Brooke Martin
Social media trends have sparked a new interest in customising taper candles by bending and twisting them into unique shapes. This DIY project is simple and requires only a few materials: candles, a container, and hot water. The process involves submerging the candles in hot water to soften the wax, then bending and shaping them into the desired form. The candles can be moulded into various shapes, such as twists, bends, or snake-like coils, and even intertwined with other candles for a creative, eye-catching result. Once the desired shape is achieved, the candles are submerged in cold water to set their new form. This trend offers an easy and affordable way for people to express their creativity and add a personalised touch to their home décor or gift-giving.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of candles | Taper candles, preferably made of paraffin wax |
| Length of candles | 8-inch, 10-inch, or longer |
| Container | Sink, bucket, vase, or any large container |
| Water temperature | Medium-warm to hot, not boiling (50-60°C or 120-140°F) |
| Water level | Enough to submerge the candles |
| Soaking time | 5-15 minutes, until the wax is flexible |
| Bending method | Twist from the bottom, bend at the thickest part, wrap around a wooden spoon or pen |
| Setting the shape | Submerge in cold water for 10-30 seconds |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right candles
Wax Type
Select candles made of paraffin wax or beeswax. Avoid candles with a second layer of wax coating, as these can crack and tear when bent due to differing melting points. Candles made from a single type of wax and those created from a mold tend to work best.
Style and Size
Opt for slim, taper-style candles in solid colors throughout the wax. Longer candles, such as those over 8 or 10 inches, offer more flexibility for bending and shaping. Ensure there is enough solid candle at the bottom, with a minimum of two inches recommended to keep the candle secure in its holder.
Water Temperature
The ideal water temperature range for softening the wax is between 50-60°C (120-140°F). Water that is too hot can melt the wax, making the bending process challenging and leading to potential breakage. Warm water softens the candle, making it pliable and ready for shaping.
Timing
Timing is essential when bending candles. After removing the candle from the warm water, you have approximately 30 seconds to bend and mold it into the desired shape before the wax cools and becomes inflexible. Therefore, it is advisable to plan the desired shape beforehand.
By carefully considering these factors and following the bending techniques outlined in the previous response, you can successfully choose the right candles and create unique, stylish designs.
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Soaking candles in hot water
Candle bending is a recent trend on social media platforms like TikTok and Pinterest. The process involves soaking candles in hot water to soften the wax, making them pliable enough to be bent and moulded into various shapes.
To begin, you will need taper candles made of paraffin wax, as well as a container and hot water. Some sources recommend using a vase or a pitcher, while others suggest a baking dish, a large bowl, or the kitchen sink. The container should be filled with hot water to a level that allows the candle to be completely submerged. The ideal temperature for the water is between 50-60°C or 120-140°F—hot enough for your hands to be submerged comfortably.
Once the water is prepared, place the candles inside the container and ensure they are fully immersed. Let the candles soak for at least 10 to 15 minutes. Beeswax candles may take longer to soften than paraffin candles. If the water cools down, replace it with fresh hot water to maintain the ideal temperature range.
While the candles are soaking, you can warm your hands under hot water to prepare for shaping the wax. After the candles have soaked sufficiently, remove one from the water and try bending it gently at its thickest part. If it bends easily, the wax is ready for shaping; if not, return it to the water for a few more minutes. Keep the candle underwater as much as possible during shaping to maintain the warmth and flexibility of the wax.
You can create various shapes with your bendy candles. For a simple twist, hold two or more candles together and twist your hands in opposite directions. For a snake coil shape, wrap the candle around a wooden spoon or a pen. You can also flatten the candle with a rolling pin before twisting it or pressing patterns onto it. If you want to create a stylish base, bend the end of the candle. To ensure the candle can stand on its own, press it onto a flat surface while it's still warm to flatten the bottom.
Once you're happy with the shape of your candle, you can set it by submerging it in cold water for 10 to 30 seconds. This will ensure the wax hardens and retains its new form.
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Bending techniques
To get started, you'll need to gather your materials. This includes a sink or container, and some taper candles. Make sure the candles are made of paraffin wax and don't have a coating. You can also use beeswax candles, but they may take longer to soften. Longer candles, ideally over 10 inches, will give you more flexibility in terms of the shapes you can create.
Next, fill your sink or container with warm water. The water should be hot but not boiling. You want it to be warm enough to soften the wax, but not so hot that the outside of the candle melts before the inside softens. Warm the water to between 50-60°C (120-140°F) if you can, and place the candles inside. Let the candles soak for around 10 to 15 minutes, or until they start to flop over.
Once the candles are soft, you can start to bend them. Keep the candles underwater as much as possible to retain warmth and prevent cracking. Gently start to bend the candle at its thickest part. If it bends easily, it's ready; if not, let it soak for a few more minutes. You can also twist the candle by holding it at the bottom and applying a gentle twisting motion.
If you want to create a snake coil shape, wrap the candle around a wooden spoon or pen. For a twist shape, flatten the candle with a rolling pin or mason jar first, then twist. To intertwine two or more candles, hold them together and twist your hands in opposite directions.
When you're happy with your shape, submerge the candle in cold water to set it. Hold it in the water for around 20 to 30 seconds, or until the wax is no longer flexible.
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Setting the shape
The cold water will harden the candle and set the shape. If you want to reshape your candle, you will need to warm the wax up again by repeating the process of submerging it in warm water.
To ensure your candle can stand on its own, press it onto a flat surface while it is still warm. This will help flatten the bottom of the candle so it sits straight.
If you want to create a snake coil shape, wrap the candle around a wooden spoon or a pen. Thinner candles are easier to manipulate but can be more prone to cracking.
If your candle cracks while bending it, put it back in the hot water bath and let it warm up. Then, try to smooth out the cracks with your fingers.
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Burning safely
To safely burn a bent candle, there are several precautions you can take to reduce the risk of fire or injury. Here are some important tips to follow:
Firstly, ensure that your bent candle is made of paraffin wax or a blend of beeswax and premium waxes. Paraffin wax is less likely to crack when bent, and beeswax blends can reduce the chance of cracking. Avoid coated candles, as they are more prone to breaking.
Before burning, inspect the candle for any cracks or weaknesses that may have occurred during the bending process. A cracked candle is more likely to break apart when lit, potentially creating a fire hazard. If cracks are present, smooth them out with your fingers while the wax is warm and pliable.
Use a heat-safe surface to place your bent candle on while it burns. This will help protect your furniture or surfaces from heat damage and reduce the risk of fire. Never leave a burning candle unattended, as it poses a fire hazard.
If your bent candle does not sit straight, you can use a candle holder or a piece of tin foil to stabilise it. Wrapping tin foil around the base of the candle can help it stand straight in a holder. Alternatively, you can use a product like Stick-um, which is a soft, tacky wax that acts as a glue to secure the candle in place.
When lighting a bent candle, be mindful of the shape and how it will affect the burning process. For example, a U-shaped candle may require more attention and care to keep it lit and prevent it from setting fire to the surrounding area. Ensure that the candle is placed in a stable, secure location, away from flammable objects or materials.
By following these precautions, you can safely burn your bent candle and enjoy its unique shape and design. Always exercise caution and common sense when dealing with open flames, and ensure that proper ventilation is maintained during burning.
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Frequently asked questions
The best candles to use are taper candles made of paraffin wax. Beeswax candles can also be used, but they may take longer to soften.
The amount of time required to soak the candles can vary. Some candles may be ready in a minute or two, while others may need to soak for up to 15 minutes. The ideal temperature for the water is between 50-60°C or 120-140°F.
First, warm up some water and fill a container or sink with it. Then, place the candles in the water and wait for them to become pliable. Finally, remove the candles from the water and gently bend or twist them to your desired shape.
To set the shape, submerge the bent candle in cold water for around 10 to 30 seconds. The wax will harden, and your desired shape will be locked in place.
