Candle Making and Hand Dipped Candles

Hand Dipped Candles

If you want to get really serious about candle making, it would be a good idea to check out our new hand dipped candles guide for improving your skills and confidence.

Materials and candle making equipment:

* Paraffin wax ( approx 1/2 a pound) from candle making craft shops

* Double boiler or you can use a large coffee can for melting wax in, inserted in a pot filled half full of water.

Tip: Never place the container of wax directly on the heat source as it poses a severe fire hazard.

* Wooden spoon for stirring

* Bowls for cold water baths

* Candle thermometer also candy or meat thermometer works just as well.

* Candle wicks available in most craft and hobby stores in various sizes.

Tip: The wick sizes increase in 1/2 inch variations. (Use this as a quick refernce guide: 1/2″ wick to 1/2″ candle, 1″ wick is suitable for a 1″ candle etc.)

* Candle dyes you can get powdered or liquid forms usually available at candle making craft stores or use crayons, although it doesn’t burn as well.

* Candle fragrance for scented candles, you can use fragrance oil or concentrated wax crystals or wax chips available at most craft shops.

Tip: Use only pure oils, you don’t want to be using water or alcohol based.

Directions for making hand dipped candles:

1. Begin by cutting up your wax in small pieces so it will melt quicker.

2. Next heat the water using a medium temperature, bring to a gentle boil.

Place the wax in the double broiler or if you’re using a container or dip can just place the (i,e. coffee can) into the water.

* Don’t use high heat, it may cause the wax to catch on fire.

3. Stir the wax until it is completely melted and reaches a temperature of 160 F or 71 Celsius.

Tip: Test the temperature by placing the candle thermometer in the center of the melted liquid.

Turn the heat down for the water to stay warm enough to keep the wax melted.

4. Now its time to add your candle dye. Add the crayons or color chips to the melted wax. Add a little at a time until the desired color is reached.

Take note that the wax changes colors to a lighter shade when it cools.

Tip: Test the color by allowing a spoonful to dry on a plate.

If you like the candle color results, it would be a good idea to write down the amounts you’ve used in a dairy so you can make it again.

5. You can now add the fragrance oil if you want scented candles. The more oil you use, the stronger the scent will be.

Keep in mind that adding too much may affect the way the candle burns, moderation is the key to a beautiful scented candle.

Stir until well blended.

6. Make sure the wax stays melted. Check the temperature of the wax is still 160F/71 C.

7. Now in the next stage, you’ll cut the wick to the desired length of candles plus allow for a little extra.

For example: If you want 2 ten inch candles, cut approx 23 inches of wick.

You’ll be making two at the same time.

Tip: Double the wick over your finger.

Here’s where the dipping starts. Dip the wick in the wax for a few seconds then lift back out.

Allow the wax to cool between dippings approx one minute or two.

You may find it’s a bit of guess work at first because the wick floats on top of the wax until it gets weighed down.

Don’t worry before long you’ll get the hang of it.

Tip: Make sure the wet candles don’t touch each other.

8. Continue the dipping and cooling process. After a few layers, although not necessary, you can speed up the cooling process by dipping the candles in cool water after each wax dip.

9. Repeat the process until the candles have reached the proper thickness. If lumps occur, roll warm candles on a smooth surface.

10. Increase the temperature until it reaches 182 F. Dip the pair into the wax one more time for a few seconds. Lift out  and allow for wax to cool.

11. Using a sharp knife trim the bottoms to remove excess wax and to create a straight edge bottom for you candles.

12. Hang your candles to dry. Once the candles are dried you can cut the wick.

Time to enjoy your new creation!

If you want more candle making secrets about how to make hand dipped candles or candle making, click here…