Shopping for Candle Making Kits
Many candle makers who are starting out favor getting candle making kits over buying the individual supplies needed for basic candle making projects.
Kits are fine if you are already aware of what truly makes a good candle. And that requires knowledge of candle making equipment and supplies. You have to learn about the basic use of the items supplied in the kits before you can choose the best type to get for your projects.
Basic candle making supplies
A basic kit contains the following: wax, wick, container, dye and fragrance.
The type of wax can range from paraffin wax (the most common type of wax), soy wax (preferred by some because it’s organic), beeswax (perfect for candles, but it’s more expensive so it’s not as popular as soy or paraffin wax), and wax gel (not wax at all, but a combination of a binding agent and a combustible component – mineral oil).
Some new type of wax can actually be molded without heat. The heat emanating from your hands is sufficient to “mold” the shape of the wax.
The type of wicks you get in a kit depends on the type of kit you purchase. The most common type of wicks is manufactured from cotton. Most candle making suppliers sell wicks that come with tabs. These tabs or locks are important because they keep the wicks in a stable position when you pour melted wax.
Some wicks are made from zinc – these wicks are often used for novelty candles and smaller candles such as tealights. If in doubt, I recommend that you stick with cotton wicks and simply adjust the length of the wick by carefully snipping the material until the desired length is achieved.
Containers are for jar candle projects. If you get plastic or silicone items in your kit, it means that the kit promotes a candle making project involving the use of a candle mold. Candle molds allow you to create neat designs with your colored wax.
Dyes are simply the different colors that you can mix with melted wax to create stunning candles. Color may be the most important aesthetic component of candles. A candle with the right balance of colors can instantly create the desired ambiance.
Fragrances are mostly essentials oils. In recent years, functional candles have become more popular. For example, a candle that has been treated with citronella oil becomes an instant anti-mosquito candle, because the essential oil of the citronella plant is known to repel insects.
