As we come to the conclusion of our first part of the candle making series, I’m starting to get excited because we are now just a post away from learning how to make our first candle!  Before getting to that though, I do want to talk about a few more key items to have in your candle arsenal and this will be your pouring cans, dipping cans, spoons and scales.

Containers for Holding/Transporting Melted Candle Wax

After you have melted your candle wax, you need to have a safe way to transfer and hold that hot wax without getting it all over your workspace and also not burning yourself badly.  As with all of the other candle supplies there are different types you can choose from based on your preference, but I’ll only talk about the ones that I use.

Metal Pouring Jugs

I use a couple different sized metal pouring jugs for putting the melted wax into.  I like the metal jugs because they are sturdier and can handle the high heat that the melted candle wax gives off.

For any container you use to transport and then pour the candle wax into molds or dipping cans, do yourself a favor and make sure it has a solid handle and a spout or lid that is tilted enough to make pouring easy.

You need to finesse the hot wax by pouring slowly and evenly into the molds or you will increase the likelihood of air pockets in your candle.  Air pockets in candle are a bad thing since it will actually make the overall candle weaker and it will create a pour combination for burning the candle evenly.

You don’t need a huge jug for your projects; a quart size or even a half gallon size pouring jug will be more than sufficient.

Dipping Can for Candles

If you’re going to be making candles that do not use a mold, but instead will be dipped candles you want to have a sturdy can that will hold the the melted wax and allow you to dip the candle into it.  I use a metal dipping can so that I can have a piece of equipment that will last a long time.  They tend to be pretty expensive so if you have a tall enough pouring jug you can simply use that to dip your candle wick into when you’re making taper candles.  That will save you money if you’re hesitant to buy a candle dipping can.

Kitchen Scales, Spoons & Other Accessories

Kitchen Scales

With some of your projects you may find that you need precise weights of paraffin, stearic acid, etc.  A common kitchen scale works perfectly for these times and are not that expensive.  My most recent kitchen scale was one I got on Amazon for $20 and its pretty cool.  It’s a Ozeri Digital Kitchen Scale and is perfect for getting precise weight measurements when I need it.  Plus, it doesn’t have to be used exclusively for candle making since you shouldn’t be getting melted wax all over it.

Measuring Spoons

As with the scale above, there are going to be certain candle projects that will require specific amounts of wax or additive to be added to the wax or the candle won’t turn out.  Any measuring spoons will do as long as you don’t reuse them for food preparation.

Stirring Spoon

Having a stirring spoon is a must when you’re adding color, fragrance or additives to your melting wax.  Using a spoon to help eliminate any air pockets in your wax is also another task easily done with it.

Cutting Board

If you’re going to be working in your kitchen or on a table that you want to protect, a cutting board will work perfectly when you’re having to, say break chunks of wax for melting.  It’s also very good if you need a flat surface for rolling a candle.

Pick one up at the store or online and just make sure it’s plastic or glass because I have found the wooden ones are sometimes too porous and cause the candle wax to stick onto it.

Candle Making Supplies Conclusion

So this is the last post for Part 1 of “How to Make Candles” series.  In a couple weeks, Part 2 will start up; allowing you the opportunity to put together all of the candle making supplies that you will need.  The series of posts thus far are by no means an all inclusive one since there are many tools and supplies that you can use in your adventures.

If you need to know all of the items then I would recommend picking up a book that was very helpful for me.