Beginner’s Guide to Making Container Candles
Container candles are one of the easiest and most popular candles to make. You can reuse candle jars, candle tins, or heat-safe containers you already own - making candle making both fun and environmentally friendly!
What You’ll Need
- Double Pan Set (for melting wax)
- Thermometer
- Container Wax
- Pre-waxed Candle Wick with Sustainer
- Inpex Dye (optional)
- Escentscia Fragrance Oil (optional)
Choosing a Container
Start by looking at jars or tins you already have at home. You can also find great options at thrift stores or charity shops. Reusing containers helps reduce waste and is often better than recycling. You can check the suitability of a jar by conducting a 'shock test.'
Reused or recycled glass often has a slight green tint and may not be perfectly clear—this is normal! Just make sure your container:
- Is heat-safe
- Has no cracks or damage
- Is sturdy and stable
Safety reminder: Never leave a burning candle unattended and always burn on a heat-resistant surface.
Choosing a Wax
For container candles, always choose a container wax. This type of wax sticks to the sides of the container and helps create a smooth finish.
If you prefer paraffin:
Chandler Grey PRO Container Wax works best.
If you prefer natural:
- Chandler Grey R4 Wax
- Kerasoy Container Wax
If you’re unsure which wax to choose, consider buying small 800g test bags to experiment.
Choosing a Wick
Your wick must match both your wax type and the width of your container. You can check wick sizes using our Wax Pool Guide.
Recommended wicks for each wax:
- Chandler Grey PRO Container Wax: WickWell P2, Wedo LX
- Chandler Grey R4 Wax: WickWell P2, TCR, and Wedo VRL wicks
- Kerasoy Container Wax: Wedo Stabilo and TCR wicks.
Wooden wicks are also a great option if you prefer a natural crackling effect.
How to Make a Container Candle
1. Melt Your Wax
Gently melt the wax (and optional dye) using a double boiler. Most container waxes melt and pour best between 60–80°C depending on the type but you can find exact recommendations on each of our wax pages.
2. Prepare Your Container
Stick your wick to the bottom of your container using a wick pad and keep it centered with a wick centering tool.
Pro Tip: Warm your containers to around 25°C to help the wax adhere better and reduce wet spots. Clean containers also help with better adhesion.
3. Add Fragrance & Pour the Wax
When your wax reaches the recommended pouring temperature:
- Add your fragrance oil
- Stir slowly for 30 seconds (don’t forget to stir the bottom!)
- Pour gently into your container
4. Leave to cure
Leave your candle to cool in an ambient room. Drafts and sudden changes in temperature can impact the aesthetic of your finished candle, so try to leave the candle undisturbed for at least 24 hours.
FAQs
Do I need to pour wax more than once?
No—all our container waxes are designed for a single pour. If you notice a dip on top, lower your pouring temperature next time.
Why is the top of my candle uneven?
Temperature changes during cooling often cause surface imperfections. If you're struggling to get a smooth finish, contact and we can help troubleshoot your pouring technique.