You can use multiple smaller candles to create one big candle, as long as they’re all made from the same type of wax. The candle you choose should not contain any other decorative elements such as flowers, seashells, or glitter. Avoid using scented candles. Melting these down can affect the perfumes that have been added to the wax, causing them to take on an unpleasant fragrance.
Soy or beeswax chips may also be available, if you’re particular about the type of wax you use. While you’re doing your shopping, make sure you pick up enough uncut wicks for each candle to have at least one.
You can also use a metal coffee can or similar container if you’d rather not have to clean candle wax out of your cookware after completing the project. Never expose wax to direct heat. This could ruin its natural consistency or even cause a fire![3] X Research source
Set the candles or blocks on a cutting board to avoid scarring your work surface. Be careful when handling the knife. Candle wax is an oily substance, which means it may be a little slick.
2-2. 5 blocks of paraffin can be used to make a standard jar candle, while 5 blocks will produce an oversized candle closer in dimension to a quart-sized milk carton.
Use a thin, disposable utensil like a wooden dowel or popsicle stick to do your stirring. It may take 2-3 minutes longer for the same quantity of a harder wax like paraffin or beeswax to melt completely.
Powdered dyes and pigments, such as Rit Dye, can be useful for dyeing candles. Avoid ordinary liquid dyes like food coloring. When combined, the watery dye and oily wax will separate, producing an unsightly splotchy effect. [7] X Research source To keep things simple, you can even use crayons. Since both the candle and the crayon are made of wax, they’ll blend like a dream.
The exact amount you use will depend on the size and number of candles you’re making, as well as the depth of color you’re aiming for. Dyeing with crayons couldn’t be easier. Just peel off the paper label, drop in as many pieces of the crayon as needed, and stir![9] X Research source
Try not to stir too fast, or you could end up splattering wax all over your work area.
A good rule of thumb for estimating how much dye to add is to multiply the total batch size by 0. 05%. To color 1 pound (450 g) of wax, for example, you would need to use 0. 227g of dye. [10] X Research source
Pouring wax at temperatures higher than about 140 °F (60 °C) may cause frosting or shrinkage, or even shatter glass containers. [12] X Research source
Use gelatin molds or empty tea light holders to pour multiple miniature candles. To make free-standing candles with the wax exposed, try cutting the top off of a quart-sized milk carton. You can then tear the cardboard away once the wax has set. [14] X Research source
A wooden clothespin or strip of tape can also make a decent wick holder in a pinch. [16] X Research source To create a double wick for a larger candle, simply tie a second wick 1. 5–2 inches (3. 8–5. 1 cm) away from the first.
Use leftover wax to make smaller candles, or wait until it dries to scrape it out and dispose of it.
Be careful not to disturb the wick while the wax is setting up, as well. Placing the freshly-poured candle in the refrigerator or leaving it in another cool area may help speed up the hardening process.
Clipping the wick too short may make the candle difficult to light, while leaving it too long will cause it to burn inefficiently.
