Board & Brush is a paint-and-sip style studio where you make a candle instead of painting

Board & Brush is a franchise of craft studios that combines candle making with a social, guided experience similar to paint-and-sip venues. You arrive at a studio location, follow along as an instructor walks you through making a scented candle in a container, and leave with a finished product the same day. The studio provides all materials — wax, fragrance, containers, wicks — so you bring nothing except yourself.

The format is designed for groups or solo visitors. You sit at a table with other people (or alone if you prefer), the instructor demonstrates each step on a demo table, and you replicate it at your own station. The whole session typically lasts two to three hours. Most locations allow you to bring your own beverages and snacks, and some sell wine or beer on-site, which is where the "sip" part of the experience comes in.

Board & Brush locations are independently owned franchises, so the exact experience, pricing, and class schedule vary by studio. Some are in dedicated storefronts; others share space with other businesses. You book a session online or by phone, choose your date and time, and show up ready to make a candle.

Key Takeaways

  • Board & Brush is a guided candle-making class where an instructor walks you through the process step-by-step and you make one finished candle to take home.
  • All materials are provided by the studio, and sessions typically last two to three hours with groups of other participants at nearby tables.
  • You book a session in advance through the studio's website or phone, and pricing varies by location and the type of candle you choose to make.
  • Most studios allow you to bring beverages and snacks, and some sell wine or beer on-site to enhance the social atmosphere.
  • Each franchise is independently owned, so the exact offerings, class schedule, and pricing differ between locations.

What happens during a typical Board & Brush session

When you arrive, a staff member checks you in and assigns you a workspace — usually a table with a heat source, measuring tools, and containers. The instructor begins by explaining the candle-making process: melting wax to the right temperature, adding fragrance oil, pouring it into the container, and securing the wick. They demonstrate each step on a large demo table at the front of the room so everyone can see.

You then work through each step at your own pace, with the instructor circulating to answer questions and help if something goes wrong. The wax needs to cool and set, which takes time, so there is built-in downtime during the session. Many people use this time to chat with others at their table, enjoy a drink, or straightforward relax. Once your candle has cooled enough, you trim the wick and take it home.

The instructor's role is to guide, not to do the work for you. You are making the candle yourself, which is the point of the experience. If you make a mistake — pouring at the wrong temperature, for example — the instructor will help you troubleshoot or, in some cases, let you start over with fresh materials.

How to book a Board & Brush session

Find the Board & Brush location nearest you by searching "Board & Brush" plus your city name, or visit the main Board & Brush website, which lists all franchise locations with links to their individual booking pages. Each studio operates its own website and schedule, so you will be booking directly with that location, not through a central system.

On the studio's website, you will see available dates and times, the types of candles you can make (some studios offer seasonal scents or special containers), and the price per person. Select your preferred session, provide your name and contact information, and complete payment. Most studios require payment at booking to hold your spot. Cancellation policies vary by location, so check the studio's terms before you book.

Some studios accept walk-ins if space is available, but booking in advance is strongly recommended because sessions fill up, especially on weekends and evenings. If you are booking for a group — a birthday party, team outing, or friend gathering — contact the studio directly to ask about group rates or private sessions, as these may not be visible on the public booking page.

What materials and scents are typically available

Board & Brush studios use soy wax or paraffin wax, depending on the location. Soy wax is plant-based and holds fragrance well; paraffin is petroleum-based and is often cheaper. The studio chooses which type to use, and you do not select between them. The wax comes in pellets that you measure and melt in a pouring pitcher.

Fragrance oils are where you get to personalize your candle. Studios typically offer 10 to 20 scent options — things like vanilla, lavender, ocean breeze, cinnamon, or seasonal scents like pumpkin spice or peppermint. You choose one scent per candle, and the instructor tells you how much fragrance oil to add based on the amount of wax you are using. Some studios let you blend two scents if you want a custom combination.

Containers vary by studio and session. You might pour into a glass jar, a tin, or a decorative vessel. Some studios offer a choice of container colors or styles for an upcharge. Wicks are provided pre-sized for the container you are using, so you do not have to worry about selecting the right thickness.

Pricing and what is included

Board & Brush session prices vary widely by location and range from roughly $35 to $65 per person for a standard candle-making class. Urban studios and those in high-cost areas tend to charge more. Some studios offer discounts for booking multiple sessions at once or for bringing a group.

Your session fee includes all materials — wax, fragrance oil, container, wick, and any tools you need to make the candle. You take the finished candle home with you. The fee does not include beverages or snacks; those are either bring-your-own or purchased separately from the studio if available.

Special sessions — such as holiday-themed classes, private group bookings, or sessions with premium containers — may cost more. Check the studio's website or call to ask about pricing for the specific session you are interested in, because rates are not standardized across franchises.

What to expect if you have never made a candle before

You do not need any prior candle-making experience. The instructor assumes everyone in the room is new to this and explains every step in detail. The process itself is straightforward: measure wax, melt it, add fragrance, pour it, let it cool, and trim the wick. There is no advanced technique or special skill required.

The most common beginner mistakes are pouring wax that is too hot (which can cause the container to crack or the wax to set unevenly) or adding too much fragrance oil (which can make the candle smell overwhelming or not burn properly). The instructor will guide you on the correct temperature and the right amount of fragrance, so if you follow their instructions, you will end up with a usable candle.

If something does go wrong — your wax cracks, you pour it unevenly, or you are unhappy with the result — talk to the instructor. Many studios will give you fresh materials to try again, especially if the mistake was due to a material defect rather than user error. The goal is for you to leave with a candle you are happy with.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring my own scent or container to Board & Brush?

No. Board & Brush provides all materials, including wax, fragrance oils, and containers. This is part of the business model — the studio sources quality materials and ensures consistency across sessions. You choose from the scents and container options the studio offers, but you cannot bring your own.

How long does it take for the candle to be ready to use after I make it?

The candle cools during the session, so it is technically ready to take home the same day. However, most candle makers recommend letting a newly poured candle cure for 24 to 48 hours before burning it for the first time. This allows the wax to fully set and the fragrance to distribute evenly. The instructor will tell you this when you leave.

What if I do not like the scent I chose?

Once the candle is poured and cooling, you cannot change the scent. If you are unhappy with your choice before you pour, ask the instructor if you can switch to a different scent — most will allow this. If you do not realize you dislike the scent until after the candle is made, contact the studio to ask about their policy; some may let you exchange it or remake it at a future session.

Are Board & Brush sessions good for a group or party?

Yes. Many people book Board & Brush for birthday parties, bachelorette parties, team outings, or friend gatherings. Contact the studio directly to ask about group rates, private session options, or whether they can accommodate a large party. Some studios have minimum group sizes or require advance notice for groups.

Can I book a private session just for my group?

Many Board & Brush locations offer private sessions for groups, but this is not always advertised on the public booking page. Call or email the studio directly to ask about private group bookings, pricing, and availability. Private sessions may cost more per person than open classes, but they give your group a dedicated instructor and more flexibility with timing.