What Are The Best Jars For Diy Candles?

Candlemaking is a fun and creative DIY hobby that allows you to customize candles with your preferred scents, colors, and designs. When making candles at home, one of the most important components is selecting the right candle jar or container. The jar holds the wax and wick, so it must be able to withstand high temperatures and have properties that allow the candle to burn properly. Using the wrong type of glass, metal, or ceramic container can lead to issues like cracked or exploded jars, tunneling, poor wax melt pool, and more. This article will dive into the key factors to evaluate when selecting candle jars for DIY projects.

Table of Contents

Jar Materials

When choosing a jar material for DIY candles, the most common options are glass, metal, and ceramic. Glass jars are very popular because they allow the candle’s light to shine through and showcase the color. Glass also retains heat well to fully melt the wax. However, glass can break easily. Common types of glass jars used for candles include mason jars and vintage jars (source).

Metal tins made of aluminum or tin plate steel are another top choice. They conduct heat well to melt wax and come in many shapes and sizes. Metal tins won’t break if dropped. However, they don’t allow light to pass through. Metal also loses heat faster than glass. Popular metal tins for candles include apothecary tins and tea light tins.

Ceramic and stoneware jars add an artisanal touch but can be heavy. Terra cotta is more porous so it absorbs fragrance well. But moisture can seep through unglazed terra cotta. Ceramic materials hold heat effectively to melt wax fully. But they can chip or crack if dropped. Glazing the interior helps protect the surface (source).

Jar Shapes

When choosing a jar shape for DIY candles, some of the most popular options include:

Tumblers – These are tall, slender jars with straight sides. Tumblers allow the candle flame to get good airflow and burn evenly. They come in a variety of sizes.
Vintage – Vintage-style jars have a classic, old-fashioned look with a wide mouth and rounded sides. These let the candle scent spread effectively.
Geometric – Modern geometric jars have a faceted design with straight edges and sleek shapes like hexagons or octagons. These give a contemporary, stylish look.
Square – Straight-sided, flat-surfaced square jars provide a minimalist, uncomplicated shape for DIY candles.
Round – Cylindrical round jars are a common choice as they’re widely available. The circular surface contrasts nicely with the straight candle wick.

The shape of the jar impacts the candle burning experience. For example, tumblers and vintage jars allow scent throw while geometric and square jars give a more directional scent. The jar style also affects the look and feel of the candle. Simple round and square jars provide an understated, casual feel while vintage and geometric jars create a more glamorous impression. When selecting a jar shape for DIY candles, crafters should consider both functional factors like scent dispersal and design considerations like the decorative look.

Source: https://www.roetell.com/a-complete-guide-to-types-of-candle-jars/

Jar Sizes

The size of the jar you choose for your DIY candles depends on the type and shape of candle you want to make. Here are some typical jar sizes for different candle types:

Votives – These small cylindrical candles are meant to burn for several hours, so votive jars are generally around 1.5-2 inches wide and 1.5-3 inches tall. The standard size is 1.5 x 2 inches.

Pillars – Pillar candles can range from very skinny to wide pillars. Common sizes are 2 inch, 3 inch, 4 inch, and 6 inch diameters. Pillar candle jars are slightly wider than the pillar diameter.

Containers – Container candles fill most of the jar, leaving just a little room at the top. Short wide jars work best. Standard sizes range from 3-5 inches wide and 2-4 inches tall.

Large Jar Candles – Used for decorative jar candles, these vessels are typically 4-16 ounces. Standard jar candle sizes are 4oz, 8oz, 12oz, and 16oz. The jars range from 3-5 inches wide and 2.5-6 inches tall.

The most versatile jar sizes for DIY candles are 4oz and 8oz wide-mouth canning jars. These allow you to make different shaped candles while giving a consistent finished look.

Lids and Toppers

Candle jars come with a variety of lid options to consider. Metal lids are the most secure and protective option. They completely seal the top of the jar and prevent wax from seeping out. Metal lids often have a hinged design so they can open and close easily. Cork lids provide a more decorative, natural look. They allow a bit of aroma to escape compared to metal. Plastic lids are inexpensive and lightweight. They can come with holes to let fragrance out. Decorative toppers like raffia, jute, lace, or wood pieces add extra flair to the candle lid. These are used in addition to a regular lid, not in place of one. Toppers accent the candle visually but do not seal or protect the wax. When selecting candle jar lids and toppers, think about the look you want, whether you need to contain fragrance, and how secure the seal should be.

Jars vs. Containers

When making DIY candles, you have a few options for the vessel to hold the wax and wick. The most popular are glass jars, tin containers, and silicone containers. Each has pros and cons to consider.

Glass jars are a classic choice for candles. They allow the candle light to shine through and come in many shapes, sizes, and styles. The drawback is that glass can get hot. Tin containers disperse heat better but don’t let light through. Silicone is flexible, easy to remove candles from, and heat-safe, but may not have as classic of an aesthetic.

Here’s a quick comparison of the main pros and cons of each type of vessel:

Glass Jars:

– Let light shine through

– Wide range of styles and decorative options

– Can get hot to the touch while burning

Tin Containers:

– Disperses heat well

– Sturdy and durable

– No light visibility while burning

Silicone Containers:

– Flexible for easy candle removal

– Withstands high heat

– Limited decorative styles

The vessel type often comes down to personal preference and what works best for the specific candle design. Evaluate the pros and cons for your needs when selecting jars versus other candle containers.

Sourcing Jars

There are a few different places you can source jars for candle making:

Craft Stores – Stores like Michael’s, Hobby Lobby, and Joann Fabrics will have a selection of glass jars in different shapes, sizes, and designs. This is a convenient option if you need jars quickly or don’t need many.

Online – Shopping online opens up more variety in jar styles from specialty retailers. Sites like CandleScience.com, Bulk Apothecary, and Midwest Bottles have a huge selection. You can buy jars in bulk for cost savings here.

Thrift Stores – Check thrift stores or antique shops for unique vintage jars. Interesting colored glass or patterns on jars can make your candles stand out. Just make sure any used jars are thoroughly cleaned.

Repurposing – You can repurpose all kinds of glass food jars from your home, like spaghetti sauce jars or mayonnaise jars. This is a budget way to reuse what you have. Make sure to remove labels and wash well.

For the best selection, buying in bulk online is recommended. But explore craft stores or repurposing for convenience or if making small batches. Get creative with your jar sourcing for custom candle designs!

Prepping Jars

Before pouring candle wax into jars, it’s important to properly clean and prep them first. This helps remove any dust, oil, or residue so the wax adheres well to the jar interior. According to candle making experts, an effective way to prep jars is to wipe the inside with paper towels and a bit of rubbing alcohol. This will remove any debris, fingerprints, or oils (source). Using 99% isopropyl alcohol works best.

After wiping down the inside, let the jars fully dry before pouring wax. You can speed up drying by placing jars upside down on a clean towel. Just be sure no lint or dust gets inside while drying. Alternatively, some candle makers recommend thoroughly washing jars in hot, soapy water and then fully drying. The key is to remove any residue and have a completely clean surface for the wax to adhere to.

Some also advise lightly sanding the interior of glass jars with fine grit sandpaper. This etches the surface slightly so the wax can grip better. However, this step is optional. Thoroughly cleaning and drying the jars is the most important prep step.

With the jars prepped, you can then begin carefully pouring your melted candle wax. The wax will adhere cleanly and smoothly to the interior surface. Taking the time to properly clean jars will help ensure a quality homemade candle in the end.

Top Jar Picks

When selecting jars for candle making, it’s best to choose options designed specifically for candles. Here are some of the top picks in various categories:

Best Classic Glass Jars

Ball Mason Jars are a timeless classic. The slim mouthquart jars are ideal for soy candles, while the wide mouth pints work well for beeswax. Look for jars with smooth, non-tapered sides for the best burn and wax adhesion.

Best Novelty Jars

Vintage or antique-style jars add character and interest to candles. Some top finds are bail-top jars, hexagonal apothecary jars, and vintage food jars. Just make sure any decorative metal or distressed paint details are candle safe.

Best Metal Tins

For a sleek, modern look, try a metal tin vessel. Go for a steel tin with a tight-fitting lid in a solid color or printed design. Tins conduct heat well for an even burn.

Best Heat-Resistant Jars

For wax with a high melting point like beeswax, opt for a specialty heat-resistant jar. Look for ones made of durable tempered glass, Pyrex, or stainless steel. These withstand high temperatures better.

Best Budget-Friendly Jars

For an affordable option, basic cylindrical glass jars from the craft store work fine. Test different sizes to find ones with the right height-to-width ratio for the type of candle you’re making.

Conclusion

When it comes to choosing the best jars for DIY candles, there are a few key factors to consider. The material, shape, size, lid and topping, and overall look and feel of the jar can impact how well your candle burns, how easy it is to use, and the overall aesthetic. Glass jars tend to be best, as they allow the candle to release its full scent and burn cleanly. Cylinder jars are a versatile standard shape, while unique shaped jars can be fun. Make sure to pick a size that fits your candle’s wax amount and wick size. Lids need to have an airtight seal, and can be plain or decorative. Sourcing jars at craft, dollar, or thrift stores can be affordable. Always prep jars properly by cleaning and potentially decorating. Some top picks based on reviews and popularity include Anchor Hocking’s Heritage Hill jars, Ball mason jars, IKEA GLITTRA jars, and Specialty Bottle’s clear cylinder jars.

The most important things are choosing a proper burning vessel that you find visually appealing. With some savvy sourcing and prep, you can find jars that will help make your homemade candles look and smell amazing.