Tyler Brooks
Adding glitter to candles is a fun way to bring some sparkle to your home, but it's important to be cautious. Regular glitter is made of plastic, which can release toxic fumes when burned, so opt for biodegradable eco-friendly glitter instead. To add glitter to your candle, you can either melt the wax and pour it into a jar with a wick, sprinkling in the glitter as you go, or you can glue the glitter onto the outside of the candle with a substance such as Mod Podge.
How to add glitter to a candle
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of glitter | Bio glitter, Bioglitter™ PURE, mica glitter |
| Type of wax | Paraffin wax |
| When to add glitter | When the wax is hot or solidified |
| How to add glitter | Sprinkle, stir, swirl, glue, or roll |
| Amount of glitter | As desired, but more is needed if added after wax solidifies |
| Drying time | 12 hours to a few days |
| Other additions | Scented oil, dyes, and fragrances |
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What You'll Learn
Use bio glitter to avoid toxic fumes and microplastics
Adding glitter to candles is a fun way to add some sparkle to your home, but traditional glitter is made of plastic and metal, contributing to microplastic pollution and releasing toxic fumes when burned. To avoid these issues, you can use bio glitter, which is an eco-friendly alternative.
Bio glitter, or biodegradable glitter, is made from plant-based sources, such as cellulose derived from eucalyptus trees. Unlike plastic glitter, it does not release toxic fumes when burned and does not contribute to microplastic pollution. Instead, it turns into ashes, burning like paper. This type of glitter is also non-flammable, making it safe to use in candles.
When choosing bio glitter, look for products that use modified regenerated cellulose (MRC). This type of cellulose is sourced from responsibly managed plantations and is biodegradable. The glitter will break down naturally over time, preventing any harm to the environment. While some bio glitter options are not 100% plastic-free due to a thin plastic layer, they are still a more sustainable choice than traditional glitter.
To add bio glitter to your candles, simply sprinkle a pinch of glitter into your candle moulds while your wax is melting. You can add the glitter to the bottom of the moulds so that it sticks to the outside of the wax melt when you pour in the hot wax. You can also add another layer of glitter as the wax is cooling to create a top layer of sparkle.
Using bio glitter is a simple way to make your glitter candles more environmentally friendly and safe for your home. By choosing this eco-friendly alternative, you can enjoy the magic of sparkling candles without the harmful effects of traditional glitter.
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Melt wax, pour into a container, then add glitter
To make your own glitter candles, start by melting your wax. You can do this by placing your wax in a candle melter, then adding the melter to a pot of water on the stove. Heat the wax until it is completely melted.
Next, you'll want to prepare your container. Ensure that your container is clean and dry. If you're using a jar, you can remove any leftover wax by heating the jar in the microwave for a couple of minutes, then wiping it out with paper towels. Wash the jar with warm water, soap, and a sponge to remove any remaining wax residue.
Once your wax is melted and your container is prepared, slowly pour the wax into the container. If you're using a wick, you'll need to position it in the centre of the container before pouring in the wax. Hold the wick in place with two sticks or by tying it to a pencil and laying it across the top of the container.
Now it's time to add the glitter! You can add the glitter while the wax is hot, or wait until it has solidified. Adding the glitter while the wax is hot will give it a foiled effect, as the glitter disperses over the surface. If you add the glitter after the wax has solidified, you'll need to use more glitter to cover the surface, and it will remain loose in the jar. Sprinkle or pour your chosen glitter into the container, then gently swirl or shake the container to distribute the glitter and cover all the edges.
Finally, allow your candle to cool completely before trimming the wick. If you added glitter while the wax was hot, wait at least 12 hours before burning your candle. If you added glitter after the wax had solidified, it's recommended to wait up to 24 hours for the wax to fully set.
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Sprinkle glitter on top of a just-poured candle
Adding glitter to a candle is a great way to add some sparkle to your home or a gift for someone special. However, it's important to remember that not all glitter is candle-safe. Standard glitter is made of plastic, which can burn and release toxic fumes. Instead, opt for biodegradable, eco-friendly bio glitter, which is made from plant cellulose.
Now, onto the fun part: adding the glitter! You have two options. The first is to sprinkle the glitter on top of the just-poured candle. This method gives the candle a foiled effect, with the glitter dispersed over the surface. Make sure you have enough melted wax to ensure the glitter disperses properly and doesn't clump. You can also gently stir the glitter to help it mix with the wax.
The second option is to wait until the candle has solidified. This method will require more glitter to cover the entire surface, and the glitter will remain loose in the jar. If you want a more subtle shimmer effect, you can also choose to add the glitter after the candle has completely cooled. This will give a nice, subtle shimmer as the candle burns, but be aware that some glitter may sink to the bottom during the cooling process.
Remember, if you're using a jar or container for your candle, ensure it is clean and dry before pouring in your wax. You can also add fragrance and dyes to your wax to create a unique candle that's tailored to your taste.
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Brush Mod Podge onto a candle and roll in glitter
To add glitter to a candle, you can brush Mod Podge onto the candle and roll it in glitter. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do this:
Prepare the Candle
Before you begin, decide on the design of your candle. If you want to create shapes or straight lines with the glitter, use painter's tape or contact paper to mask off the areas you don't want to cover with glitter. For straight lines, use masking tape, and for shapes like hearts or zigzags, cut out the shapes from contact paper.
Apply Mod Podge
Once you have prepared the candle, brush a thin layer of Mod Podge onto the areas you want to glitter. Make sure to only apply Mod Podge to the parts of the candle you want to be covered in glitter. You can use your fingers to apply Mod Podge to any missed bits.
Roll the Candle in Glitter
After applying the Mod Podge, roll the candle in glitter. You can do this over a tray to catch any excess glitter and avoid making a mess. Make sure to cover all the areas with glitter that you want to be sparkly.
Let it Set
Once you have rolled the candle in glitter, let it set for a couple of minutes. Do not let the Mod Podge dry completely, as this will make it difficult to remove the tape or contact paper.
Remove the Tape or Contact Paper
After the Mod Podge has set, remove the painter's tape or contact paper to reveal your design. Be careful not to remove the tape or contact paper too early, as this can cause the glitter to come off as well.
Let the Candle Dry
Once you have removed the tape or contact paper, let the candle dry completely. After it is dry, you can brush off any loose bits of glitter. Now you have a beautiful glitter candle!
It is important to note that you should only use bio glitter or Bioglitter™ PURE when making glitter candles, as regular glitter is made of plastic, which can release toxic fumes when burned. Bio glitter is eco-friendly and non-flammable, so it is safe to use in candles.
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Use masking tape to create shapes and avoid glittering the whole candle
Adding glitter to a candle is a fun way to decorate and personalize it. However, if you don't want to cover the entire candle in glitter, masking tape can be a useful tool to create shapes and designs. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to use masking tape to add glitter to your candle:
Prepare the Candle
Before you begin, it's important to clean the candle surface with rubbing alcohol to remove any dust or residue. This will ensure that the tape adheres properly and create a smooth base for your design.
Plan Your Design
Before you start taping, take some time to plan out the design you want to create. Consider the shapes and patterns you want to incorporate and how you want the glitter to be distributed across the candle. This will help guide your taping process.
Tape Your Design
Use masking tape to tape off the areas of the candle that you want to glitter. Cut the tape into the desired shapes or stripes and carefully apply it to the candle. Make sure the tape is smooth and firmly adhered to the candle to prevent any unwanted glitter from seeping underneath. You can also use painter's tape or even rubber bands to create thinner or more intricate shapes.
Apply the Glitter
Once you have your tape in place, it's time to add the glitter. You can use Mod Podge or liquid glue to brush on the areas you want to cover with glitter. Make sure to paint over the edges of the tape to ensure full coverage. Then, sprinkle or pour the glitter over the candle, focusing on the areas with glue. You can use bio glitter, which is non-flammable and eco-friendly, to avoid any toxic fumes.
Let It Dry
After applying the glitter, let the candle dry overnight. This will give the glue or Mod Podge enough time to set and ensure that the glitter adheres properly.
Remove the Tape
Once the glue or Mod Podge is completely dry, carefully remove the masking tape to reveal your design. Peel the tape back slowly and gently to avoid disturbing the glittered areas.
Seal and Enjoy
If desired, you can spray your candle with a clear sealer, such as Mod Podge clear sealer, to help the glitter stay on longer and prevent it from flaking. Finally, enjoy your beautifully glittered candle and display it in your home or gift it to someone special.
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Frequently asked questions
You should avoid using traditional glitter for candles as it is made of plastic, which can release toxic fumes and be harmful to you and the environment. Instead, opt for biodegradable, eco-friendly glitter such as Bioglitter™ PURE or bio glitter.
You can add glitter to your candle while the wax is hot or after it has solidified. Adding glitter while the wax is hot will create a foiled effect, while waiting until the wax has solidified will result in loose glitter in the jar, requiring more glitter to cover the entire surface.
First, prepare your candle by cleaning and drying your container, melting your wax, and positioning your wick. Then, while the wax is still warm, pour your chosen biodegradable glitter into the container and gently swirl or shake to cover all edges. You can also sprinkle a pinch of glitter into the bottom of your candle mould before pouring in the hot wax, allowing the glitter to stick to the outside of the wax melt.
Yes, you can use glue to add glitter to your candle, but be cautious of the type of glue you select. Avoid using PVA glue, as it takes a long time to dry and can give off nasty fumes when burnt. A better option is Mod Podge, which can be brushed onto the candle and sprinkled with glitter.
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