Buying guide
Upgrade Your Pour Bench
Updated How we research
There is a point where your process is fine and your equipment is the problem. Pouring from a pot with no spout, guessing at temperature, fixing sinkholes by hand. These are the upgrades that pay back fastest: a real melting pot, a heat gun for smoothing tops, centering tools that stop crooked wicks, and additives that keep color from fading on a sunny shelf. The page is split into six sections (Melting pots; Heat guns for tops; Wick centering tools; Wick holders; Liquid dye; UV inhibitors), followed by every pick ranked by our score so you can compare them in one place.
The short version
We compared 24 picks. Our scores range from 5.8 to 8.6 out of 10.
- Best overall:Candle Dye - 36 Colors Candle Making Dye, Highly Concentrated Liquid Oil-Based Coloring for Soy Wax, Bees Wax, Gel Wax - Easy Color and Safe - 6ml/Bottle. Highest overall score in this guide at 8.6/10.
- Also great value:20 Pack Metal Candle Wick Centering Devices, Stainless Steel Candle Core Holder for Candle DIY Making. Value score of 9/10, overall 8.0/10.
- Solid build:DINGPAI 20pcs Metal Candle Wick Centering Devices, Silver Stainless Steel Candle Wick Holder. Build and materials score of 8/10, overall 7.8/10.
- Feature-rich:HOMY ARTY Candle Dye - 32 Colors Candle Wax Dyes, Highly Concentrated Candle Color Dye, Oil-Based Liquid Candle Dye for Soy Wax, Candle Making - 5ml Each. Features score of 9/10, overall 8.4/10.
Scores are our editorial assessment, not customer ratings. How we score
Melting pots
- Byoowndiy Wax Melter for Candle Making, 150 oz Electric Candle Wax Melting Pot with Pour Spout and Temperature ControllerOur score8.2/10
- Digital Candle Melting Pot with Spout, Electric Wax Melter with Temperature Control 80-210F and Auto Shut-OffOur score8.2/10
- Aroparc Wax Melter for Candle Making Large 1.8L/60oz Electric Wax Melting Pot with Pouring SpoutOur score7.6/10
- Ksedcon Electric Wax Melter for Candle Making with Pouring Spout, Non-Stick Small Candle Melting PotOur score6.6/10
Heat guns for tops
- HIPPIE CRAFTER Heat Gun for Crafting, 2-Speed 300W Craft Heat Gun, Mini Hot Air Torch Tool for Resin, Polymer Clay, Candle MakingOur score8.2/10
- Heat Gun for Crafting, Mini Dual Temp Hot Air Gun Tool for Epoxy Resin, Shrink Wrapping, Vinyl Wrap, Embossing, Candle Making, SublimationOur score7.4/10
- Mini Heat Gun 300W Portable Handheld Dual-Temperature Hot Air Gun for Removing Epoxy Cup Painting Resin Air Bubbles, Drying CraftsOur score7.0/10
- Mini Heat Gun, 300W Portable Hot Air Gun Electric for DIY Acrylic Resin Craft, Handheld Heat Gun for Cup Turner, Shrink Wrapping (Pink)Our score6.6/10
Wick centering tools
- 20 Pack Metal Candle Wick Centering Devices, Stainless Steel Candle Core Holder for Candle DIY MakingOur score8.0/10
- DINGPAI 20pcs Metal Candle Wick Centering Devices, Silver Stainless Steel Candle Wick HolderOur score7.8/10
- Metal Candle Wick Centering Device Pack of 14pcs, Stainless Steel Candle Core HolderOur score7.0/10
- Metal Candle Wick Centering Device, 1 pieceOur score5.8/10
Wick holders
- 10 Pcs Wooden Candle Wick Holders, 7 Holes Candle Wick Bars for DIY Candle MakingOur score8.0/10
- Wooden Candle Wick Holders Pack of 150pcs, Wick Centering Devices Candle Wick Bars (4.5 inch)Our score7.8/10
- DINGPAI 100pcs Wooden Candle Wick Holders, Candle Wick Bars and Wick Clips for Candle MakingOur score7.6/10
- 100 Pcs Candle Wick Holders, Wooden Candle Wick Centering Devices Bars Wax Stick ClipsOur score6.8/10
Liquid dye
- Candle Dye - 36 Colors Candle Making Dye, Highly Concentrated Liquid Oil-Based Coloring for Soy Wax, Bees Wax, Gel Wax - Easy Color and Safe - 6ml/BottleOur score8.6/10
- HOMY ARTY Candle Dye - 32 Colors Candle Wax Dyes, Highly Concentrated Candle Color Dye, Oil-Based Liquid Candle Dye for Soy Wax, Candle Making - 5ml EachOur score8.4/10
- Candle Dye - 20 Color Liquid Wax Dye for DIY Making, High Concentration Color for Soy, Gel, Paraffin Wax - 10ml EachOur score8.0/10
- Liquid Candle Wax Dye for Soy Candle Making - 16 Popular Candle Dye Coloring Set - Premium Liquid Candle Wax Coloring - Highly Concentrated Candle ColorsOur score7.6/10
UV inhibitors
- Liquid UV Stabilizer for Candles, Wax Melts, Resin, Epoxy & Coatings, 1 oz - UV Inhibitor Stops Fading and YellowingOur score7.2/10
- NorthWood Distributing UV Blocker - Liquid UV Inhibitor for Candles & Epoxy ResinOur score7.1/10
- Krylon UV Resistant Acrylic Coating Spray 11 Ounces Clear 1305 (2-Pack)Our score6.5/10
- Superclear Super UV Inhibitor Additive 2 oz for Epoxy Resin, Anti Yellowing Protection for Resin ArtOur score5.9/10
All 24 picks, ranked by our score
Every product from the sections above, listed once. Sort by the criterion you care about most, or tick up to three to compare.
#1A 36 Colors liquid oil-based candle dye set in 6ml per bottle, for soy wax, bees wax and gel wax.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 9/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 9/10
- + 36 Colors is the broadest liquid dye range in the guide
- + Oil-based formula blends into soy, beeswax and gel
- + Small 6ml bottles keep a big palette compact
- - 6ml per bottle runs low on colors you use most
- - Large palette is more than most hobbyists need
#2HOMY ARTY 32 Colors oil-based liquid candle dye in 5ml each bottle for soy wax candle making.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 9/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + 32 Colors give plenty of options for custom shades
- + Oil-based dye disperses evenly in soy wax
- + HOMY ARTY sets are popular with craft hobbyists
- - 5ml each is a small amount of every color
- - Some bright shades may fade without a UV inhibitor
#3Byoowndiy 150 oz electric candle wax melting pot with pour spout and temperature controller.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + 150 oz capacity handles sizeable batch pours
- + Temperature controller keeps wax at a steady pour temp
- + Pour spout avoids ladling hot wax by hand
- - Large melter takes a while to heat from solid wax
- - Needs counter space and a nearby outlet
#4A digital candle melting pot with spout, temperature control from 80-210F and auto shut-off for safer melting.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + Digital control from 80-210F makes temps repeatable
- + Auto shut-off adds a safety net for busy makers
- + Built in spout makes pouring tidy
- - Check the listed capacity against your typical batch size
- - Top temperature may be too low for some high melt waxes
#5HIPPIE CRAFTER 2-Speed 300W craft heat gun, a mini hot air tool for resin, polymer clay and candle making.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + 2-Speed control lets you soften or melt tops as needed
- + 300W mini gun is gentle enough for glass jars
- + Craft brand listing explicitly includes candle making
- - 300W heats slowly for larger surface fixes
- - Short cord may limit reach at the bench
#6A 20 pack of stainless steel metal wick centering devices for holding candle cores upright in batches.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 9/10
- + 20 pack lets you pour a full tray of candles at once
- + Stainless steel resists rust and wipes clean of wax
- + Reusable bars are cheaper over time than wooden sticks
- - Slot width may not grip very thin or very thick wicks
- - Bars can slide on narrow jar rims if knocked
#7A 10 Pcs set of wooden candle wick holders with 7 holes each for single or multi-wick candles.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 6/10 · Value 8/10
- + 7 holes let you position wicks for one to many wick designs
- + Wooden bars rest firmly across jar and bowl openings
- + Useful for experimenting with wick placement in big vessels
- - 10 Pcs is a small set for batch pouring
- - Wood absorbs wax and gets harder to clean over time
#8A 20 Color liquid wax dye set in 10ml each bottle for soy, gel and paraffin wax candles.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 9/10
- + 10ml each bottle is more generous than many liquid sets
- + Works across soy, gel and paraffin waxes
- + 20 colors balance range and quantity well
- - Add dye a drop at a time and record ratios for repeatable shades
- - Liquid dyes need a dropper light hand for pastels
#9DINGPAI 20pcs silver stainless steel candle wick centering devices for batch jar candle pouring.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10
- + 20pcs matches a typical batch size for hobby sellers
- + Stainless steel stays straight and does not absorb wax
- + DINGPAI makes a range of candle tools that pair together
- - Measure your jar openings before ordering to confirm a good fit
- - Single slot bars do not suit multi-wick candles
#10A pack of 150pcs 4.5 inch wooden candle wick holders and centering bars for mid-size jars.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 6/10 · Value 9/10
- + 4.5 inch length fits most standard candle jars and tins
- + 150pcs lets you pour large batches without reusing bars
- + Lightweight wood sits on the rim without tipping the wick
- - Too short for wide bowls and large three-wick vessels
- - Wax soaked wood can crack after repeated use
#11Aroparc large 1.8L/60oz electric wax melting pot with pouring spout for home candle making.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + 1.8L/60oz fits several jars per melt
- + Pouring spout reduces mess when filling containers
- + Compact size suits kitchen counters
- - Check the wattage and plug type match your outlets before ordering
- - Large label is relative, it is small next to bulk melters
#12DINGPAI 100pcs wooden wick holders, wick bars and clips for holding wicks straight across batches of jars.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 6/10 · Value 9/10
- + 100pcs is enough to leave holders on candles as they cure
- + Cheap wooden bars are fine to discard once they get waxy
- + Clip style grips the wick without tape
- - Wooden bars are shorter lived than metal holders
- - Measure your jar openings before ordering to confirm a good fit
#13A liquid candle wax dye set of 16 popular colors, highly concentrated for soy candle making.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + Liquid dye mixes quickly with no melting of chips
- + Drops make repeatable colors easy to record
- + 16 colors cover a flexible everyday palette
- - Liquid dye can stain surfaces and hands
- - Check the bottle sizes in the listing photos before bulk ordering
#14A mini dual temp heat gun for crafting, listed for epoxy resin, shrink wrapping, embossing and candle making.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 6/10 · Value 8/10
- + Dual temp settings help smooth candle tops gently
- + Mini size is easy to aim at small jar surfaces
- + Doubles for shrink wrap on packaged candles
- - Keep the nozzle moving to avoid scorching wax or melting plastic parts
- - Let the gun cool fully before storing it away after each use
#15A 1 oz liquid UV stabilizer for candles, wax melts, resin and coatings to reduce fading and yellowing.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 6/10 · Value 7/10
- + Liquid form mixes quickly into melted wax
- + Multi use for wax melts, resin and coatings
- + Helps protect pastel colors that fade fastest
- - 1 oz bottle is small for regular candle production
- - Check the dosage guidance in the listing before mixing a full batch
#16NorthWood Distributing liquid UV blocker inhibitor for candles and epoxy resin projects.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 6/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 7/10
- + Candle focused supplier also known for fragrance oils
- + Liquid form disperses evenly through hot wax
- + Can be ordered alongside fragrance from the same shop
- - Bottle volume is missing, so cost per use is hard to judge
- - Resin use claim may mean it is not wax specific
#17A 300W portable handheld dual-temperature mini heat gun for removing resin bubbles and drying crafts.
Fit for the job 7/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 6/10 · Value 8/10
- + Dual-temperature setting adds control over heat
- + Portable size is easy to store with candle tools
- + Useful for popping air bubbles in candle tops
- - Marketed for resin, so candle use is secondary
- - Keep the nozzle moving to avoid scorching wax tops or nearby plastic
#18A pack of 14pcs stainless steel metal candle wick centering devices for a medium batch of container candles.
Fit for the job 7/10 · Features and specs 6/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 7/10
- + 14pcs pack is enough for small to medium pours
- + Stainless steel holders are easy to clean between batches
- + Keeps wicks centered as soy wax shrinks while cooling
- - Unusual pack count may leave you short for a full tray
- - No stated length for checking fit on wide containers
#19A 100 Pcs set of wooden candle wick holders and centering bars with a slotted clip design for wax sticks.
Fit for the job 7/10 · Features and specs 6/10 · Build and materials 6/10 · Value 8/10
- + 100 Pcs set allows curing many candles at the same time
- + Slotted wood bars are quick to slide onto pre-tabbed wicks
- + Low-cost holders you can replace instead of cleaning
- - Measure your jar openings before ordering to confirm a good fit
- - Generic listing with little detail on wood quality
#20Ksedcon Electric Wax Melter for Candle Making with Pouring Spout, Non-Stick Small Candle Melting Pot
Ksedcon small non-stick electric wax melter with pouring spout for hobby candle making.
Fit for the job 7/10 · Features and specs 6/10 · Build and materials 6/10 · Value 7/10
- + Small size heats up faster than large melters
- + Non-stick surface makes swapping colors easier
- + Pouring spout helps fill small jars neatly
- - Check the listed capacity fits your typical batch size
- - No temperature control mentioned in the listing
#21A pink 300W portable mini hot air gun for acrylic resin crafts, cup turners and shrink wrapping.
Fit for the job 7/10 · Features and specs 6/10 · Build and materials 6/10 · Value 7/10
- + Pink color stands out in a craft kit
- + 300W output is safe for delicate surfaces
- + Helpful for shrink wrapping finished candle gifts
- - Single heat setting implied, with no dual temp listed
- - Resin and tumbler focus rather than candle work
#22Krylon UV resistant acrylic clear coating spray 1305 in a 2-Pack of 11 Ounces cans for sealing surfaces.
Fit for the job 5/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 7/10
- + Protects printed labels or painted vessels from fading
- + Krylon is a trusted brand for clear coatings
- + 2-Pack means a spare can for larger projects
- - Spray coating is not for use inside or on candle wax
- - Aerosol needs good ventilation and a spray area
#23Superclear Super UV Inhibitor Additive 2 oz for Epoxy Resin, Anti Yellowing Protection for Resin Art
Superclear Super UV inhibitor additive in a 2 oz bottle, made for anti yellowing protection in epoxy resin art.
Fit for the job 5/10 · Features and specs 6/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 6/10
- + 2 oz bottle offers a decent amount of additive
- + Useful for makers who also do resin candle holders
- + Anti yellowing protection is the core focus
- - Designed for epoxy resin, not tested for candle wax
- - May not mix into wax the way a candle additive does
#24A single metal candle wick centering device for holding one wick straight while a jar candle cools.
Fit for the job 6/10 · Features and specs 5/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 5/10
- + Metal bar is reusable for years with a quick wipe
- + Keeps the wick upright to avoid off-center tunneling
- + Simple tool for makers pouring one candle at a time
- - Only 1 piece, so it cannot support batch pouring
- - Fixed bar size may not span very wide containers
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Based on the last 28 days of search and visitor data.
Candle Making Nest curates picks for US shoppers. Scores are our editorial assessment. We may earn a commission from links on this page.