Candle Making Guide: Container Candles

Container candles are one of the most popular types of candles thanks to the variety of containers available. Additionally, making candles in containers you already own is both a lot of fun and kinder to the environment as re-using also eliminates the cost, energy, transport, and small amount of pollution associated with recycling.

What you will need

• Double Pan Set (to melt your wax)
• Thermometer
• Container wax

• Candle Wick (pre-waxed with sustainers is best)
• Inpex Dye (optional)
• Escentscia Fragrance Oil (optional)

Choosing a container

It is always better considering the jars and tins you already own. Glasses and tea-cups can also be found at bric-a-brac stores, car boot, and charity shops (you will also be supporting that charity). Not a lot of glass is made using recycled glass – and glass which is recycled is usually processed overseas rather than locally – so it is best to re-use wherever possible rather than recycling or buying new if we are serious about reducing our footprints. You can identify recycled glass or glass that has an amount of recycled glass because it will not be completely clear, and it will usually be a shade of green.

Even so, you should always consider safety before making or burning any candles. Ensure that the container you do choose is of a suitable material, is free from imperfections or cracks, and is rigid. Never leave any candle burning unattended and always burn candles on appropriate surfaces.

Choosing a wax

There are environmental issues surrounding all types of candle wax, natural and paraffin, but we will look at that another time.

When making container candles, it is important to use a container wax. Unlike other types of wax, container wax is adhered to the container it is poured into. This creates a smooth uniform look around the outside of the candle and ensures that the candle is secure in the jar or tin.

If you wish to use a paraffin wax, the Chandler Grey PRO Container Wax is most suitable here.

If you wish to use a soy wax, the Golden Wax 444 and Golden Wax 464 are both suitable and can be found here.

If you wish to use a rapeseed wax, the PRO Rapeseed Wax is most suitable here.

The wax you find most suitable will largely depend on your own personal preferences. If you are unsure which type of wax to use, we sell all of our waxes in 800g quantities designed for testing purposes.

Choosing a wick

When making container candles, it is important to use a wick which is both suited to the type of wax you will be using and the diameter of the container. You can find a wax pool guide for each wick series here.

If you choose to use the Chandler Grey PRO Container Wax, the WickWell P2 and Wedo LX series are both recommended.

If you choose to use one of the Golden Waxes, the TCR and Wedo VRL wicks are both recommended.

If you chose to use the PRO Rapeseed Wax, the WickWell NT and TCR wicks are both recommended.

Wooden wicks are also an increasingly popular option and more information on wooden wicks can be found here.

Method

1 – Melt your wax
Gently heat the wax and dye in a Bain Marie style method until the wax has fully melted. The recommended heat-to and pouring temperature of your wax will depend upon the type of wax you are using but most will have a heat-to and pouring temperature between 60-80°C.

2 – Prepare your container
Make sure your container is ready, if you are pre-wicking insert a waxed candle wick with sustainer and secure it with a glue dot. Use a wick centering tool to ensure that your wick remains central as the candle sets.
Tip: Pre-heating your glass containers to around 25°C (most ovens have a minimum temp of 30°C, but this gives you plenty of time to remove your glasses and get ready to pour) will improve adhesion and reduce wet spots. Washing your glass containers before use can also improve adhesion.

3 – Add your fragrance and pour.
Once your container has been prepared and your wax is at the ideal temperature, carefully add your fragrance, slowly stir for around 30 seconds, make sure you stir the bottom as this is where the fragrance oil may settle (this is where a palette knife comes in handy), and pour gently!

4 – Wick after you have poured
Let the wax cool a little without setting, usually the best time is as soon as you see the wax starting to set in the bottom of the container. Then gently put the pre-waxed wick with sustainer into the wax placing it central, then place a pin (our blue wick pins are perfect for this) or pencil across the top of the container to stop the wick from falling to the side.

FAQS:

How many times will I need to pour the wax into the container?
All of our container candle waxes are one-pour. If you find that the candle surface dips once poured, lower your pouring temperature.
My candle has an uneven surface. Why?
Most aesthetic imperfections are caused by temperature. If you find you cannot get a good finish we can help, please contact us here and we will gladly advise you on pouring technique.