How to make Candles!

Step 3: Preparation

Turn on your double boiler, and if you have a large block of wax like me, rest the wax over the boiler. This way, it will soften, and be easier to cut.

Lay out newspaper over your work space.

Take the wax off, and cut a chunk off, use the double boiler to melt that chunk of wax. I used about half a pound, and there was some wax left over after making my two candles.

As the wax melts, prepare your molds. Both of my molds were disposable and tear able. If you are using something like glass as a mold, rub the inside with oil on a paper towel, this will make it easier to remove the candle.

Comments

[bobftx]

This photo is a diagram for starting a house fire. What happened to the double boiler? Also, if you use nesting pots, make absolutely sure that they do not fit tightly together. If steam builds up between them you have hot wax, boiling water, and a hot pot flying all over the kitchen--and all over you.

Maybe just buy the candles.

[ngadea]

How is this "constructive" bob? Climb out of your bunker already.

[izzyk84]

1. (S)he already made them.
2. (S)he decided to make the candles so that (s)he wouldn't have to buy them for a fortune. Nice job reading.

[onlineiftikhar]

Use candle colorant instead of crayons better results and costs less. No sediment on the bottom of the pot.

[HayIamRhian]

Hi,
You said that if you were using a glass as a mould then you should grease it to get it out.
Couldn't you just leave it in there so the glass could be like a candle holder?

[pbhound]

i agree NEVER do this! if the wax is too big for the pot; use a hammer to break it into smaller pieces (just wear eye protection)!

[Weissensteinburg]

If you read the entire step, you'll see that I put the wax on top to soften it. I then cut it into smaller pieces and used a double boiler to melt it.

There's nothing dangerous about a large block of wax over boiling water. It would take hours, if ever, for the wax to soften to the point of breaking and falling in.

[j.w.mills]

Yes to the hammer but I use a chisels or a screwdriver I don't mind beating on the end of, to break the wax into chunks that fit. Just whacking with a hammer makes a mess. Leave the wax cold to chunk it.

Use candle colorant instead of crayons better results and costs less. No sediment on the bottom of the pot.

I have found that "most" oil based sents(sp!) work in candles. Try Frankincense or Muir... Or both OH so nice. On the oils that come out (evaporate) of the candles to fast I dip the candles in hot wax after unmolding and cooling for a day.

Use tapered molds and after cooling the candles usually just fall out.