Tyler Brooks
Floating candles are a unique and beautiful way to add ambiance to any space. Whether it's a special occasion or simply a cozy night in, these candles are a delightful addition to pools, vases, bowls, or bathtubs. But do ball candles fall into this category? While most normal candles cannot float on water due to their shape, ball-shaped candles are an exception. Their round form allows them to float, but it also causes them to spin and flip, often leading to the wick extinguishing. So, while ball candles can float, their instability may cause some frustration. To avoid this issue, flat-designed candle holders can be used to keep the wick dry and the candle afloat. Now, let's dive into the world of floating candles and explore the magic they can bring to any setting.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Shape | Round |
| Floatability | Floats due to shape and weight |
| Burn time | 2" candles: 4-5 hours; 3" candles: 8-10 hours |
| Wick | Must be kept dry |
| Movement | May move freely in water |
| Use | Decorative centrepieces |
| Stability | May spin and flip, extinguishing the wick |
| Materials | Paraffin wax, soy wax |
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What You'll Learn
Ball candles are not ideal for floating
While floating candles can be a beautiful addition to your home, garden party, baby shower, or wedding, ball candles are not ideal for this purpose.
Firstly, ball candles tend to spin and flip as they float, which can lead to their wick extinguishing. This is because they have a round shape that allows them to float evenly, but their small base and wide top cause instability. Votive or pillar candles, for example, would not float because they are top-heavy and would tip into the water.
Secondly, floating candles are meant to move freely in the water, but ball candles may spin and flip too much, causing them to drift to the sides. While some people may not mind this, others may prefer their floating candles to stay more centered.
Additionally, ball candles may not be the safest option for floating candles. The wick of a floating candle should always be kept dry before lighting, as a wet wick will absorb water, impacting the burn time. However, the round shape of ball candles may make it more challenging to keep the wick dry, especially when placing them in the water.
Lastly, while floating candles are typically made of cheap paraffin wax, you may want to consider using soy wax as a healthier alternative. However, creating your own floating candles with soy wax may require more effort and experimentation.
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How to make candles float
A floating candle is a candle that, when placed in water, displaces more water by weight than the weight of the candle, causing it to float. While not all candles can float, those with a round shape tend to float more evenly. Additionally, candles with a slightly smaller base than the top float better than those with straight sizes.
Using Tealight Candles
Most tealight candles will float in water, but they may not last long if their wax is too soft, and their wick can easily extinguish if it comes into contact with water. To make tealight candles float, remove the candle from its aluminium cup and flip it over. Light a taper candle and drip wax onto the underside of the tealight until the metal wick holder is completely sealed. Once the wax solidifies, the tealight can be placed in water and lit.
Using Clear Glass Floating Candle Holders
Clear glass floating candle holders designed for tea lights can be used to make floating candles. These holders ensure that the candles stay afloat and prevent the wick and flame from coming into contact with the water.
Creating Custom Floating Candles
It is also possible to create your own floating candles using wax and moulds. When making floating candles, it is important to consider the shape, with candles having a smaller base and a wider top floating well. The process involves melting wax, adding fragrance, pouring it into moulds, and inserting wicks. Once the candles have cooled and solidified, they can be decorated and floated in vessels filled with water.
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Tealight candles can float
When placing a tealight candle in water, hold it by the wick and gently lower it to avoid water flooding the top of the candle. While most tealights will float, they may be a bit "'tippy'", so it is important to give them room to move around.
There are also floating candles designed specifically to float in the water, which usually have a broad curved lip around the outside to keep them steadier and provide more buoyancy. These candles are typically round and unscented, coming in a variety of colours and diameters, usually 2 or 3 inches.
Floating candles can be used in many creative ways, such as in pools, vases, bowls, dishes, martini glasses, fountains, bathtubs, hot tubs, and lakes. They are perfect for decorative table sets, centrepieces, parties, weddings, and other events.
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Floating candles in water
Floating candles are a simple yet elegant way to enhance the ambiance of any setting. They are designed to float on water, adding a unique element to table centrepieces for special events, such as holiday celebrations, weddings, or even just a relaxing bath. These candles are usually made in a round shape, but not all round candles are suitable for floating, as some may spin and flip, causing the wick to extinguish.
To make your own floating candles, you will need to gather the right equipment and ingredients. Firstly, choose a suitable container, such as a glass bowl or vase, that is heat-resistant and at least 4 inches wide at its narrowest part for a single-wick candle. This ensures that the melting wax will not reach the edge of the container, preventing it from heating up and making cleanup easier.
The next step is to decorate your vessel. You can add various decorative elements such as pebbles, flowers, seashells, or even small pieces of driftwood, starfish, or sand dollars. If you plan to reuse the display, consider using faux flowers or other decorative items that can be used repeatedly. You can also dye the water with a little food colouring to match the occasion.
Once your vessel is decorated, fill it with water and gently place your floating candle on top, ensuring that the wick stays dry. Depending on the size of your container, you can float 1-3 candles, leaving enough space for them to move around. Finally, light the wick and enjoy the calming atmosphere created by your floating candle display.
Floating candles offer endless design possibilities and can be used in both indoor and outdoor settings. They are a versatile and affordable way to add style and functionality to any space, making them a perfect choice for creating a mesmerising and tranquil atmosphere.
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DIY floating candle centrepieces
Creating a DIY floating candle centerpiece is a simple way to add beauty and atmosphere to your home, garden party, baby shower, or wedding. While not all candles can float—votive and pillar candles, for example, are top-heavy and will tip into the water—there are a few ways to easily craft your own floating candles at home.
One way to make floating candles is to use tealight candles. Most tea lights will float, but they won't last long in the water if their wax is too soft, and they can be easily extinguished if water reaches their wick. To avoid these issues, you can purchase clear glass floating candle holders designed for tea lights. These holders ensure that the candles stay afloat and protect the wick and flame from the water.
If you would like to make your own floating candles, you can follow a simple DIY tutorial using soy wax. The first step is to choose your container: it should be clear and large enough to float at least one candle. Floating candles can be placed in a variety of vessels, including vases, bowls, dishes, martini glasses, and more. Remember that the wick cannot get wet when placing the candle in the water. Always hold onto the wick as you gently place the candle into the water to ensure that it stays dry prior to lighting.
You can also purchase floating candles in a variety of colours and sizes. Floating candles are typically round and unscented, with a burn time that depends on their size. A 2" floating candle can burn for up to 4-5 hours, while a 3" candle can burn for up to 8-10 hours. However, it is recommended to steer clear of ball-shaped floating candles, as they tend to spin and flip, leading to their wick extinguishing.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, ball candles are designed to float. They are usually made in a round shape that displaces more water by weight than the weight of the candle.
To make a ball candle float, you can use a clear fishing line and hot glue one end to the bottom of the candle, tying the other end to an anchor such as a flower. This will prevent the candle from floating off to the side.
Apart from ball candles, tea light candles can also float. However, they won't last long in the water if their wax is too soft and can be extinguished easily if water reaches the wick.
To make your own floating candles, you can use a candle mold or a tart tin with a capacity of two ounces of fluid. You can use soy wax, which is healthier than paraffin wax, and add colours or fragrances to customise your candles.
