Candle making for beginners in Malaysia
Your first candle in 5 steps. What to buy, the numbers that matter, what a candle costs, and how to fix common problems. Written by the team at Craftiviti, a craft supply store and workshop studio in Petaling Jaya since 2015.
- Since 2015
- Four-time SOBA Award winner
- Store at Centrepoint Bandar Utama
Quick answer: how do you make a candle at home?
Melt wax in a double boiler, fix a wick in the centre of a clean jar, and stir in a little candle dye. Take the wax off the heat, and when it is below 60°C, stir in fragrance oil at 8% to 10% of the wax weight. Pour it into the jar and leave it to cool for up to 48 hours before you light it.
A first candle needs five things: wax, fragrance oil, dye, a wick and a jar.
How to make a candle in 5 steps
Set up on a clear, flat surface and keep your thermometer, scale and jar within reach before you start.
-
Melt the wax
Put the wax in a melting pot over a double boiler on low heat. When it is fully melted, take it off the heat straight away.
Low heat only
-
Fix the wick
Stick the wick in the centre of the jar with a wick glue dot, blue tack or double-sided tape. We suggest our Eco-wick range for soy and plant wax.
Centre it, then press down
-
Add colour
Stir in a few drops of liquid dye or a pinch of wax-safe powder dye. A little goes a long way, and too much dye can stop the candle burning well. Test the colour on white paper or in a tea light first. Shop candle dye.
Start small
-
Add fragrance and pour
Take the pot off the heat. When the wax is below 60°C, stir in fragrance oil at 8% to 10% of the wax weight. Stir well, then pour into the jar. For 200 g of wax, that is 16 g to 20 g of oil.
Below 60°C · 8-10% oil
-
Let it cool
Leave the candle to cool and set for up to 48 hours before you light it. On the first burn, let the wax melt right to the edge of the jar so it burns evenly.
Up to 48 hours
Pick the easiest way to begin
Three ways to make your first candle. Choose by how much you want to buy and how much help you want.
Buy a kit
One box with the wax, oil, wick, jars and a recipe card. Good if you want to try it once before you buy tools.
RM52
Buy supplies
Pick your own wax, scent and jar. Better if you plan to make more than a few candles.
~RM34
Join a workshop
Make two jar candles with our team in Petaling Jaya, and take them home. No experience needed.
RM77
Candle making supplies shopping list
Everything below is sold at Craftiviti, in store at Centrepoint Bandar Utama and online. Prices were checked on 22 October 2026.
Soy wax
The wax we suggest for a first candle. It gives a creamy white finish. For a 200 g candle you need about 200 g.
Perfect Pour U.S.A. Soy Wax
from RM15 (100 g)
Sizes: 100 g, 500 g, 1 kg, 5 kg.
Shop soy waxWant a different look? Compare waxes or see all candle waxes.
IFRA certified fragrance oil
Cosmetic grade oils chosen with our in-house aromatherapist. 30 ml bottles. Easy first scents:
Lavender Fresh Fragrance Oil
RM14
Clean and calm.
View product
Sakura Fragrance Oil
RM21
Soft and floral.
View product
English Pear & Freesia Fragrance Oil
RM22
Fruity and fresh.
View product
Bergamot Fragrance Oil
RM26
Bright citrus.
View productMore scents: browse all fragrance oils. Use the fragrance amount table to work out how much you need.
Candle dye
Use dye made for candles, as liquid or powder. A pinch or a few drops is enough.
Concentrated Candle Dye, 1 g
from RM7
Sold in many colours. Liquid dye comes in 10 ml bottles.
View productWicks and wick glue dots
Pick the wick by jar width, wax type and fragrance load. Our Eco-wick range suits soy and plant wax.
ECO Candle Wick (USA), 10 pcs
from RM14
Sizes ECO-2, ECO-6, ECO-10 and ECO-14.
View product
Candle Wick Glue Dot, 20 pcs
RM2.50
Holds the wick at the bottom of the jar.
View productCandle jars
Glass, tin or ceramic jars all work. This glass jar comes with a wooden lid.
Candle Glass Jar with Wooden Lid, 8 x 9 cm
RM8.90 each
Also in frosted clear, frosted amber and black.
View productMelting and measuring tools
A thermometer matters most. The 60°C mark in step 4 is easy to miss without one.
Digital Thermometer TP101
RM18
Check the wax before you add oil.
View product
Digital Precision Scale, 0.1 g, max 3 kg
RM39
Weigh wax and oil.
View product
Double Boiler Pot
RM38
Melts wax gently.
View product
Stainless Steel Wax Pot with Pouring Spout
RM83
Pours cleanly into the jar.
View product
Full Silicone Spatula Stirrer
RM5.50
For stirring in dye and oil.
View productShop all candle making tools. Optional: decorations such as dried botanicals, glitter and crystals.
Stock moves quickly. If something is sold out, WhatsApp us on +60 18-399 6553 and ask about restocks.
Which candle wax should a beginner use?
Soy is the easiest place to start. Here is how the waxes we sell compare.
| Wax | Look | Good for | From | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Soy wax | Creamy white finish | First candles in jars. Our pick. | RM15 (100 g) | Perfect Pour Soy Wax |
| Palm wax | Crystallised, frosted pattern | A decorative look | RM7.50 (100 g) | Natural Palm Wax |
| Beeswax | A natural wax, sold refined | Fans of natural waxes | RM40 (500 g) | Refined Beeswax |
| Coconut wax | A plant-based wax | Trying a plant wax | RM12 (100 g) | Coconut Wax |
| Gel wax | Clear and see-through | Clear candles with decorations inside | RM36 (500 g, soft) | Clear Gel Wax |
| Paraffin wax | White pellets | Buying by weight | RM10 (100 g) | Paraffin Wax Pellets |
Need more choice? See all candle waxes.
How much fragrance oil for your wax?
Use 8% to 10% of the wax weight. Weigh the wax first, then the oil. Add the oil when the wax is below 60°C.
| Wax weight | Oil at 8% | Oil at 10% |
|---|---|---|
| 100 g | 8 g | 10 g |
| 200 g (one jar) | 16 g | 20 g |
| 300 g | 24 g | 30 g |
| 500 g | 40 g | 50 g |
| 1 kg | 80 g | 100 g |
Want a stronger scent? Use the top of the range. Pick a scent from our fragrance oils.
How much does it cost to make one candle?
A rough guide for one 200 g jar candle, using our prices on 22 October 2026. Your cost changes with the wax and scent you pick.
| Item | Cost | Where it comes from |
|---|---|---|
| Soy wax, 200 g | About RM16 | From the 1 kg price of RM78 |
| Glass jar with wooden lid | RM8.90 | Candle jar |
| Wick and glue dot | About RM1.50 | From the 10 pack and the 20 pack |
| Fragrance oil, 16 g to 20 g | RM8 to RM15 | Part of a 30 ml bottle (RM14 to RM22) |
| Candle dye | Extra | A 1 g pack (RM7) colours several candles |
| One 200 g jar candle | About RM34 to RM41 | Before dye and tools |
Tools such as a thermometer and a scale are a one-off cost. A starter kit covers a first candle at RM52.
Candle making problems and fixes
Most first candles have one small flaw. Here is why, and what to try next time.
| Problem | Why it happens | What to try |
|---|---|---|
| Frosting or wet spots on soy wax | Common with soy. It is cosmetic and does not change the burn. | Cool slowly with no draughts and keep the pouring temperature steady. |
| Sunken centre or crack on top | The wax shrinks as it cools. | Pour a little warm wax on top, or smooth it with a heat gun. |
| Weak scent | Too little oil, or oil added too hot. | Weigh the oil at 8% to 10% and add it below 60°C. See the fragrance table. |
| Burns down the middle (tunnelling) | First burn was too short, or the wick is too small. | Melt to the jar edge on the first burn. Pick a wick for your jar width. |
| Dye looks too dark or too pale | Dye is very strong and the colour changes as wax sets. | Start small and test on white paper or in a tea light first. |
More tips: 14 candle making tips.
Tips for a better first candle
- Test your dye colour in a small tea light batch or on white paper before you colour a full jar.
- Soy wax gives a creamy white look. Palm wax gives a crystallised look.
- Choose your wick by jar width, wax type and fragrance load.
- Weigh your wax and your oil. Guessing the fragrance load is the most common beginner mistake.
Safety basics
- Hot wax burns. Work with an adult in charge, and never leave melting wax alone.
- Use only fragrance oil made for candles, at the recommended load.
- Store finished candles away from sunlight, heat and moisture.
- Planning to sell? Candles need proper safety and burn testing first.
What to make next
Once you can make a jar candle, try a new shape or start to sell.
Start to sell
Starter kits for makers who want to sell. Check safety and burn testing first.
Business starter kitsBeginner candle making kits
Each Crafti-Kit gives you what you need for one project. Prices checked on 22 October 2026.
Crafti-Kit: Soy Wax Candle Making Kit
RM52
- Best first kit
- Natural soy wax (USA) and fragrance oil
- Wicks, glue dots and assorted jars
- Wooden wick holder and gloves
- Recipe card and video demo
- About 30 to 45 minutes
Crafti-Kit: Bubble Candle Making Kit
RM64
- A fun, giftable shape
- Wax and fragrance oil
- Wick, wick holder and a skewer for the bubble texture
- Recipe card and video tutorial
- About 2 hours with setting time
- Adult supervision needed for hot wax
Crafti-Kit: Ice Coffee Candle Making Kit
RM58
- Looks like an iced coffee
- A good second project
- Complete kit in one box
Ready to sell your candles? Our business starter kits have the ingredients, tools and packaging to start. Stock changes, so WhatsApp us for the latest.
See business starter kitsMore kits: all Crafti-Kits. Want a discount? See how our discounts work.
Learn candle making in person in Petaling Jaya
Make your first candle with our team at the Craftiviti Experience Centre. No experience needed, and you take home what you make.
- Soy Wax Candle MakingAbout 1 hour · 2 jars · RM77
- Bubble Candle MakingAbout 1 hour · RM89
- Ice Coffee Candle MakingRM83
- Crafti Lab: SPARKIntermediate · 3 techniques · RM350
Planning a team event? Read team building ideas in KL or WhatsApp us for a group quote.
Crafti Lab: SPARK
Done the basics and want to go further? SPARK is our intermediate candle making workshop in Petaling Jaya. You learn 3 techniques with our team, in small hands-on sessions at the Experience Centre.
- Intermediate level: for people who have poured a few candles
- 3 techniques to level up your candles
- Small group, taught by our team at Centrepoint Bandar Utama
- Good if you plan to sell, or want to turn a hobby into a skill
RM350 per person · RM680 for 2 people
Need candles for an event? We can make them
Craftiviti also makes candles for companies and events, so you do not have to make them yourself. Here are some ideas.
Corporate gifts
Branded or custom scented candles for clients, staff and festive seasons.
Event door gifts
Small candles for launches, conferences, dinners and open days.
Weddings and parties
Favours in your colours and scents for weddings, birthdays and baby showers.
Hotels, cafes and shops
A signature scent and candle for your space, or to sell to your guests.
Brand and OEM candles
Your own candle range made for you, from scent to jar.
Make it together
Prefer something hands-on? Book a group candle session for your team or guests.
Tell us your event, quantity and date. We will reply with ideas and a quote.
Candle making for beginners: FAQ
How do I make candles at home as a beginner?
Melt wax in a double boiler over low heat, then take it off the heat. Fix the wick in the centre of a clean jar. Stir in a few drops of candle dye. When the wax is below 60°C, stir in fragrance oil at 8% to 10% of the wax weight and pour it into the jar. Leave it to cool for up to 48 hours before you light it. See the 5 steps.
What do I need to make a candle?
Five ingredients: wax, fragrance oil, candle dye, a wick and a jar. You also need a melting pot or double boiler, a thermometer, a scale and a measuring beaker. Decorations such as dried flowers, glitter or crystals are optional. See the full shopping list.
Which wax is best for beginners?
We suggest Perfect Pour U.S.A. Soy Wax for a first candle. Soy wax gives a creamy white finish. Palm wax gives a crystallised look, and beeswax is a natural wax sold refined. Compare the waxes.
How much fragrance oil should I use in a candle?
Use 8% to 10% of the wax weight. For 200 g of wax, that is 16 g to 20 g of fragrance oil. Add it when the wax is below 60°C, then stir well before you pour. Use the fragrance amount table for other sizes.
How long should I wait before lighting a new candle?
Let the candle cool and set for up to 48 hours before you light it. On the first burn, let the wax melt all the way to the edge of the jar so it burns evenly.
How long does it take to make a candle?
The hands-on work takes about 30 to 45 minutes with our Soy Wax Candle Making Kit. The candle then needs up to 48 hours to cool and set before you light it.
How much does it cost to make one candle?
As a rough guide, a 200 g jar candle costs about RM34 to RM41 in materials: about RM16 of soy wax, RM9 for the jar, about RM1.50 for the wick and glue dot, and RM8 to RM15 of fragrance oil. Dye is extra. This uses our prices on 22 October 2026 and changes with the wax and scent you pick. See the cost table.
How much does a candle making kit cost in Malaysia?
Craftiviti's Crafti-Kit Soy Wax Candle Making Kit is RM52, the Ice Coffee Candle Making Kit is RM58 and the Bubble Candle Making Kit is RM64. Prices were checked on 22 October 2026. The soy wax and bubble candle kits come with a recipe card and a video guide.
Where can I buy candle making supplies in Petaling Jaya and Malaysia?
Craftiviti is at Unit S16 & S17, Second Floor, Centrepoint Bandar Utama, Petaling Jaya, open daily 10am to 8pm. You can also shop online at craftiviti.com, and we ship worldwide.
Can I learn candle making in person near Kuala Lumpur?
Yes. Craftiviti runs candle sessions at Centrepoint Bandar Utama. Soy Wax Candle Making takes about 1 hour and costs RM77. Bubble Candle Making takes about 1 hour and costs RM89. The intermediate Crafti Lab: SPARK is RM350 per person. Book an experience.
Why does my soy candle have a frosted look or wet spots?
Frosting and wet spots are common with soy wax. They are cosmetic and do not change how the candle burns. Cool the candle slowly in a room with no draughts, and keep your pouring temperature steady. See the troubleshooting table.
Why is my candle burning down the middle (tunnelling)?
Tunnelling leaves a wall of wax on the jar. On the first burn, let the wax melt all the way to the edge. If it keeps happening, the wick may be too small for the jar. Pick the wick by jar width, wax type and fragrance load. See our wicks.
Can I use any scent in my candle?
Use fragrance oil made for candles, at the recommended load. Craftiviti's fragrance oils are IFRA certified and come in 30 ml bottles.
Is candle making safe for kids?
Hot wax burns, so an adult should be in charge and should never leave melting wax alone. The Bubble Candle Making Kit needs adult supervision. For a safe, guided first try, join a workshop.
Can Craftiviti make candles for my event or company?
Yes. Craftiviti makes custom candles for corporate gifts, event door gifts, weddings and launches. Tell us your event, quantity and date on WhatsApp or email enquiry@craftiviti.com, and we will reply with ideas and a quote.
Is there a candle making course for serious makers?
Yes. Crafti Lab: SPARK is our intermediate candle making workshop in Petaling Jaya. It covers 3 techniques and costs RM350 for 1 person or RM680 for 2 people.
Can I sell the candles I make?
Many makers do, but candles you sell need proper safety and burn testing first. Use fragrance oil made for candles at the recommended load, and check the rules for selling in Malaysia before you start. See our business starter kits.
Ask our team
Not sure which wick or wax to pick, or want help with a corporate or group candle session? Message us and we will point you to the right supplies or workshop.
Craftiviti, Centrepoint Bandar Utama
Unit S16 & S17, Second FloorCentrepoint Bandar Utama, Lebuh Bandar Utama47800 Petaling Jaya, SelangorOpen daily 10am to 8pm (closed on some public holidays)Phone: 03-7710 9553