Chloe Adams
Candles have evolved from being a simple source of light to becoming a popular decorative item. In recent years, bendy candles have taken over social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram. These candles are a fun DIY project that can be twisted and bent into unique and stylish spiral designs. The process involves softening the wax by submerging the candle in hot water, and then bending and twisting it into the desired shape. This guide will take you through the steps to create your own twisty, bendy candles at home.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Water temperature | 50–60°C or 120–140°F |
| Time in water | 5 minutes or until malleable |
| Tools | Rolling pin, bowl/dish, or vase |
| Techniques | Bending, twisting, rolling, wrapping, swirling, looping |
| Candles | Taper candles, beeswax, or paraffin |
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Warm the wax
Warming the wax is the first step in bending long candles. The wax needs to be warmed up to make it malleable and flexible. The ideal temperature range for the water is 50–60°C (120–140°F). The candle should be submerged in warm water for at least 15 minutes, ensuring it is completely covered by the water to allow for even heating. The exact time needed may vary depending on the type of wax, as beeswax candles, for example, may take longer to soften than paraffin candles. You'll know the candle is ready when it starts to bend naturally from being in the hot water.
It is important to note that the wax should not get so soft that it loses its shape. The goal is to warm it enough so that it becomes pliable and can be bent without cracking. If the wax is not warm enough, it may crack when you try to bend it. In this case, simply return the candle to the hot water bath and let it warm up further.
To keep the wax warm and pliable while you work, keep the candle underwater as much as possible. If you find that the wax starts to cool and harden, submerge it in hot water again to soften it before continuing to bend and shape it.
Once you have achieved your desired shape, you can begin the process of setting the wax by submerging the candle in cold water. This will help to harden the wax and ensure that it holds its new form.
By carefully controlling the temperature of the wax and using the appropriate tools, you can successfully bend long candles and create unique shapes.
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Bend the candle
Bending long candles is a fun and simple DIY project that can turn your regular taper candles into twisty, bendy works of art. The process is straightforward and requires only a few tools.
To begin bending your candle, you will need to prepare some hot water. The water temperature should be between 50-60°C (120-140°F). Fill a vase or bowl with the hot water, ensuring that it is deep enough for the candle to be completely submerged. Submerge the candle in the water for at least 15 minutes. This will soften the wax, making it pliable and ready for bending.
Once the candle has been in the water for the recommended time, carefully remove it and begin shaping it. Keep the candle underwater as much as possible to maintain the warmth and pliability of the wax. You can create various shapes by bending, rolling, twisting, and wrapping the candle. For a snake coil shape, try wrapping the candle around a wooden spoon or a pen. If you want to intertwine two candles, hold them together and twist them in opposite directions.
It is important to note that thin taper candles are easier to manipulate but may be more prone to cracking. If your candle cracks while bending, simply return it to the hot water bath to warm it up again, and then try to smooth out the cracks with your fingers. To ensure your candle stands on its own, press it onto a flat surface while the wax is still warm.
Finally, when you are happy with your desired shape, set it by submerging the candle in cold water for 10-20 seconds. This will harden the wax and ensure your candle retains its new shape. And that's it! You now have your very own unique, bendy candle creation. Remember always to place your bendy candles on a heat-safe surface if you intend to light them.
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Harden the wax
To harden candle wax, it is important to let it cool down. The time it takes for the wax to harden depends on various factors, including the external environment and the type of wax. Usually, it takes at least 24 hours to check if the wax has settled, and a period of 2 to 3 days is required for the candle to settle fully. If you have spilled wax somewhere, it will take a few minutes to a few hours for the wax to settle on the surface.
There are also specific waxes made for candles, such as pillar/mold and jar waxes. The type of wax you use will determine how long it takes to harden. For example, pure rapeseed wax that hasn't been fractionated will expand massively when cooled and needs to be blended with a softer wax.
Additionally, you can use additives to harden wax. These include:
- Microcrystalline Wax 195: This additive will harden the candle, raise the melting point, and reduce or eliminate mottling. It is recommended for pillars and tapers and comes in an easy-to-use bead form. The recommended use is 1 to 2 teaspoons per pound of wax.
- Poly AC-6A: This additive will harden your candles, make them less translucent, and give them a shiny finish.
- Triple-pressed stearic powder (Stearin): This can be used in any amount from 1% to 100%. It acts as a hardener for low-melting-point waxes and lowers the melting point of high-temperature waxes. At low percentages, it may allow for snow spots, while at moderate percentages, it will turn opaque. At high percentages, notable crystallization occurs.
- Vybar: This additive is used to lock in colour and scent in wax. It will harden your candles and make them more opaque.
- Paraffin wax: This additive can be used to clarify candle wax and provide a cleaner glow. It has a relatively high melting point and should be melted separately from the wax with a higher heat source.
- Beeswax: Beeswax is often added to soy wax to create a harder blend.
When using additives, it is important to calculate the amounts in relation to the quantity of wax by weight and volume.
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Combine techniques
To combine twisting and bending techniques to create unique shapes with long candles, you will need:
- Two pillar candles (one to bend and one to twist)
- Warm water in a bowl or dish (between 50-60°C / 120-140°F)
- Cold water in a bowl or dish
- A rolling pin
First, warm up the wax of one candle by submerging it in warm water (50-60°C / 120-140°F) for around 5 minutes. The wax needs to be warmed up to become flexible and malleable. Keep the candle underwater as much as possible to maintain the warmth of the wax.
Next, begin to flatten the candle from the centre using a rolling pin. Rotate the candle and roll it on both sides to create an even, flattened surface. Ensure you leave a space of approximately two inches at the bottom of the candle, so that it can still fit into candle holders.
Now, it's time to twist and bend! With one hand steadying the top of the candle, use your other hand to gently twist the bottom of the candle. You can create as many twists as you like, as long as the wax is still warm and pliable.
To add a bend to the twisted candle, hold the candle underwater and move it back and forth. Warm the wax up without softening it too much, so that it won't crack when you bend it. Gently bend the candle into your desired shape.
Finally, set the shape of your candle by submerging it in cold water for 10-20 seconds. The wax will harden and become inflexible, preserving the twisted and bent shape you created.
Remember to always be safe when handling candles. Place your bendy candles on a heat-safe surface if you intend to light them, and never leave a burning candle unattended.
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Safety precautions
Bending long candles is a fun way to create unique designs, but it's important to take some safety precautions to ensure the process is safe and accident-free. Here are some detailed safety instructions to follow when bending long candles:
Use Appropriate Water Temperature:
Avoid using boiling water as it will melt the wax completely. Instead, opt for very hot tap water or warm water between 50-60°C (120-140°F). Soak the candles in hot water for around 5 minutes or, as per another source, 15 to 20 minutes.
Test the Candle's Flexibility:
Before attempting to bend the candle, gently test its flexibility. Try to gently bend the candle towards its thin end. If it resists bending, soak it in the hot water for a little longer or slightly increase the water temperature.
Bend with Care:
Once the candle is pliable, exercise patience and caution during the bending process. Avoid quick, harsh movements as they can cause the candle to break or crack. Gently twist and bend the candle slowly to create your desired shape.
Candle Placement:
When deciding on the shape, consider how the candle will sit in a holder or on a table. Bending the top of the candle too much may cause it to topple over in a tall holder. Ensure the candle has a stable base to prevent accidental fires or damage to surfaces.
Lighting Safety:
If you plan to light your bent candles, always place them on a heat-safe surface. Never leave a burning candle unattended, as it poses a fire hazard. Ensure you follow basic candle safety guidelines to prevent any accidents.
By following these precautions, you can safely create beautiful, twisted candle designs without compromising your safety or the safety of those around you.
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Frequently asked questions
To bend long candles, you will need to submerge them in hot water to soften the wax. The ideal temperature range is 50–60°C (120–140°F). Leave the candle in the water for at least 15 minutes, or until the wax is pliable. Then, remove the candle from the water and begin shaping it with your hands or tools like a rolling pin. Keep the candle underwater as much as possible to maintain its flexibility. Finally, submerge the candle in cold water to set its new shape.
Taper candles are the best type of candles for bending and twisting. Beeswax and paraffin candles can both be used, but beeswax candles may take longer to soften. Thinner tapers are easier to manipulate, but thicker ones allow for more interesting shapes.
Yes, always be cautious when working with hot wax and hot water. Additionally, if you plan on lighting your bent candles, ensure you place them on a heat-safe surface. Never leave a burning candle unattended.
