You can easily repurpose glassware of any kind into DIY candles by using our Candle Refill Kits. You can repurpose the vintage glassware you found on your own OR use the Outer Banks Candle Company kits to refill the antique and vintage glass candles we have on our website!
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Candle Refill Kits$24.95
Choosing The Container to Refill Your Candle
If you are picking your glass it’s important to follow the guidelines outlined in the next section carefully to ensure a successful candle-making experience.
Our 16-ounce candle refill kits can make:
- 1 large candle such as a 16 oz mason jar
- 1 shallow dish such as a serving bowl (with multiple wicks)
- 2-3 smaller candles such as goblets, coffee mugs or tea cups
Candle Vessel Requirements include:
- Container that is 2″ – 6″ tall and at least 3″ wide
- Fireproof material (glazed, ceramic, sturdy glass, sealed metal tins, enamel, etc.)
- Waterproof container with a flat, sturdy & level base
- NO thin crystal, unglazed ceramic, wood, plastic or vessels with cracks or holes

How to Refill Candles Yourself
The process is easy because our refill kits are microwavable. Here are all the supplies, materials, and general requirements you will need to meet to refill your candle.
Included in each kit is:
- 1 pound of pre-scented soy wax (in a plant-based, microwavable container)
- Pre-tabbed, cotton wicks
- Wick stickers (for attaching the wicks to the container)
- Wooden wick holders/stabilizers (for centering wicks in the vessel)
- Step-by-step instructions
You will need your candle kit, glassware, a microwave, and scissors (or better yet wick trimmers) to complete your DIY candle.

Step-by-Step Candle Refill Kit Instructions
Time needed: 1 day
Candle-making time: 10 – 15 minutes
Candle drying time: 12-24 hours
- Choose and Clean Your Container
While our candle refill kit was initially designed to allow people to refill their Outer Banks Candle Company vintage & antique candles, it also allows you to turn any piece of glassware into a candle! It’s perfect for inherited or gifted antique serving dishes, tea cups, chalices, coffee mugs, and more!
First, you will need to select the piece of glass you want to turn into a candle. If you are choosing your glassware for this candle project, here are certain guidelines you will want to follow to be sure it’s possible:
Size: the size of your candle will determine how much wax and how many wicks you will need to complete your project
Shape: your glassware must have a wide opening at the top to ensure a clean, long burn
Before pouring your candle check for any small cracks that may compromise the life and safety of the candle. If there is any wax remaining at the bottom, scoop it out with a spoon & discard.
Hand wash the vessel thoroughly with warm and soapy water and dry well. If the container was a candle, you can use rubbing alcohol to remove sticker residue at the bottom.
You are ready to move to the next step: placing the wick! - Wicking
The process of wicking a candle can be tedious as you want the wick to be centered and spaced safely from the edge of the vessel (especially when using multiple wicks). Be sure to sit your clean container on a flat, level surface.
Start by peeling the paper from the adhesive and carefully place the wick. Our peel-and-stick wicks are easy to place by holding the wick itself and lowering it into the center of the vessel.
For safe candle burning, the wick should be at least 1.5″ from the edge. Vessels that are over 3.5″ wide burn best with multiple wicks. In this case, space the wicks out 2″ apart (add additional wicks on XL vessels, keeping them 2″ apart & at least 1.5″ from the edge.)
Once the wick is secure, you can use your finger or an object that reaches to press it down a little more. Your wick may lean a little and that’s ok, you have a wick holder to help stabilize it once you’ve poured the wax. - Melting the Wax
To melt the wax you will need a microwave and your stir stick. Start by microwaving your wax for 1 minute 30 seconds and stir gently. Keep microwaving in 30-second increments until all of the wax has melted, especially if any chunks of wax remain.
The fragrance is already included in the wax of our kits using our signature fragrances.
Remove the lid & supplies from the wax container. Microwave uncovered for 1 minute & 30 seconds & stir gently.
If any chucks remain in the wax after stirring, microwave for another 30 seconds & stir gently. - Pouring the Wax
Once the wax has been properly melted into a golden liquid, you are ready to pour it into your glass vessel. Be careful when pouring the wax as it will be hot. If you are doing this candle project with children, an adult is best to handle this step.
Swiftly and carefully pour the wax into your vessel from the corner of your candle refill kit’s box to help reduce spillage. Pour, leaving 1/2″ – 1″ of space at the top of the vessel for optimum candle burning.
Use the included wooden wick holder to string the top of the wick through to the center hole of the stick so you can stabilize the wick. Let the stick rest on the edge of the vessel as you let the candle wax cool.
Remember that soy is water soluble, so any drips will clean up easily with warm soapy water. - Letting the Wax Cool and Cure
Yay! You just made your candle.
Now comes the transformation from golden liquid wax to a crisp white candle! As the wax cools over the next 12-24 hours you will wait for the candle to fully cure and harden.
Once you can handle the vessel trim the wick to 1/4″ height with a pair of sharp scissors (or better yet, wick trimmers!)

Our Candle Refill Kit Process
Transforming ordinary glassware into beautifully scented candles is an enjoyable and rewarding process with our Candle Refill Kits. Repurpose cherished glassware or explore new vessels to create unique candles that bring warmth and ambiance to any room.
Shop all vintage candles now to discover your next candle-making adventure and sign up for the Candle Fam Newsletter to learn more about our candle making process.
Kimber Smith is the creative founder of The Outer Banks Candle Company. With a degree in art, she has dabbled in many art forms from oil painting to calligraphy to furniture refinishing. And when she’s not busy making candles or managing the high energy (chaos) of life with five kids, she enjoys writing about the journey of it all!