Welcome to Wicks & Wax
I have recently began to make my own candles. I am by no means an expert. As I develope my candle crafting skills I will update this page. As for now I will share with you my progress thus far and my resources.
I use Pariffin wax and add 1-2 tablespoons of Steaine Flakes per ld. of wax. ( I found a recipe that calls for shortening, I will post that later)
I use mostly votive size candles, so I used dixi cups as molds. Works great. They are wax lined and you can just peel the cup off after the candle has set.
You can melt your wax in coffee tins or any tin can that you have. But always sit it in a pan of water so you don't catch the wax on fire.
There are different temperatures you should pour the wax at depending on the type of candle you are making. Four the votives I poured them between 180-185 degrees. (More on Temps. later)
Wax shrinks as it cools so you are going to need to fill the hole that will develope in the center of the candle. Most will tell you not to over pour. For me that works. I have the wax temp. 10 degrees higher and it blends in with the rest of the candle.
To release the air bubbles you can take a dowl rod, I used uncooked Spagetti, and poke it down the sides of the wick after you pour the candle, tapping the sides of the mold also helps.
To make a shinny surface on the candle you can put it in a cool water bath after you release the air bubbles.
More to come. Links and other candle types