# What basic candle making supplies do I need? > If you are a beginning candle maker there are some basic supplies that youll need to get started Most of these supplies are available in our Candle Making Source: https://support.candlescience.com/en_us/what-basic-candle-making-supplies-do-i-need-ryLZmGRbl Last updated: 2026-05-01T14:05:19.071Z If you are a beginning candle maker, there are some basic supplies that you’ll need to get started. Most of these supplies are available in our [Candle Making Kits](https://www.candlescience.com/kits/ "Soy Candle Making Kit"). Just like other crafts, you can expand your supplies as your business grows but for now, you can find our list of recommended basics below: * [Candle Wax](https://www.candlescience.com/wax/ "Candle Wax") – You will need either container wax if you’re putting wax in a jar or tin, or pillar wax which is a harder wax for candles that stand on their own. * [Fragrance Oil](https://www.candlescience.com/fragrance-oil/ "Frangrance Oil") – There are many wonderful scents to choose from. An average amount to start with is 1 ounce of fragrance oil per one pound of wax. The type of wax you use will have a recommendation for the maximum amount of fragrance oil. * [Candle Dye](https://www.candlescience.com/color/ "Candle Dye") – Liquid dye is a great choice for coloring candles! * [Candle Containers](https://www.candlescience.com/containers/ "Candle Containers") or [Candle Molds](https://www.candlescience.com/candle-molds/ "Candle Molds") - Depending on the type of candle you want to make, you'll want to pick a fun container to use. We recommend starting with [candle tins](https://www.candlescience.com/containers/candle-tins/) because they are opaque and you won't have to worry about how the finished candle looks within the container. [Ceramic jars](https://www.candlescience.com/containers/candle-jars/ceramic-jars/) can also be a great option for the same reason! If you prefer to use a [glass jar](https://www.candlescience.com/containers/candle-jars/), we recommend choosing a round container with a diameter of 3" or less that is the same diameter up and down. If you want to make free-standing pillars, you'll want to choose a seamless [mold](https://www.candlescience.com/candle-molds/) instead. * [Wick](https://www.candlescience.com/candle-wick/ "Candle Wick") – Choosing a wick is probably the most important candle making decision you’ll make. If your candle doesn’t burn properly, it’s often because the wick isn’t the right kind or size. The type of wax, the amount of fragrance, and whether you add color, all affect how the wick performs. See the CandleScience [Wick Guide](https://www.candlescience.com/learning/wick-guide.php/ "Wick Guide") for basic recommendations. * [Scale](https://www.candlescience.com/equipment/ "Candle and Soap Scale") – A good scale is essential for weighing your wax and fragrance oil. A Soap and Candle Scale can be purchased for around $25.00 and up. * [Pouring Pitcher](https://www.candlescience.com/equipment/pouring-pitcher/ "Pouring Pitcher") and a saucepan - This is for melting your wax on a stove or hot plate. Many people use a [double boiler method](https://support.candlescience.com/en_us/how-to-melt-wax-using-a-double-boiler-r1JeMXG0Zx) by filling a large saucepan half full with water and heating it on the stove. Put your wax in the pouring pitcher inside the larger pan. Make sure no water gets into the pouring pitcher. Heat wax to the desired temperature and add water to the large pan as it evaporates. * If you would prefer to make your candles in a microwave and you aren't using the microwavable bags included in our [Candle Making Kits](https://www.candlescience.com/kits/ "Soy Candle Making Kit"), our [Plastic Pouring Pitcher](https://www.candlescience.com/equipment/plastic-pouring-pitcher/) is perfect for candle-making in a microwave. It's important to keep in mind this pitcher is not interchangeable with our metal pouring pitchers though. The plastic pitcher cannot be used in a double boiler, and the metal pouring pitchers cannot be used in a microwave. * [Thermometer](https://www.candlescience.com/equipment/ "8 Inch Glass Thermometer") –A candy thermometer or digital stick thermometer both work well for measuring the temperature of your melted wax. * [Warning Labels](https://www.candlescience.com/candle-packaging/ "Warning Labels 1.25 Inch") –Warning labels are necessary to provide proper burn instructions as well as general candle safety. * Small Calculator * Decorative Labels: Decorative labels add a distinct aesthetic to your finished candles. You can use them to promote your brand or to personalize your candles as gifts for a special event. [Avery WePrint™](https://www.avery.com/candlescience) is our recommended source for easily designing and printing custom labels for your creations. Upload your existing artwork and designs, or use one of their many pre-made templates if graphic design isn’t your forte. Plus, CandleScience customers automatically receive a 10% discount applied to their order. They offer a wide variety of sizes, materials, finishes, and adhesives. Check out [Avery WePrint](https://www.avery.com/candlescience) to get started on your custom labels! * Heat Source – You’ll need a stove or a hot plate for melting your wax. * Miscellaneous Supplies – Paper towels, rubbing alcohol (an easy way to clean your pot before it cools completely), disposable latex gloves to protect your hands, and newspaper to cover your work surface. That’s pretty much it - we hope you have fun with the wonderful and creative world of candle making! Ready to get started? Check out the [learning section](https://www.candlescience.com/learn-candle-making/ "CandleScience Learning") to view our candle making tutorials and step-by-step guides.