Ben Carter
Taper candles are a timeless home decor accessory and an easy, affordable way to add a cosy, stylish touch to your space. They come in a variety of sizes, textures, and colours, and can be decorated in numerous ways. If you're looking to elevate your home decor or create a unique gift, colouring taper candles is a fun and simple project that doesn't require any artistic expertise. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced crafter, there are several methods you can use to add colour to taper candles, from melting and pouring wax to painting intricate designs.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Materials | Soy wax, candle dye, candle mould, candle wick, toothpick/skewer, saucepan, baking paper, container, paint, paintbrushes, paper towels, water |
| Techniques | Twisting two colours of wax together, layering colours in different orders, painting with stencils, dot painting, dipping |
| Tips | Use high-quality paint that doesn't require a second coat, experiment with different colour combinations, don't try to make candles identical in a set, use a paper towel to wipe off wet paint |
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What You'll Learn
Painting taper candles with acrylics
Painting taper candles is an easy and affordable way to add a decorative touch to your home or event. It is a simple process that does not require artistic skills. Here is a step-by-step guide to painting taper candles with acrylics:
Materials:
- Taper candles
- Acrylic paint
- Paint tray or paper plate
- Small paintbrushes
- Paper towel
- Small bowl of water
- Candleholders
Process:
- Set up your workstation by placing your chosen paint colours on a paint tray or paper plate. Gather your other materials, including paintbrushes, paper towels, and a small bowl of water.
- Clean the candles with a paper towel and water or a small amount of rubbing alcohol. Allow them to dry completely before painting.
- Paint your desired design directly onto the candle using thin paintbrushes and acrylic paint. You can create freehand designs or use paper stencils. If you are not confident in your painting skills, start with simple shapes like flowers or hearts using small dots of paint.
- Work with one colour at a time. For example, paint all the petals in one colour first, then add details in other colours.
- If you make a mistake, you can wipe away the paint, even after it has dried, using isopropyl alcohol.
- Allow your designs to dry completely before displaying or burning the candles.
Additional Tips:
- Use high-quality paint that provides good coverage in a single coat to avoid mistakes and ensure a smooth finish.
- Experiment with different colour combinations and orders. You can create a gradient effect by using different strengths of the same colour.
- If you are making a set of candles, avoid trying to make them identical. Instead, pour random quantities of wax to create unique colour splits in each candle.
Remember to pay attention to paint toxicity if you plan to burn the candles, as some paints may give off toxic fumes when burned. It is recommended to use these candles for decorative purposes only.
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Using a colour block technique
To create colour block taper candles, you will need candle dye, wax, a taper candle mould, a saucepan, a container lined with baking paper, and a heat source.
First, melt your wax in the saucepan. When the wax is fully melted, pour a third of it into the taper candle mould. You do not have to be precise here, and uneven layers can add character to your candle. While the mould is cooling, pour the remaining wax into your prepared container. This will be used for the next layers.
Once the mould has cooled, melt down the wax for your second colour and pour it directly on top of the first layer. Allow this to cool completely, then repeat with your final colour. When the final layer has cooled, you may notice a slight dip or hole at the top of the mould. This is normal, as wax cools from the outside in. Simply heat up a little more wax and pour it in to fill the gap.
If you are making a set of candles, do not try to make them identical. Instead, pour random quantities of wax to alter the colour split and layer the colours in different orders. You can experiment with different combinations and orders, or even stick to one colour in different strengths to create a gradient effect.
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Melting wax and dye together
To make coloured taper candles, you can melt wax and dye together. This method allows you to create custom colours by mixing different shades. It is important to note that the colour of melted wax will always appear darker than when it has cooled, so it is recommended to start with a small amount of dye and adjust as needed.
To begin, weigh out approximately 100g of wax and 2g of dye. You can use soy wax, paraffin wax, or melt down old candles. Place the wax and dye in a saucepan and melt them together on a very low heat. If using a liquid dye, add it at 185°F, or when the wax reaches your pouring temperature if making non-fragranced candles. If using a dye block, add it at the beginning so that it has time to completely melt, leaving no specks of dye in the finished candle.
Stir the dye into the wax thoroughly to ensure an even colour. You can test the colour by dripping some of the coloured wax onto a white paper towel to observe the shade as it dries. If you are happy with the colour, allow the wax to cool to 135-140°F (57-60°C). If you would like a darker colour, add more dye and test again.
While the wax is cooling, prepare your taper candle mould. Cut a length of candle wick that is approximately 5cm longer than the mould. Thread the wick through the centre of the mould, with one end tied to a toothpick or skewer. Secure the mould with stoppers or pegs to ensure it stays tightly together.
Once the wax has cooled to the appropriate temperature, it is ready to be poured into the mould. Pour a small amount of wax into the top of the mould, approximately one-third of the way up. Allow this layer to cool completely before pouring in the next colour. Repeat this process with your remaining colours, allowing each layer to cool before adding a new one.
By melting wax and dye together, you can create unique and colourful taper candles. Experiment with different wax types, dyes, and colour combinations to find your favourite shades and patterns.
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Preparing the candle mould
If you're using a silicone mould, simply assemble the mould according to the manufacturer's instructions and you're ready to start pouring your wax. Silicone moulds are flexible, which makes it easy to remove the candle once it has hardened.
For hard plastic moulds, it's recommended to lightly spray the inside of the mould with canola oil before adding the wax. This will make it easier to remove the candle once it has hardened. You can also place the mould in the freezer for a few minutes to help release the candle.
If you're using a metal mould, you can secure it with high-temperature hot glue to prevent leaks. However, be careful not to use too much glue, as it can cause the mould to leak from the bottom. Allow the wax to cool slightly before pouring it into the metal mould to avoid melting the glue.
When using cardboard tubes, such as toilet paper rolls, you can use them as-is or cut them open and reshape them to your desired size. If you're cutting and reshaping the tubes, be sure to attach a bottom to the tube and secure it with glue.
Sand can also be used to create unique candle shapes. Simply wet the sand and mould it around a shape, such as a cookie cutter. Press down firmly, then carefully remove the shape. You can then pour your wax into the sand mould and let it set.
Remember to prepare your wick before assembling your mould. Cut the wick to the appropriate length, leaving a little extra, and secure it in place according to your mould's instructions.
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Choosing paint colours and brushes
Painting taper candles is a fun and easy way to add a unique touch to your decor. When choosing paint and brushes for this project, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure the best results.
Firstly, it is important to select high-quality paint that offers good coverage. Look for paint that is specifically designed for use on multiple surfaces, including candles, and opt for a formula that does not require a second coat. Acrylic paint is a great option, as it is safe to use on candles as long as it is non-toxic and water-based. FolkArt Multi-Surface Craft Paint is a popular choice for painting candles, as it comes in a wide range of colours and provides excellent coverage.
When it comes to brushes, having a variety of sizes and types is key to achieving your desired designs. You will need thinner paintbrushes for more detailed work, such as painting small shapes or flowers. Round-pointed tip artist paintbrushes are a great option for acrylic painting and can be found in sets with various sizes. If you are using multiple colours, having a separate brush for each colour will make the process smoother. Additionally, consider using a small bowl of water to rinse your brushes between colours.
For more simple designs, such as stripes, painter's tape can be used to create crisp lines. You can also use the back of a brush or a small sponge to create different textures and effects. If you are a beginner, it is recommended to practice your design on paper before painting the candles. This will help you get a feel for the brushes and paint and ensure that your design can be easily transferred to the candles.
Overall, choosing the right paint and brushes for painting taper candles is essential for achieving the desired results. By selecting high-quality paint and a variety of brush sizes, you can create beautiful and unique designs that will add a personal touch to your decor.
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Frequently asked questions
To make coloured taper candles, you will need wax, dye, a mould, a wick, a saucepan, and a heat source. Weigh out the wax and dye, melt them together, and pour the mixture into your mould. Allow it to cool, and repeat with different colours to create layers.
To paint taper candles, use a high-quality paint that doesn't require a second coat. Set up your work area with paint, paintbrushes, and paper towels. Clean the candles, then paint your design directly onto the candle using a thin paintbrush. Allow the design to dry completely before using.
Experiment with different colour combinations and orders. You can also try using one colour in different strengths to create a gradient effect. If you're making a set of candles, pour random quantities of wax to alter the colour split and avoid making them all identical.
Cream, olive green, brown, and grey are popular colours for taper candles. You can also use beeswax candles, which have a natural yellow/brownish colour that works for any time of the year.
