How To Make a Molded Candle

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Sure, votives are romantic and tapers are elegant, but molded candles are just plain fun -- they can be any shape you want!

To complete this How-To you will need:

A fire extinguisher or baking soda
At least 1 lb. of candle wax
A double boiler setup with lid
A candle or candy thermometer
A clear countertop or work area
Some wax paper or newspaper
Candle wicking
Any long thin rod, like a pencil, chopstick, knitting needle or wooden skew
The candle mold of your choice
Some mold sealer
And a small knife or piece of cloth
Candle colorant (optional)
Candle fragrance (optional)

Warning: Keep flammable items away from the stove. Never leave melting wax unattended and never use direct heat to melt it. If the wax catches fire, do NOT try to douse it with water—use a fire extinguisher, baking soda, or, for a fire contained in a pot, cover it with the pot lid.

Step 1: Prepare workspace

Prepare your workspace by covering it with wax paper or newspaper to make cleanup easier.

Step 2: Heat wax

Place the wax into a double boiler setup and heat to between 150 and 200 degrees, depending on the manufacturer's instructions. Use the thermometer to check the temperature frequently. Don't let it exceed 250 degrees or the vapors could become flammable.

Tip: Be sure to use a type of wax that will release easily from the mold -- like paraffin, beeswax, or soy wax.

Step 3: Thread wick

Thread one end of the wick through the hole at the bottom of the mold so about half an inch of wick is sticking out. Roll this bit of wick into a tight coil, and hold it against the mold with your finger.

Tip: The length and thickness of the wick depends on the length and width of your candle mold, so check package specifications.

Step 4: Seal mold

With your other hand, roll a small piece of mold sealer into a ball and smear it over the coiled wick. Be sure the wick is completely covered, or wax will seep through the hole and make a mess.

Step 5: Tie wick

Pull the long side of the wick up and tie it to a thin rod. Rest the rod across the top of mold, making sure the wick is taut. Cut off any excess wick above the rod.

Step 6: Stir wax

When the wax has reached its proper temperature and is fully melted, remove it from the heat, turn off the stove, and stir.

Tip: If you want to add color or fragrance, mix in the additives according to the package directions just before removing the wax from the heat.

Step 7: Pour wax

Pour the wax into the mold until it reaches half an inch or so below the rim, saving about a cup for later use.

Step 8: Let cool

Put the mold aside to cool, keeping it away from any drafts or flammable objects. And don't refrigerate it -- the wax should cool slowly.

Step 9: Poke holes

Once the top has cooled and a skin has formed, usually about 30 minutes to an hour later, use a toothpick to poke a few deep holes near each wick to help prevent air pockets from forming.

Step 10: Add wax

As the temperature drops, the wax at the center of the candle tends to sink and form a well. Reheat the wax you saved and add it to the mold until the well is filled.

Tip: You may need to do this several times, but only fill the well and don't over-pour. If fresh wax seeps down the sides of the mold, the candle will be harder to remove later.

Step 11: Pull out of mold

After the candle has sat for several hours and cooled completely, remove the sealer from the bottom, uncoil the wick, and pull the candle up and out of the mold. It should slip out easily.

Step 12: Trim wick

Untie the top of the wick and trim it to about a quarter of an inch. Cut off any excess wick on the bottom of the candle.

Step 13: Rub out marks

Use a small knife or cloth to rub out any imperfections or marks left on the candle from the mold.

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Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• arts
• candle
• crafts
• hobby
• how-to
• howcast
• make
• molded
• wax
• wick

[jake9000000000000000]

these videos are awesome if your bored XD

[Hertablood]

Howcast is better than expertvillage x2000000000000000

[Ben2010Anderson]

I Think i have a long thin rod..........IN MY PAINTS !!

[ayakowakumi]

lol at the end it shows other vids to watch and one said "how to make homemade pot..."

[ayakowakumi]

this is allll i do when im bored :^]

[gigacooler]

can i somehow use paraffin oil to make a candle?

[HeyLookItsAmy]

@GrillMasterMike Just before taking it off the heat.

[HeyLookItsAmy]

@haileystoop I assume Fahrenheit. this is american.

[GrillMasterMike]

At what step d you add the color fragrance

[HowToMakeItWithEmma]

howcast is better than expertvillage beacause expertvillage arent even experts but howcast are experts

[MahsaKh22]

it's good but why simple, I need some different style candle !

[Aleksandar998]

Thank you Howcast, you are the best !!!

We had a homework to make something crafty and useful...