to make at least a few candles, so you can practice technique without buying more supplies right away. Avoid kits that skimp on the thermometer or wick centering tool, they make a real difference in consistency.
Which wax is best for a beginner kit?
Soy wax is the most common choice in beginner kits because it is forgiving, easy to work with, and burns cleanly. Soy wax has a lower melting point than paraffin, which means you are less likely to overheat it and cause problems like sinkholes or uneven burning. It also holds fragrance well when you are ready to add scent. Some kits use a soy-paraffin blend, which offers a slightly longer burn time and better hot throw (the scent released when lit). Both are fine for starting out. Beeswax kits are also available but harder to work with because beeswax shrinks more and sticks to containers; they are better suited to intermediate crafters.
How do I choose the right wick for my candles?
Wick selection depends mainly on the diameter of your container and the type of wax. Kits usually include pre-sized wicks that match the containers provided, which removes guesswork. If you are buying a kit without specifics, look for wick size guidance on the package or in the instructions. A wick that is too small will drown in melted wax and produce a weak flame; a wick that is too large creates a tall, sooty flame and can overheat the glass. For standard 3-inch diameter jars, a cotton or cotton-core wick around size CD-8 or LX-14 is a common starting point, but always follow your kit’s recommendations.
Is candle making safe? What precautions should I take?
Yes, candle making is safe when you follow basic rules. Never leave melted wax unattended on the stove or heat source, use a dedicated melting pitcher or a double boiler to avoid direct heat. Keep a lid or baking soda nearby in case of a wax fire (never use water). Work in a well-ventilated area, especially if using fragrance oils. Always use a thermometer to avoid overheating wax; flash points for soy wax are usually around 320°F. Let candles cure at least 24 to 48 hours before burning for the best burn quality. And always trim wicks to about 1/4 inch before lighting.
How much should I spend on a starter candle making kit?
A decent beginner kit that includes a few pounds of wax, wicks, a pouring pitcher, thermometer, and a couple of containers typically falls in the budget-friendly to mid-range price bracket. Very inexpensive kits may lack essential tools like a thermometer or wick centering device, which you will need to buy separately anyway. It is usually worth spending a bit more for a kit from a dedicated candle supply brand, those kits are designed by people who know the craft. Cheaper generic craft-store kits can work, but read reviews carefully; some include poor-quality wax or undersized wicks that lead to frustration.
Can I use a candle making kit to make scented candles?
Yes, most kits include fragrance oils or allow you to add your own. If the kit does not include scent, you can buy candle-safe fragrance oils designed for soy or paraffin wax. Use about 6–10% fragrance load of the total wax weight (that is roughly 1 ounce of oil per pound of wax for a medium scent). Be careful not to exceed the oil’s recommended usage rate. Stir fragrance in at the temperature specified on the oil bottle (usually 170°–185°F for soy wax) and avoid adding fragrance when wax is too hot, or the scent will burn off. Allow candles to cure for a week before burning to let the fragrance fully bind with the wax.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a thermometer for candle making?
Yes, a thermometer is essential for consistent results. It ensures you melt wax to the correct temperature and add fragrance at the proper heat. Many kits include one, but if yours doesn’t, buy a simple candy or deep-fry thermometer.
How many candles will a typical kit make?
Most kits state the number of candles you can make on the box. A standard 2-pound wax kit with 4 to 6 small jars usually makes about 4 to 6 candles, depending on container size. Larger kits with 5 pounds of wax can produce 10 or more candles.
Is it cheaper to make candles than to buy them?
It can be if you reuse containers and buy wax in bulk. Starter kits themselves cost about the same as a few high-end store-bought candles, but after that, making your own becomes more affordable per candle, especially if you avoid expensive add-ons like premium fragrance oils.
Can I reuse candle making supplies like pouring pots?
Yes, you can reuse metal or heat-safe pouring pitchers, thermometers, and molds as long as you clean them well. Use a paper towel to wipe out excess wax while still warm (but not hot enough to burn you), then wash with hot soapy water.
How long do homemade candles need to cure before burning?
Find cure times in your kit’s instructions. Generally, soy candles benefit from a 24 to 48 hour cure, but a full week improves scent throw. For paraffin, 24 hours is often enough. Never rush to burn a candle right after pouring, the wax needs time to set completely.
What if my candle has a crack or sinkhole after it cools?
This is common with some waxes. You can fix a sinkhole by poking holes around it and pouring in a small amount of warm leftover wax, then let it set again. Preheating your container slightly and pouring wax at the correct temperature helps prevent cracks and sinkholes.