How to make candles to sell?

 How to make candles to sell?

The candles are pretty great. Whether it's a pumpkin spice, a fancier scent or just a simple flickering light on a cool fall night, there's a candle for everyone.

If you're starting your own candle-making business, deciding what types of candles to make and sell is one of the most enjoyable, though sometimes tricky, parts of the job. There are lots of different smells, materials, and extra things (like pressed flowers) to choose from, and this part takes a bit of thinking and creativity. But making candles at home can be quite easy if you plan well and use the right tools. Your customers who love candles will really like what you add to their home decorations.

Materials needed to make candles

Wax: You can buy wax shavings or flakes online or at a craft store. Popular choices are paraffin wax, beeswax, and soy wax.

Wicks: Every candle needs a wick. Wicks are usually made of paper, cotton, zinc, or wood.

Fragrance oils: Scented candles get their smell from essential oils or fragrance oils. You add these to the melted wax while making the candle.

Spatula: Use a heat-proof spatula to stir the wax and make sure it melts evenly.

Heat-proof container: Mason jars, glass jars, or tin cans work well as candle containers. The bigger the container, the bigger your candle will be.

Double boiler: This is a tool that evenly spreads heat on the stovetop. It's perfect for melting wax. You can buy one or make your own by putting a metal bowl on top of a pot with a bit of water in it.

Thermometer: Use a candy thermometer, a digital infrared thermometer, or a deep-fry thermometer to check the wax temperature.

Popsicle sticks or chopsticks: You'll need these to keep the wick steady while the candle is drying. You can also use chopsticks or other lightweight, straight objects.

Paper towels: Use them to clean up any wax spills. Don't use your good kitchen towels for this!

8 Simple steps to make candles

1. Prepare the moulds and supplies 

 Before you start making candles, get your containers ready. You can buy special candle jars or use Mason jars or tin cans. Just pick something that looks good because once the candle is made, it usually stays in that container.

Make sure your containers are clean and dry. Put them on a flat surface. Keep your wicks, smelly oils, and things to hold the wick (like Popsicle sticks or chopsticks) nearby.

2. Measure the Wax

To measure your wax, pour wax flakes or shavings into your candle containers, which are like molds for your candle. Since shavings take up more space than melted wax, use about two containers' worth of flakes for each candle.

3. Melt the Wax

Put your wax shavings or flakes in the double boiler. Heat the wax slowly, and use a spatula to stir it carefully. Keep an eye out for any bits that might come up the edges of the pot.

Different waxes melt at different temperatures: paraffin wax at about 100 degrees Fahrenheit, soy wax at around 124 degrees Fahrenheit, and beeswax at approximately 145 degrees Fahrenheit. Check the temperature with your candy thermometer.

4. Add Fragrances

If you're making scented candles, it's time to have some fun with scents. You can use single scents like bergamot, mandarin, or rosemary. Or, you can go for pre-blended fragrance oils, such as sea breeze or apple pie. Get creative and mix your own scents, like rose patchouli or lavender sage.

If your fragrance oils are made specifically for candles, just follow the instructions on the package. If you're using essential oils, add about 30 to 40 drops per eight-ounce candle. Put them in slowly and stir with your spatula.

5. Place and Stabilize the Wick

Put one wick in each candle jar. Stick the wick to the center bottom of the jar by adding a bit of wax or a drop of Super Glue to the bottom of the wick. Let it dry on the bottom of the jar. Make sure the base of the wick is right in the middle for an even burn.

Before you pour the wax, place two Popsicle sticks on top of the jar with the wick in between. This keeps the wick standing straight as the wax cools. You can also use chopsticks, pencils, or even butter knives—just be careful not to spill too much wax on them while doing this.

6. Pour the Wax into the mould

Pour the wax into the candle jar carefully, filling it almost to the very top. Pour slowly to avoid getting air bubbles in the wax. Wax that has dried can be hard to clean up, so be cautious. Use paper towels to wipe away any melted wax that drips on your workspace or the outside of the candle jar. If the wax hardens, you can use hot water to clean it up.

7. Cure the Candles

Soy candles will become solid at room temperature in about four hours and will be fully ready in three to four days. Paraffin wax candles cure faster, usually in about two days, while beeswax candles may take up to 10 days to cure completely. After your candle is dry, you can take out the chopsticks and trim the wick.

If your candle has small holes or dents on the surface (usually caused by air bubbles during drying), heat a bit more wax and add a thin layer on top.

8. Sell the Candles

Light the candles and let them burn! Candles are fantastic gifts or things to sell online. They're an affordable way to make your home beautifully lit and filled with lovely scents.