Candle Making Jars

If you’re a candle maker, your first stop should be at a jar store to look for candle making jars you can use in creating your beautiful candles.  Jars are reusable and can be cleaned properly after use.  These are also the safest containers to use for candle making.  In an ordinary household, you might see some decorative jars that have been filled with wax and put on display.   Some are really ornate, while others are minimalistic or plain.

Jars are different from candle making molds because the former is meant to permanently contain the candle wax, while the latter may only be used to shape the wax.  Some jars may be used as molds because of their beautiful shape or size, but for the most part, you should use candle making jars only when you intend to create container candles.  One of the perks of creating candle making jars is that you’re not only selling functional candles, you’re also selling elegant decorations that people can use as décor, whether or not they burn the candles.

If you don’t want to spend too much time placing dyes on candles, you can still artistically “theme” your candles by using motif jars.  Plain paraffin candles will look like high-end Christmas decorations when contained in a Holiday-themed glass jar.

Before you start mass producing jar candles, there are some things you need to know about candle making jars.

  • Specialized candle crafting jars don’t really exist.  Any functional jar that is able to withstand heat can be a great vessel for your candle wax.  In most cases, even plastic jars that are durable enough are good for jar candle making.  There may be really nice jars out there that have been specifically designed to hold candles, but in reality, the jar you choose depends entirely on your aesthetic taste.
  • How about non-heat resistant containers?  For safety reasons, I suggest you refrain from using containers that melt at high heat.  Candle wax can be extremely hot when melted.  Most candle makers prefer using glass or earthenware.  Clear glass jars will showcase the beauty of your candle wax, particularly if you took the time to dye your wax to increase its aesthetic appeal.
  • When using jars for candle making make sure to clean the jar beforehand.  You must also dry the jar to prevent wax from coming into contact with water that might be present inside the jar.  Dirt or stains inside the jars will also mar the beauty of your candles, particularly if the container is see-through.  One good way of drying the jars is to microwave them for a short duration before usage.  Some candle makers simply expose the insides of their jars to air so that the liquid inside these jars can evaporate.
  • Qualify the jars you are going to use for candle making.  Check for cracks inside and outside the jar containers.  Cracks and dents on jars that are not meant as decorations may become bigger when you pour the wax, or when the wax expands.  Chips on your candle making jars may also let the wax seep out during the cooling process.
  • Preserve the beauty of your candle jars by pouring just the right amount of wax.  I’ve seen jars that overflow with candle wax and cringe.  If you inadvertently pour too much wax inside one of the jars, scoop out the extra wax before it solidifies.

Candle making jars will make your production experience more pleasant.  You can unleash your creative side by simply decorating the jars you’re going to use for candle making.  Place stickers, draw patterns and tie ribbons around your jars to make them look better.