Candle making...?

Question

This is to anybody who makes candles. I wanted to know what wax to use that does not require using additives or acids or anything. A wax for container candles. I don't know if there is a wax that you melt and all you have to add is the dye for color and scent, that's it. That's the kind of wax I want to use, if it will make good quality candles. Also, how much wax do you melt and how much dye and scent do you add to the wax?? I found a site that gives instructions for making container candles but it doesn't tell how much stuff to use. Oh, and does anybody know if Michael's craft store sells everything you need to make candles??Also, are their prices high?? I'd like to know before I drive an hour to my nearest Michael's. Sorry if I sound stupid asking these questions! I want to start making candles at home and I want to know what to do and use, so that I don't mess up anything and waste a whole lot of supplies. I don't have that much money to spend and especially blow it, you know?!

Any info about supplies will help! Thanks!

Spencer Scott, you were no help. No thanks for being weird and goofy for saying something stupid that has NOTHING to do with my question! Why'd you even take the time to type that??

Answer 1

I make soy candles at home . They are fun and easy.
You only need a double boiler (a Pyrex measuring cup and pan of water will do) and a candy thermometer works. I weigh my wax on a postal scale (easy to purchase at Walmart). One lb will make one 16 oz, 2 8 oz, etc. Soy wax is great and easy to work with because it melts at a much lower temperature, for me usually about 150 degrees. I add the color dye with the wax, melt it and let it cool a bit. I add fragrance (about 1 1/2 oz per 16 oz of wax for a highly scented candle at about 120 - 125 degrees. I stir frequently to make sure the fragrance mixes evenly. Then I pour after the wax cools to about 100 degrees or lower. You will notice it starts to get cloudy. Don't worry about spills & clean up because it will not burn you and you can clean with soap and water. As far as wicks, start with pre-made wicks. They come in sizes depending on the size of the container. Your supplier should have a chart for measuring your wicks. Do not pay the high prices at retail stores - purchase your wax over the internet. Please check my source listed below.
Good luck and have fun!

Answer 2

Can you use the same pouring pot for many different candles with different scents and colors? yes If so, how would you get all the wax from each candle out of the pot to start another one without scraping the pot for hours? You should not have too much problems cleaning out the pot. They do sell cleaners, but I have never had to use them. Do you HAVE to use a scale? No Can anybody give me some tips or suggestions about scents, techniques, etc.? You usually use 1 ounce of scent per pound of wax. If you want a heavily scented candle, add a bit more. Make sure you heat the wax to the appropraite temp before adding dye and/or scent. Also, I don't know if somebody local to where I live has came up with this, but I have a candle that is called "Butt Naked"! I don't know if somebody has changed the name of this scent or made up their own. Would anybody know what scents are in this candle? Sorry, I dont know I would really appreciate any advice, instructions, or anything anybody could tell me about candle making at home. Gift ideas or anything. Its relatively simple. Take your wax, melt it to the right temp, add dye, scent, & pour in a container or mold with your wicking. You may have to do a second or third pour.

Answer 3

Michael's has everything usually. I don't know if local stores cater to different crafts more by how much they sell the supplies in that area though. You might call them. They give classes and should know.
Here you go. It isnt video, but it is much easier and gets right into the meat of container canle making and what wax to use

http://www.cajuncandles.com/containerguide.html

Answer 4

Here's a site that will answer most of your questions. Michael's does have candle making supplies, but a limited variety. The web would be the best place to get what you need.
http://www.candletech.com/basicinstructions.htm

Answer 5

You can try these 2 web aites - I've been candlemaking for 15 years and use both sites a lot.

yaley.com
genwax.com