Have you ever desired to recreate a scenery of a beautiful fragrance that once captivated you? We are here to help you make that happen. With scented candles, you can transform the ambience of any room or workspace as desired.
Making scented candles is a creative and fun activity you can do at home. In this article, we will happily guide you through making scented candles in jars with lids in the comfort and luxury of your home.
What You Will Need
- Candle glass jars with lids
- Soy wax flakes
- Candlewick
- Wick holder
- Fragrance oil of your choice
- Candle dye (optional)
- Melting Pot or candle-pouring pot
- Wooden spoon
- Scissors
- Burner
Which Glass Jars are Safe for Candles?
Not every glass jar can handle a burning candle. Non-heat-resistant glass can crack or shatter as the wax heats up.
Look for these things when you buy:
● The seller says the jar is made for candles, or is heat-safe.
● The glass is smooth, even and free of chips or air bubbles.
● The jar has thick sides and a flat base.
● The lid fits the neck snugly, so it holds the scent in when the candle isn't in use.
Standard jam jars, mason jars and storage jars are often made for food, not for burning. Only use them if the seller confirms they're heat-safe. If you're not sure, ask before you buy.
At Southern Jar Company, our team is happy to recommend the right jar for the wax and candle size you have in mind to ensure you get value for your money.
Summary Size Guide for Candle Jars & Wicks for UK Candle Makers
|
Jar Size |
Best For |
Recommended Wick Size |
Pro-Tip |
|
100ml-150ml |
Samples, wedding favours, gift sets |
Small (e.g., CD-4 to CD-6) |
Perfect for testing new scents before scaling up. |
|
200ml-300ml |
Standard candles, everyday use |
Medium (e.g., CD-8 to CD-10) |
The most popular size in the UK candle market |
|
400ml-500ml |
Large candles, statement pieces |
Large (e.g., CD-12 to CD-14) |
Ideal for long burn times; great for living rooms. |
How to Make Scented Candles in 5 Steps
1. Measure and Melt the Wax
The first thing you should do is measure the amount of wax you need based on the size of the glass jars with lids you want to use. After measurement, pour out the wax flakes into a melting pot, place on low heat, and stir occasionally until it melts.
The easiest way to work out how much wax you need is to fill your jar with water up to where you want the wax to reach, then pour the water into a measuring jug. Multiply the millilitres roughly by 0.86 to 0.90 for the weight of soy wax in grams. These figures are a rough guide, so check your wax supplier's instructions.
|
Jar size |
Approx. soy wax needed |
Fragrance oil (6-10%) |
|
100ml |
80g |
5-8g |
|
200ml |
160g |
10-16g |
|
300ml |
240g |
14-24g |
|
500ml |
400g |
24-40g |
2. Add the Dye and Scent
Immediately the glass melts fully, if you desire to have a coloured candle, add the colour of your choice to the wax bit by bit until you achieve your desired hue. Once done, add a few drops of your fragrance or essential oil drop by drop to avoid overpowering your scents and stir gently to distribute it evenly.
3. Place the Wick and Pour the Wax
As the wax cools slightly, have the glass jars with lids ready by placing your wick in the centre of the candle glass jar. Use a wick sticker or hot glue to hold it in place and ensure the wick is upright in the candle glass jar. Carefully pour the scented wax into the candle glass jars without filling it up to avoid overflowing.
4. Secure the Wick
After carefully pouring the scented wax into the glass jar, secure the wick with a wick holder to ensure it remains straight while the scented candle wax solidifies in the candle glass jar.
5. Let the Wax Cool and Trim the Wick
Allow the scented wax to cool and solidify under room temperature, which may take about 4 hours. Once it solidifies completely, take off the wick holder and trim the wick’s length to 1/4 inch. Voila! Your scented candle is ready.
It is highly recommended to use glass jars with lids because when affixed, they help to preserve the scent when not in use.
What You Should Know About Making Candles to Sell in the UK
If you plan to sell your candles, the rules are different from making them as a hobby.
● In the UK, scented candles must meet the General Product Safety Regulations 2005, and fragranced candles also need CLP hazard labelling.
● Candle safety standards such as BS EN 15494 cover the warning symbols on the label.
● Trading Standards and the British Candlemakers Federation publish free advice for new makers, and it's worth reading before you sell your first candle.
● Choosing the right jar matters too. Consistent, heat-safe jars make it easier to keep your candles the same every time.
If you want to make candles in larger batches, buying bulk glass jars with lids saves money per jar and makes sure you always have matching sizes in stock.
At Southern Jar Company we are all about jars and bottles in retail and wholesale including candle glass jars with lids and decorative jars in a variety of styles and sizes from small glass jars to large glass jars perfect for counter space in the living room.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of jars can I use for candle making?
There are different types of heat-resistant candle glass jars with lids you can use. Examples are jelly jars also known as mason jars, apothecary jars, and any specially designed candle jar with lids. We can also help recommend for you when you contact us.
Can you use regular glass jars for candles?
It is not recommended because they are not heat resistant. They are likely to crack and may pose a potential hazard while burning.
How can you tell if the glass is candle-safe?
Always check the label, of the glass jars with lids or contact the supplier. Also, tempered glass jars are generally thicker throughout their body because they are heat-resistant jars.
Can I make a candle in a mug?
Yes, you can. But be very conscious. Always ensure they are made from heat-resistant materials like stoneware or ceramic.
Why do glass candles turn black?
Glass candles may turn black due to various reasons like the length of the wick, type of wax or even environmental conditions. Hence, it is advisable to trim the wick to 1/4 inch and stay clear of burning candles in a drafty room.