Jessie Taylor
Votive candles are a versatile addition to any room, and can be customised to suit any theme or occasion. They are typically small, short candles that are sold independently of their containers, though they can also come pre-poured into containers. Votives are often confused with tea lights, but the two differ in burn time, clean-up, and cost. While tea lights are smaller, more affordable, and come in self-contained cups, votives are taller, longer-lasting, and require separate votive containers to burn safely.
Making your own votive candles at home is a simple process, and allows you to choose your preferred colour, scent, and wax type. You can use candle molds, or opt for paper cups to make your candles without molds. This introduction will guide you through the process of making your own votive candles, as well as providing some context on their benefits and uses.
Characteristics and Values of Votive Candles
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Burn Time | Longer than tea lights |
| Clean Up | Requires melting remaining wax and removing it from the candle holder |
| Cost | More expensive per candle than tea lights |
| Size | Typically less than 3 inches tall, with a base no wider than 1.5" in diameter |
| Shape | Votives come in various shapes |
| Color | Votives come in various colors |
| Scent | Votives come in various scents |
| Mold | Plastic molds are available in various shapes and sizes |
| Wax | Requires approximately 1 lb of wax per candle |
| Wicks | Flat braided wicks work best |
| UV Stabilizer | Optional, but helps prevent color fading |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Choosing a mould
Choosing the right mould is essential for making votive candles. Votive candles are typically 3 oz in volume and 2 inches in diameter. You can use a variety of materials for moulds, including metal, plastic, paper, and even ice. Each material has its own set of advantages and disadvantages.
Metal moulds, for example, require a sealant around the wick pins, which can be complicated. Plastic moulds, on the other hand, do not require a sealant, but a candle mould release spray or oil is recommended to ensure the candle releases easily. If you're using plastic moulds, be cautious of the lip, as it may be sharp.
Another option is to use paper moulds, such as Dixie cups. These are easy to work with and don't require any special release sprays or sealants. Simply place them on a cookie sheet covered with parchment or wax paper to prevent cracking and disruption to the curing process.
You can also get creative and use unconventional moulds like ice! Fill a container with water, freeze it, and then place your wick in the middle. Pour your melted wax into the ice mould, and once it's cooled, you'll have a unique ice-shaped votive candle.
Remember to always follow the safety guidelines and instructions when working with hot wax and moulds.
WoodWick Haven Candles: Relaxing, Long-Lasting, Natural Fragrance
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Preparing the mould
Clean the Moulds
Firstly, clean your votive moulds to ensure your candles will have a smooth and polished finish. Even new moulds can have a thin layer of oil from the manufacturing process, so it is important to wipe them thoroughly with a paper towel. Use a small amount of mould cleaner or a cooking spray like Pam on the paper towel. If you prefer a more natural alternative, you can use olive oil instead.
Centre the Wick Pin
Before pouring the wax, centre one votive wick pin in each mould. If you are using auto wick pins, check that they are straight and adjust them manually if needed. Flat braided wicks generally work best with votive candles, and a votive pin will help keep your wick in place during pouring.
Arrange the Moulds
Arrange your moulds in a way that makes it easy for you to pour the wax. If you are making a large batch, consider placing them in a single row near the edge of your work surface for easy access. You can place the moulds on a cookie sheet covered with parchment or wax paper to prevent any cracking and to protect your work surface.
Melt the Wax
While you are preparing the moulds, you can simultaneously melt your wax. Measure and weigh the desired amount of wax flakes using a kitchen scale. You can use a double boiler or a hot plate to melt the wax. If you are adding fragrance or dye to your candles, now is the time to prepare them. Weigh your fragrance oil and break off the desired amount of dye block according to the shade you wish to achieve.
Pour the Wax
Once your wax is melted, slowly pour it into the prepared moulds. Ensure you fill them completely, and the wax level is slightly higher than the edge of the mould. Be careful not to pour too quickly to avoid bubble formation. Leave the candles to cool completely before removing them from the moulds.
Remember to always follow safety guidelines and instructions when working with hot wax. With these steps, you should be well on your way to creating beautiful votive candles!
Candle Conundrum: Why Do Some People Love Them?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Melting wax
The type of wax you are using will determine the ideal melting temperature. Soy wax, for example, melts at around 49-82°C, while paraffin wax has a lower melting point of 46-68°C. Beeswax melts at 62-65°C, and gel wax has a higher melting point of 82°C. It is important to monitor the temperature of the wax to ensure it does not exceed the ideal range for the type of wax you are using.
When melting wax, it is important to take safety precautions. This includes being cautious of the hot wax and using a thermometer to monitor the temperature. It is also important to work slowly, especially when handling sharp objects like knives or moulds. Wearing protective gear, such as heat-resistant gloves, can help reduce the risk of injury.
While the wax is melting, you can prepare your votive moulds. Clean the moulds with a paper towel and a small amount of mould cleaner or cooking spray to remove any residual oil from the manufacturing process. If using wick pins, ensure they are straight and set them inside the moulds before pouring in the wax. Arrange the moulds in a way that makes it easy to pour the wax, especially if you are making a large batch.
Once the wax is melted, you can add colour and fragrance. It is recommended to add colour at around 70°C, and fragrance oils can be added while the wax is in the double boiler or after it has been poured into a pitcher. Be sure to weigh out your fragrances or essential oils and follow the recommended usage percentages. Stir any additives thoroughly into the wax until they are completely dissolved.
Mending Broken Pillar Candles: Quick DIY Fixes
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Adding colour and scent
Votive candles can be customised to suit the theme of your next event or celebration by simply changing their colour and fragrance. They are a versatile option that can enhance any room in your home or office.
Adding Colour
The amount of dye you add to your wax will depend on the desired shade. CandleScience recommends using about 1/4 of a Seafoam Dye Block per pound of wax, but you can adjust this up or down accordingly. CandleScience used Seafoam Dye Blocks and Sea Mist Fragrance Oil to create a fresh and summery atmosphere.
If you are making coloured candles in small batches, Candlewic recommends using colour buttons to achieve the best consistency. They offer a wide range of colours, including white and black.
Adding Scent
If you are making scented candles, a 5% fragrance usage level is recommended. This works out to about 1 ounce of fragrance oil per pound of wax. CandleScience used 1 ounce (28 g) of Sea Mist fragrance oil per pound of wax.
You can also use candle-approved essential oils to scent your candles. Check the recommended usage percentage on the essential oil product page and start with low percentages.
Other Considerations
If your candles will be exposed to UV rays or fluorescent lighting, you can add about 1/2 teaspoon of UV stabiliser per pound of wax to prevent the colour from fading.
Do Citronella Candles Keep Birds Away?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Removing the candle from the mould
Once the candle is fully set, it should be easy to remove from the mould by pulling on the wick pin or wick. If the candle does not release easily, place it in the refrigerator or freezer for a few minutes to allow the wax to contract and release from the mould. Be careful not to leave it in the freezer for too long, as this can cause the candle to crack and fall apart when removed from the mould.
If you are still having trouble removing the candle from the mould, try flipping it over and pressing or tapping the top of the wick pin firmly until it releases. Make sure to do this over a surface that cannot be damaged.
After removing the candle from the mould, replace the wick pin with a pre-tabbed wick and trim it to the desired length. Your votive candle is now ready to be placed in an approved votive holder and enjoyed!
How Candles Affect Air Quality
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Votive candles are small, usually less than 3 inches tall, and are often burned in votive containers. They are versatile and can be used to create a sense of tranquility and calm in any room.
You will need wax (such as soy wax or paraffin wax), a mold (metal or plastic), a thermometer, votive pins, mold release, a double boiler or hot plate for melting the wax, a container for pouring the wax, and wicks. You may also choose to add fragrance oils or essential oils, dye, and UV stabilizer.
Typically, you will need about 1 pound of wax per candle. However, this may vary depending on the size of your mold or container.
Clean your mold with a small amount of mold cleaner or cooking spray on a paper towel. If using metal molds, you may need to use a sealant around the wick pins. For plastic molds, a candle mold release spray is recommended.
Allow the wax to cool completely before attempting to remove it from the mold. If it does not release easily, place it in the refrigerator or freezer for a few minutes to allow the wax to contract, then gently pull on the wick pin or wick.
