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 Decoupage Candles |
 Ribbed Pillar Candle |
 Dessert Candles |
More Candlemaking Lessons...
Birthday Candles:
Candle Plates:
Floating Candles:
Oceanic Candles:
And the Rest...
The Basic Candle Making Procedures, and Wax Mixtures used:
For moulded candles: 90% paraffin wax and 10% stearin. If paraffin wax isn't your thing, use the wax you prefer, to mold your candles with.
Figuring out how much wax to melt: fill the mould with water. Pour the water into a measuring jug. Take 90% of that figure to convert to the gram weight needed for the candle. E.g., the water measured 300ml (½pint). Use 270g (0.594lb) wax.
Overdipping waxes: these are localized and particular to a region. I used pure stearin to overdip some candles. A mixture giving a strong, even coating, was used for vividly coloured candles. Use your favourite waxes. Or your wax supplier's recommendations. You probably have mixtures in your area I don't have in mine, and vice versa. For clear, glossy overdips, use fully-refined paraffin wax, or any suitable glossy sealer wax.
Water baths give your candles a better finish. There'll be less wax residue for you to clean from the inside of the mould, and you'll have glossier, shinier candles.
Use a bucket for tall candles, and any kitchen dish or bowl for shorter, flatter candles.
Before pouring the candle: lower the prepared, (water-proof) mould into the water, and make sure that the water-level is almost up to the mould top.
Ideal water temperature: 10-15°C (50-59°F). In summer, ordinary tap water's fine. In winter, measure water temperature carefully. Add hot if necessary, to prevent cracks in your candles.
To stop floating, place a weight on top of the mould. You can use books, or any metal kitchen object, wider than your mould.
Priming a wick makes for easier candle lighting, and better candle burning. Let the wax you're melting reach 71°C (160°F). Hold the wick at one end. Dangle it into the wax for 1 minute. Pull it out. Let it hang for 1 minute, straightening the ends with your fingers. Let it dry on a piece of wax paper.
Preparing whipped wax: melt the stearin first. Add the paraffin wax. Allow to cool until a skin forms. Whip with a fork or egg-beater until thick and frothy.
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Figuring out how much wax to melt: fill the mould with water. Pour the water into a measuring jug. Take 90% of that figure to convert to the gram weight needed for the candle. E.g., the water measured 300ml (½pint). Use 270g (0.594lb) wax.
Overdipping waxes: these are localized and particular to a region. I used pure stearin to overdip some candles. A mixture giving a strong, even coating, was used for vividly coloured candles. Use your favourite waxes. Or your wax supplier's recommendations. You probably have mixtures in your area I don't have in mine, and vice versa. For clear, glossy overdips, use fully-refined paraffin wax, or any suitable glossy sealer wax.
Water baths give your candles a better finish. There'll be less wax residue for you to clean from the inside of the mould, and you'll have glossier, shinier candles.
Use a bucket for tall candles, and any kitchen dish or bowl for shorter, flatter candles.
Before pouring the candle: lower the prepared, (water-proof) mould into the water, and make sure that the water-level is almost up to the mould top.
Ideal water temperature: 10-15°C (50-59°F). In summer, ordinary tap water's fine. In winter, measure water temperature carefully. Add hot if necessary, to prevent cracks in your candles.
To stop floating, place a weight on top of the mould. You can use books, or any metal kitchen object, wider than your mould.
Priming a wick makes for easier candle lighting, and better candle burning. Let the wax you're melting reach 71°C (160°F). Hold the wick at one end. Dangle it into the wax for 1 minute. Pull it out. Let it hang for 1 minute, straightening the ends with your fingers. Let it dry on a piece of wax paper.
Preparing whipped wax: melt the stearin first. Add the paraffin wax. Allow to cool until a skin forms. Whip with a fork or egg-beater until thick and frothy.
Press the Home Key to return to Page Top
Back to Home Page
