Pillar Candle Kit Recipe
Using the Paraffin Pillar Candle Starter Kit
Whether you’re trying your hand at candle-making for the very first time or just looking to explore something new, this kit was made for you! It includes all the essential materials to help you create classic paraffin pillar candles from start to finish.
Before we dive in, please take a moment to read through these instructions carefully. Candle-making is a fun and creative process, but safety comes first — melted wax gets very hot (over 100°C!) and can burn if splashed or spilled. Always work on a stable surface, never leave your wax unattended while melting, and keep kids and pets well clear of your workspace.
Now, roll up those sleeves — it’s time to pour your own handmade pillars!
What is included in your Pillar Candle Making Kit
- Paraffin Wax – 1kg
- Stearic Acid – 500g
- LX14 Wick – 10m pack
- Fragrance Oil – 1 x 100ml
- Wick Placeholders (Centring Tools) – 3
- PVC Moulds: 10×6cm and 16×6cm
- Pouring Jug – 1L
Additional Equipment & Supplies:
- Double boiler (Bain Marie style)
- Thermometer (optional but recommended, and can be purchased separately)
- Stirring sticks
- Paper towels
- Clean cloth or old dish towel
- Scissors
- Prestik or moulding clay
- Kebab stick or skewer (for top-ups)
- Non-stick pan or flat hot plate (for base smoothing)
- Protective sheet or newspaper for workspace
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace:
Choose a clean, flat, and stable surface to work on. Lay down newspaper or a protective cloth — things might get a little waxy. Keep paper towels or a cloth nearby for spills.
Step 2: Clean the Moulds
Wipe each mould with a paper towel to remove any dust or residue. Clean moulds help your candles come out smooth and beautiful.
Step 3: Measure and Cut the Wick
Lay your mould flat and measure out the wick next to it, leaving an extra 3–5 cm above the mould for handling and trimming. Cut to size. You’ll only need one length of wick per mould.
Step 4: Thread the Wick Through the Mould
Pass the wick through the small hole in the base plate of the mould, then thread it through the opening at the top of the mould cup. You’ll notice one side of the mould is slightly wider — this helps the pieces lock together correctly. Gently twist the parts to secure them in place.
Step 5: Seal the Wick Hole at the Base
Use Prestik or moulding clay to firmly seal the hole where the wick exits the mould. Press it in well — this step is essential to prevent hot wax from leaking out during pouring.
Step 6: Assemble the Mould & Secure the Wick
Once the wick is threaded and the mould is properly closed, attach a wick placeholder on top to keep the wick upright and centred. For extra stability, you can lightly tack the wick to the placeholder with a little Prestik to keep it from slipping or moving.
Step 7: Melt the Wax
Using the double boiler (Bain Marie) method, slowly melt the paraffin wax. If you’re using a thermometer (which we recommend), monitor the temperature carefully — paraffin melts at high heat, so be cautious and never leave it unattended.
Step 8: Prepare to Pour
Once the wax is fully melted and reaches 100°C or more, carefully transfer it into your pouring jug. Take care — the wax will be hot and fluid.
Step 9: Add Fragrance
At around 95°C, add your fragrance oil. Use a 5% fragrance load — that’s 50ml of fragrance per 1L of melted wax. Stir gently for at least 1 full minute to ensure even distribution.
Step 10: Pour While Hot
Pour the fragranced wax into the moulds immediately. The higher pour temperature helps prevent “jump lines” and creates a smoother finish. Fill each mould to the top, and gently tap the sides to release any trapped air bubbles.
Step 11: Let the Candles Set
Allow the candles to cool and set completely at room temperature. Avoid moving the moulds while they’re setting, as this can cause uneven surfaces or internal cracking.
Step 12: Address Sinkholes or Uneven Tops
If you notice sinkholes or uneven tops after the wax has set, don’t worry — this is common with pillar candles. Use a kebab stick or skewer to open up the sinkhole completely, then melt a small amount of wax and top up as needed. Do not use a heat gun on pillar candles, as it can cause wax to run down the sides and leave visible lines.
Step 13: Allow to Set Fully
After topping up, leave the candles to rest for another 12–24 hours before unmoulding. Patience here will give you a better result.
Step 14: Unmoulding the Candle
Start by removing the Prestik or clay seal at the base. Gently tap the sides of the mould to help loosen the candle from the inner walls. Then, turn the mould upside down and slowly slide the candle out from the wider side. Don’t force it — it should release with a gentle nudge.
Step 15: Flatten base & trim the Wicks
To finish your candle, gently flatten the base by placing it on a warm non-stick pan or hot plate for a few seconds — just enough to level it out. Once cool, trim the wick at the bottom flush with the candle, and shorten the top wick to about 0.5 cm for a cleaner, safer burn.
Step 16: Your Candle is Complete!
Your candle is complete — take a moment to admire what you’ve made! For best results and a safe, even burn, enjoy your pillar candle in sessions of 2–3 hours at a time. Always place it on a heat-resistant surface and never leave it unattended.
