How To Make Your Own Paraffin Wax Candles at Home

There's nothing better than the shimmering light of a candle to reduce stress and promote feelings of calm, and the cozy scent of candles can be just the thing to help soothe a troubled mind. Paraffin wax is commonly used for aromatherapy because it produces a better scent throw than any other wax and can hold a large amount of fragrance without affecting the burn quality.

I'm here to bring positive candle vibes into your life, especially when you feel anxious or blue! Whether you're a beginner or an experienced candle-ista, making paraffin candles is so easy, all you need is some imagination and patience, oh- and just a few basic supplies from Carmel's Online Store.

Carmel's Paraffin Candle-Making Kit contains all the essential materials for crafting paraffin candles. Our kits include paraffin wax beads, pre-waxed cotton wicks, which are pre-tabbed, fastening stickers, and an aluminum centering device.

Before we start- Are you feeling a little 'all thumbs" at the idea of making paraffin candles? Don't worry - I've got all the answers to your most common candle-making questions, plus a step-by-step video to make it even easier. 

So… Let's go!



What is paraffin wax?

Paraffin wax is a white or colorless, solid wax made from petroleum. It has a wide range of uses, from candle-making to skin care products. It is also used as a food additive in manufacturing chewing gum and cosmetics. Paraffin has clean and reliable burning qualities with less than 1.0% oil content and guarantees stable combustion. 

Do I need to preheat my jars?

No, but It's always a great idea to ensure that your glass containers have been sitting at room temperature for about 30 minutes before you start pouring your candle wax. This will help your wax set slowly, giving you a beautiful, smooth finish. Setting too quickly can cause sinking, holes, and an overall poor look. Keeping your glasses/containers at room temperature will help you get the best result. And remember to put them on a suitable surface before you start!

Is paraffin wax safe to use for candles?

Paraffin wax is totally safe! It's even approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for use in food, cosmetics, and medical applications. The only downside is that paraffin wax is a non-renewable resource.

Is Carmel Paraffin Candle Wax Scented?

At Carmel, we have so many amazing options for paraffin candle wax! Our white paraffin beads are available both colorless and odorless, as well as in a range of scents like Cherry, Citrus, Banana, Mint, Ocean Breeze, Lavender, Rose and Vanilla. Plus, you can find color and scented paraffin in a variety of fun colors and fragrances like Red (Cherry), Orange (Citrus), Yellow (Banana), Green (Mint), Blue (Ocean Breeze), Purple (Lavender), Pink (Rose) and White (Vanilla). Or, if you'd like to get creative, you can purchase our unscented white paraffin and add any scents you'd like - how fun!

What will I need?

Oh, I’m gonna make this soooo easy for you! 

Carmel offers Candle Making Wax Kits with all the essential materials to get you started crafting paraffin candles. 

The wax kits include: pre-tabbed wicks (wick + metal base), fastening stickers and centering devices.

Quantities:

• 1 lb wax comes with 10 pre-tabbed wicks & 2 centering devices
• 5 lbs wax comes with 50 pre-tabbed wicks & 2 centering devices
• 10 lbs wax comes with 100 pre-tabbed wicks & 10 centering devices

OR

If you already have supplies, and have done this candle-making thing before, here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:

1. One pound of paraffin wax.
2. 1-2 tablespoons of essential oil. (optional if not using Carmel Paraffin) 
3. Pre-waxed cotton wicks. 
4. Wick tabs attached. 
5. Wick stickers. 
6. Jars 
7. Chopsticks or wooden spoon.
8. Scotch Tape.
9. Pencil or Popsicle Sticks.

Step by Step Instructions

1. Place the wax into a melting pot, and simmer over medium-high heat, occasionally stirring as it is melting. Melt the wax down and mix at 120-140 Fahrenheit (50-60 Celsius). 
2. If you want to add dyes or scents, raise the temperature to 180 Fahrenheit (82 Celsius),  if the dyes do not fully melt, raise the temperature to 185 Fahrenheit (85 Celsius).
3. Prepare your jars and wicks. Fasten the base of the pre-tabbed wick to the bottom of the jar with the sticker.   
4. Pour the melted wax into the jar, leaving one inch of room at the top. Set the jars aside and allow them to cool down.
5. Use the centering device to position your wick. 
6. Let the candle cool and cut away the extra wick.

Then…Let it burn baby!

How to clean paraffin wax out of a double boiler.

First, turn off the heat source and let the wax cool down. Scoop out the majority of the wax with a spoon or spatula. Once you’ve taken out the biggest pieces of wax, pop the bowl in a sink filled with hot water and let it soak for a few minutes. Give it a good scrub with a stiff brush, then rinse with warm water and dry off with a cloth. If you still see some wax, use a mild detergent or soap to take it out.

Safety First!

I wanted to give you a friendly heads-up to keep an eye on your candles when they are lit. We wouldn't want any little ones getting their hands on them, would we?

I hope this blog has inspired you to make paraffin candles! We all need a bit of peace and quiet in these hectic times, and nothing can offer that quite like the calming glow of a candle. Throw on some of your favorite tunes, grab a glass of wine, draw a hot bath, and you'll be on your way to total relaxation. And remember, you'll also enjoy the pride of having made something special with your own two hands!

Oh ya! Please make sure to share your candle making results with us by tagging us on Instagram or sending us an email– we’d love to see your candle creations!

SHOP NOW 🛒