Candle Making for Amateurs (or, how Lisa does it)

Several people have asked that I post instructions on how I make my candles.  I learned by experience (and by making LOTS of mistakes) but am wiling to show the process and give some (hopefully) helpful hints.  This particular page will deal with molded candles, as I don't currently have the setup for the temperature control necessary for dipped tapers.

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My personal preference is beeswax.  It is smooth, creamy and smells incredibly sweet when melted and in the finished product.  It can be poured at a lower temperature than many oil based waxes, burns longer and produces a flame that is visually warmer and more appealing.  It  costs a bit more and can stick to molds (mold release and good technique alleviates this) but after much experimentation, I don't want to work with anything else.

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First, wax is melted in a double boiler.  In my case, I use my melting pots in my electric frying pan filled with water. Wax is flammable, so I keep it off the stove.

The molds are then taped with the wicks in place and placed in to stands with clips.  The combination of tape, stand and clips keeps the hot wax from pouring out the bottom of the mold (a mistake we all make the first time)  Dye or fragrance should be added after the wax is completely  melted.

Then the mold is put into a water bath for at least 30 minutes.  This helps facilitate cooling and makes the surface shiny.

Wax will shrink (the amount of shrinkage is depending on the type of wax and any additives.  Beeswax sticks more, but shrinks less.  Paraffin waxes w/ additive and pre mixed candle wax shrink more, but stick less.  After the candle has cool 1/2 hour in a cool water bath, or longer at room temperature, a hole must be poked next to the wick with a long stick/toothpick/bamboo skewer to open up a cavity, which would be hollow if left alone.   Heat the wax back up to pouring temperature and fill this cavity, taking care that the wax doesn't run over and around the mold (or you candle will stick in the mold)

After the candle cools, remove the base, clips and tape and carefully remove it from the mold.  Sometimes it helps to put it in the freezer for a few moments to make the wax constrict.  Gently wiggle the mold so that the wax pulls away without breaking the mold.

Here is what Dan's candle looks like with one half of the mold removed. (note that there is some wax that has leaked outside the edges of the mold that will need to be trimmed later)

Trim excess wax from the seams with a knife at a 45 degree angle.  Drag the cutting edge pointed away from the direction of travel so that it scrapes rather than digs in.

The bottom of the candle can be leveled by placing it in a saucepan or small frying pan set to low. 

Dyes can be added to small Pyrex containers of melted wax in the water filled frying pan, and painted on the outside of the candle for decoration

And here are some of the finished products...

Click here http://www.wildcelticrose.net/lisasplace to return to Lisa's web page