Next to rolled beeswax candles, single color candles are the simplest to make.
You can make these candles using popular moulds such as cones, tapers, etc. You can also make these candles in old jam jars and any other container that can withstand heat. Personally, I like the old jam jars.
This candle requires you to melt wax and thus a double boiler will be needed.
Mastering the simple art of making a single color candle will enable you to take on more advanced candle making projects in the future.
You Will Need
- Wax
- Mould
- Scissors
- Thermometer
- Primed wicks
- Double boiler
- Kitchen scale
- Bowl of cool water
- Dye if adding color
- Stearin if making paraffin candles
- Pencil, chopstick or wicking needle
Step 1
- Put the wick through one end of the mould.
- After the wick is about 2.5 cm (1 inch) past the end of the mould, seal the mould with the mould seal.
- The mould should now be standing on end with the mould seal at the bottom. This means there is an open hole at the top where you can pour the wax into.
- Some people will use a wicking needle, but you can also simply use a pencil, chopstick, etc. Using the method you prefer, lay the wicking needle or equivalent thereof along the top of the mould.
- Tie the wick around the wicking needle and make the wick go taught.
- Try to center the wick the best you can.
Step 2
- Now that the wick is in place, it’s time to melt some stearin in the double boiler. The amount of stearin you use depends on the amount of wax you are using. To determine the amount, please read the information about stearin in the Introduction To Wax.
- When you buy your dye, there will usually be directions on how much to use. But if your dye has no directions, then a general rule of thumb is to use 2.5 grams (1 oz) of a dye disc per 200 grams (8 oz) of paraffin wax.
- Once the stearin has melted, add the coloring.
- Once the coloring has dissolved, add the wax and heat.
Step 3
- Once the wax has reached its pouring temperature, carefully pour the wax into your mould.
- Once poured into the mould, you will want to tap the mould on the sides with firm taps. I like to tap with a spoon, but some use their finger. You want to tap hard enough to bring any air bubbles to the surface.
Step 4
- Place the mould in a bowl of cool water to let the candle cool. You will probably need to weigh the candle down in some way as candles naturally float.
Step 5
- After the candle has cooled, remove from the water.
- At this point, you will notice that a well has formed at the base of the candle. You now have two options. You can do nothing if the well doesn’t bother you or you can melt some more wax and fill the well.
- For those that do not remember, in the Introduction To Waxes, you learnt that synthetic waxes like paraffin will shrink when cooled whereas natural waxes like beeswax do not shrink. This is why there will be a well at the bottom of the candle if using paraffin wax.
- If you decide to fill the well with more wax, simply pierce the surface of the candle with a sharp tool like a knife before adding more melted wax.
- After you have added more melted wax, let cool for a few hours.
Step 6
- Once cool, you can remove the mould seal.
- Next, remove the wicking needle and trim the wick at the base.
- At this point, tip the candle and the candle should slide out of the mould.
