Plastic ready made molds are inexpensive and have the advantage of being transparent. However, do not use a plastic mold with wax hotter than 180 degrees. You could melt it.

Metal ready made molds are more expensive but more durable.

Don’t over look found objects in your home to use as a rigid mold. The big rules of thumb here:

• Can the mold take hot wax without melting?
• Is the shape larger at the top than it is at the bottom? If not, you may have trouble getting the candle out.
• Is the shape somewhat cylindrical? If not, you could have problems with it burning properly.

Flexible molds made of latex or rubber have the advantage of being …flexible. A flexible mold will give you more design options, however, you will have more trouble removing the candle from the mold due to the detail.

No matter what kind of mold you decide to use, you may have issues removing the candle from the mold.

The beginner should avoid using beeswax in a mold, as it is so sticky you will have problems with release.

The two major ways to combat mold release problems is to use an additive in your wax mixture to help with release, and to spray the mold with a mold release before pouring the wax.

Do not use stearin in a flexible mold, it will rot it. Choose vybar instead.

Your ready made molds will last much longer if you clean them properly. Avoid scraping your molds to clean them. Instead, use a wax cleaner, or bake the wax off.

To bake your wax off of a mold, place it on a cookie sheet (lined with wax paper or aluminum foil) and bake it in a 175 degree over for 5-10 minutes. Then use a paper towel to wipe away any residue.

An advantage to using vybar is that it will not rot a flexible mold.

Like stearin, vybar makes the finished candle harder, enables you to add more fragrance, helps eliminate bubbles, and gives you a smoother surface.

General rules for working with candle additives: always measure as accurately as possible, always thoroughly mix the additive into the wax, always use the smallest amount possible and see what effect that has before deciding to use more, always keep a record in your candle making notebook of how much additive you used.

The benefits are using stearin as an additive:

• Hardens the candle
• Reduces the temperature needed to melt the wax, giving it a longer burn time
• Shrinks the wax, making it easier to remove from a mold
• Enhances color, glossiness, and decreases translucence
• Can promote mottling (snowflake effect)

Do not use stearin with a flexible mold, it will rot the mold.

Do not use stearin in a container candle, because it will shrink away from the sides.

General rules for working with candle additives: always measure as accurately as possible, always thoroughly mix the additive into the wax, always use the smallest amount possible and see what effect that has before deciding to use more, always keep a record in your candle making notebook of how much additive you used.

Double Boiler
Ready made or improvised, a double boiler is essential for melting wax without allowing it to burn. A stainless steel double boiler with a tall spouted metal pitcher for an insert is a good investment for any serious candle maker.

Heat Source
Preferably not an open flame.

Metal Dipping Can
A can 12″ deep is ideal for dipping candles.

Metal Ladle
For transferring hot wax from one place to another.

Metal Measuring Spoons
For measuring additives, fragrance, and dyes.

Metal Pouring Pitcher
To pour hot wax.

Molds, Mold Sealer, Mold Release Spray
For making molded candles.

Oven Mitts
For pouring hot wax.

Pyrex Measuring Cup
For measuring wax and other additives.

Scale
Essential for measuring wax. A kitchen scale with a range of 0- 10 pounds in ounces will do nicely.

Scissors or Craft Knife
For cutting wicks, trimming dipped candles, etc.

Thermometer
This should cover a scale from 0 too 300 degrees Fahrenheit and have a clip so you can slide it down into your melting wax.

Wicking Tool
This can be an ice pick, knitting needle, metal skewer, or a wicking needle especially designed for the purpose.

Wooden Spoon
A long handled wooden spoon is ideal for stirring wax safely.

Wooden Ice Cream Sticks
Used to keep the wick from falling into the mold or container.

Wax Paper, Tin Foil, Paper Towels
For covering surfaces and wiping up spills.

Cored wicks have zinc, lead, paper or cotton in the center to provide rigidity and kept them erect. (Note: The use of lead cored wicks is decreasing due to health concerns.)

Flat Braid wicks are made of a three-strand braid made of many plies per strand. This type of wick is most often used for tapers and pillars.

Square Braid wicks have many strands that looks like a square with rounded corners. It is often used in beeswax candles, pillars, and novelty candles. Many think a square braid will stand up straighter and is better at keeping a flame centered in its candle.

All these types of wicks come in a wide variety of different sizes. Many basic candle making instructions say “use a wick that is the appropriate size for the candle you are making,” a very frustrating statement for the budding candle maker. When in doubt, contact your manufacturer. Initially, they will be the best guide for determining wick size.

You may also consult this Wick Chart. Please note that I have never purchased supplies from this vendor and cannot vouch for them in that way. They do provide the most extensive wick chart I have ever seen

Although in general it can be said that wick size is determined by the meltpoint of the wax and the diameter of the candle, the following factors determine proper wick size:

• Wax type: paraffin, beeswax, soy, or a combination, along with its accompanying meltpoint

• Physical size and shape of the candle

• Type of candle: pillar, container, votive, etc.

• Additives: fragrance oil, colorant, stearic acid, etc.

Molded and novelty candles need to have their wicks primed. Submerge the wick into hot wax for 60 seconds. After 60 seconds, let the excess wax drip back into your melting pan. Let the wick cool for about a minute, then slowly run your fingers down the wick to release any air and straighten any kinks.

All wicks need to be tabbed. A tab is a small metal cleat that helps the wick stand up straight.  A bit of wax glue or mold sealer will keep the tab in place before you pour.

One of the easiest ways to save money is to find a wax supplier close to you. Wax is heavy, not having to pay shipping will significantly lower your costs. If you cannot find a reputable wax supplier locally, search for one as close as possible to reduce your shipping costs.
Keep a list of the candle making supplies you use. Include the brand, the price, and the amount of the item you get for that price. This will help you compare the prices with sales you run across and know if you are getting a better deal or not. Many craft stores run sales on candle making items before and right after the holidays. This can be a great time to stock up.

Checking online auction sites including Ebay and Yahoo Auctions can often be an excellent way to find the same candle making products you use at a discounted price. It could be that the seller of the items doesn’t have the time to make candles anymore or they simply have moved on to other things.

If you use a large volume of candle making supplies on a regular basis, consider buying them wholesale. You will pay more up front for your supplies, yet overall you will save a considerable amount of money. You can search such wholesalers on the internet and compare prices. Many online wholesalers offer free shipping as well so that is another area where you can save money if you normally purchase your candle making supplies online. If you know other people who make candles as well consider buying in bulk and sharing the cost as well as the supplies. This is an easy way for everyone to get a discount as well as reduce the cost at the time of purchase.

Some of the discount candle making products on the market are very comparable to the quality products you already use. A good way to tell is to compare the ingredients. You can research the necessary ingredients of each item on the internet. If the discount products contain all the major ingredients as the candle making supplies you already use, then give it a try. It is recommended that you only purchase one or two items at first to test the quality. Keep track of where you purchased the discounted items so you can return to that retailer or online store if you are happy with the quality of the products.

Containers and holders for your candles are one area you should never spend a great deal of money on. I won’t recommend buying them for regular price unless they are for a wedding or other very special occasion. You can buy mason jars, extra glassware, votive holders, and many other containers to use candle making at thrift stores and garage sales for a very reasonable price. You might also check the online auctions to purchase large quantities of candle making container and holders at a very good price.

The supplies used in candle making can cost you a great deal of money over time. To save money on the quality supplies you use, take the time to compare prices both online and at local retailers. Take advantage of discounts and sales throughout the year at craft stores. Be cautious when looking at discount candle making supplies. You want to make sure they offer the same quality that you are already using. Finding supplies at online auctions and buying them in bulk are also great ways to save you money on candle making supplies.

To melt the wax for your candles properly, you will need to purchase a good quality double boiler. To make the wax melting process easy purchase stir sticks and a thermometer.

Candle molds are very popular to help you design your own candles. You can purchase hundreds of different style candle molds or you can make your own. Candle molds are made from aluminum or metal. To make inserting the wick quick and easy, invest in a wick holder bar. A silicon mold release spray will ensure your candles slide out of the mold easily and keep their perfect shape. Mold cleaner will help ensure they work properly time and time again.

Colors add appeal to candles. The market offers a full array of colors to purchase for candles. There are many shades of the primary colors as well as pretty pastels and bold brights. Some candle makers like to experiment with mixing colors to create their own unique and attractive candle colors. The colors come in the form of a dye.

You have the option of leaving candles plain or adding your favorite scents. Traditional scents include cinnamon, vanilla, and potpourri. However, the choices are unlimited. Some of the aromas help you to relax and others will make your mouth water. You don’t want your candle scents to be overpowering or not strong enough. To be sure you have the right about, add one ounce of scent for each pound of wax used to make the candle.

The amount of each supply you will need depends on the types of candles you are planning to make and the size of each. On average, you can get all the supplies you need to start making candles for $100. Candle making supplies can be purchased at craft stores or online. To save money on candle making supplies, consider purchasing a candle making kit. They offer a small supply of all the items for a discounted price.

There are eight distinct candle making additives used in the candle making process. Some makers choose not to use them at all while others take advantage of what each type of additive has to offer to their candle making process. Candle wax additives are inexpensive and work well if you are educated in how to use them and why to use each kind.

Kemamide is a fine powder. It has a hint of ivory in the color, but it is close to being transparent. This type of additive becomes clumped if it is exposed to humidity so keep it in a closed, dry environment. Use this type of additive as a release agent. Add one teaspoon for each pound of wax.

Poly-AC is a fine powder, white in color. It has a dry texture and should also be stored in a dry environment to prevent clumping. This additive is a hardener. To be effective, add one teaspoon for each pound of wax.

Chimasorb 81 is a powder with a yellowish tint. Of all the additives, this one is the most likely to clump, even in areas of low humidity. Chimasorb 81 is used to enhance color. You do not need much of it, 1/10 of a percent for each pound of wax.

Stearic Powder is flaky. The color is white. This additive doesn’t react to humidity at all so it is an agreeable product to use for hardening. They amount you will use depends on the type of candles you are making. This additive helps reduce the temperature needed to melt the wax. Add about three teaspoons for each pound of wax. Be careful not to over use Stearic Powder as doing so will cause damage to the wax.

103 Vybar generally is sold in the form of very small beads. The beads flow loosely and do not stick or clump together, even in areas of high humidity. 103 Vybar is a hardener as well. It will add a very creamy texture to your candle wax. This is a perfect hardener to use for scented candles. Add one teaspoon to for every pound of wax.

Paraflint is another hardener. It comes in beaded form similar to the 103 Vybar. However, the beads are much larger. You will want to use one teaspoon for every pound of wax.

Poly 400 comes in the form of beads that vary is size and shape. This is a UV inhibitor, which will keep your candles from fading in the sunlight. This additive is also to be used at the rate of one teaspoon for every pound of wax.

BHT Crystal is a yellowish powder. This is an antioxidant for wax that has been stored in liquid form for a length of time. Using this crystal will also add a very pretty luster to your wax.