Complete Candle Making Guide: Expert Tips

Kindly Cosy offers candle-making workshops due to the rise in demand for candle-making. Here are some great pointers for you to start your entrepreneurial journey!

Candles are more than just decorative items; they create warmth, ambiance, and delightful scents in our homes. Whether you're new to candle-making or an experienced creator, this guide covers everything you need to know about the craft. From choosing the right wax to troubleshooting common issues, consider this your ultimate candle-making hub.

Why are candles and wax melts so popular? Candles set a mood, they create ambiance. A candle and wax melts are more than scents; people use them to enhance their home, their business and their wellbeing.

Candle-Making Guide

What’s the best wax for beginners?
Soy wax and coconut-rapeseed wax are excellent for beginners as they are eco-friendly, easy to work with, and provide a clean burn. Consider your budget, values, and brand identity when selecting a wax.

What’s the difference between soy, paraffin, coconut, and beeswax?

• Soy Wax – Renewable, clean-burning, and long-lasting.

• Paraffin Wax – Made from petroleum, provides strong scent throw but raises environmental concerns.

• Coconut Wax – Burns clean, holds scent well, and is highly sustainable.

• Beeswax – Natural and air-purifying but not vegan-friendly.

Why does my wax have frosting?
Frosting happens when soy wax crystallizes. It does not affect burn quality and is a natural characteristic of soy wax.

What’s the best wax for scent throw?
Coconut-rapeseed wax is one of the best for scent throw, both hot and cold. However, experimenting with different waxes is key to finding the best one for your needs.

What affects scent throw?
The type of wax, wick, fragrance load, fragrance type, and cure time all impact scent throw. Ensure the candle is not placed in a drafty area.

How do I stop candle tunneling?
Wax has a memory, so the first 3-4 burns are crucial. Ensure the wick is the correct size and let the wax melt to the edges on the first burn.

Why does my wick mushroom?
This happens when excess carbon builds up. Trim the wick to 1/4 inch before each burn. It could also be due to excessive fragrance or an unsuitable wick.

Why is my wick flickering?
If the wick starts flickering as the candle burns down, this is normal due to air consumption. If excessive, the wick may be unsuitable. Test different wicks!

What is a Chandler?

A Chandler is a name given to Candle-Makers

How much fragrance oil should I add?
Refer to the IFRA documentation, which lists the maximum allowed for candle making. Between 6-10% is generally advisable.

Why is my candle’s scent weak?
First, have you cured the candle long enough? Did you mix it well enough? Sometimes, adding less fragrance can improve the scent throw.

Can I use essential oils instead of fragrance oils?
Essential oils evaporate at high temperatures, making them less effective in candles compared to fragrance oils.

Why does my candle have air bubbles?
This happens when wax is poured too quickly or at the wrong temperature. Stir gently and pour slowly. Patience is key.

Testing & Troubleshooting Candles

How do I test my candles before selling them?
Test different wick sizes, burn times, and fragrance loads. Conduct test burns in 4-hour increments and record results.

Why is my candle sweating?
Excess fragrance oil or high temperatures can cause sweating. Use the correct fragrance load and store candles in a cool place.

What are sinkholes?
Air pockets in the wax. To fix them, poke relief holes and reheat the top layer with a heat gun.

Safe & Sustainable Candle Choices

Are paraffin candles bad?

Let’s be honest—many big companies, like Yankee Candle, use paraffin because it provides an exceptional scent throw. Paraffin is derived from petroleum, which raises environmental concerns. However, when blended properly and stirred well, paraffin candles shouldn’t produce excessive black smoke. You just need to TEST, TEST and TEST again.

The main concern with paraffin is the potential release of compounds when burned. Some studies suggest paraffin candles may emit small amounts of toxins, but research is inconclusive. Many candle makers believe the risk is minimal, especially when high-quality paraffin wax is used and wicks are properly trimmed.

At the end of the day, paraffin has its advantages—it holds fragrance well, is cost-effective, and creates a smooth finish. But if sustainability is a priority, natural waxes like coconut-rapeseed or soy may be better choices. At Kindly Cosy, we choose a pure coconut-rapeseed blend for a cleaner, eco-friendly burn. Coconut and rapeseed wax suits our brand and we have found it a beautiful wax to work with. Our wax is more expensive than paraffin but this is our choice.

What’s the healthiest wax for candles?
Coconut-rapeseed wax is among the cleanest burning and most sustainable. Beeswax is also a natural, clean-burning option.

Are natural wax candles more expensive?
Yes, because high-quality natural waxes are costlier to produce than paraffin.

Are essential oils in candles safe for pets?
Some essential oils, like tea tree and eucalyptus, can be toxic to pets. Research before use.

Basic Candle Terms

What is wax?
The main ingredient in candles that melts when heated. Common types include soy, coconut, paraffin, rapeseed, and beeswax.

What is a wick?
The cord inside a candle that absorbs melted wax to sustain a flame.

What is fragrance oil (FO)?
A synthetic or blended oil designed for strong scent throw.

What is essential oil (EO)?
Natural oils extracted from plants; not all are suitable for candles.

What is a melt pool?
The liquid wax surrounding the wick while burning.

What is burn time?
The total hours a candle burns before wax depletion.

What is cure time?
The duration needed for wax and fragrance to bond for optimal scent throw.

Scent-Related Terms

What is cold throw (CT)?
The strength of a candle’s fragrance before being lit.

What is hot throw (HT)?
The strength of fragrance when the candle is burning.

What is fragrance load?
The percentage of fragrance oil in the wax, typically 6-12%.

What is flash point?
The temperature at which a fragrance oil can ignite; crucial for safe heating.

Candle Testing & Safety

What is a burn test?
A test to check scent throw, wick performance, and safety.

What is burn rate?
The speed at which wax is consumed while burning.

What is a double pour?
Pouring wax in two stages to prevent sinkholes.

What is CLP?
Regulations requiring hazard labels on scented candles. CLP stands for Classification, Labelling and Packaging. If you can not affix a label, simply add a label to a piece of string with the label around the candle.  

Industry Standards & Regulations

What is IFRA?
The International Fragrance Association sets safety guidelines for fragrance usage in candles. Always check IFRA documentation before using any fragrance.

This guide provides a foundation for candle-making, but the key to success is testing, experimenting, and refining your technique. Whether you're crafting candles as a hobby or starting a business, understanding these essentials will help you create high-quality, beautifully scented products. 

We hope you found this guide helpful! If you would like to book a candle-making workshop, why not contact us today to check availability? Candle-making workshops are a great way to bond as a team for your business. Perhaps you’re getting married and would like a workshop for a hen party or birthday party—get in touch and create something beautiful!

Happy candle-making!