Oil candles are one of the oldest types of candles in use. They are safer, cleaner, convenient and cheaper than wax candles. Oil candles also have a constant flame height unlike wax candles, with no dripping wax! However, they need a little bit of maintenance including the occasional wick adjustment and cleaning. And they burn continuously for a long time- even 24 hours. Since lamp oil can be purchased in larger quantities at cheaper price, these are also very cost effective. Oil candles make superb gifts. These days, there are many kinds of beautifully designed oil candles available along with lamp oil and specially designed wicks. They can also be custom designed as per specifications.

Oil candles can be made of certain kinds of oils such as liquid paraffin oil. Candle oil can be purchased in bulk. It is generally priced at around $2.00 for an 8oz bottle. A set of four bottles can be obtained for $4.00 or less. There are also special lamp oils that have no odor and produce absolutely no soot. The wick is generally made of cotton and fiberglass.

Oil candles can also be made at home. Just fill jar or a bottle with lamp oil. Put a wick in a glass tube so that just 1/8? of the wick is above top. You can also use an adaptor ring to adjust the wick. Place the wick in the bottle. Allow the wick to absorb the oil till the top and then light the candle. The bottle or the jar can also be decorated with flowers, herbs, colorful buttons and beads, marbles, seashells etc inserted into the bottle. Oil candles can also be filled with aromatic oils in appealing fragrances. These are special fragrances specially meant for candle making.

Most of the oil candle supplies are easily available anywhere. There are special stores that sell these supplies. There are also many websites that provide information about oil candle supplies, which can also be purchased online.