Tyler Brooks
Making your own pillar candles is a fun and rewarding project, but it can be frustrating if you don't get it right. One of the most important steps in the process is cooling the wax. The wax needs to be cooled to the right temperature before pouring, and then it must be cooled again after pouring to set. The cooling process can take several hours, or even a full day for very large candles. If the candle is stuck in the mould after cooling, it can be placed in the fridge for a short time to help release it.
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What You'll Learn
Prepare your mould
Preparing your mould is an important step in making a pillar candle. The moulds are typically made of sheet metal, aluminium, plastic, latex, or silicone. Even when the moulds are new, there may be a thin layer of oil in them from the manufacturing process. To ensure your candle looks its best, you should clean the mould before pouring in the wax. To do this, put a small amount of mould cleaner on a paper towel and wipe the inside of the mould thoroughly. If you don't have mould cleaner, a cooking spray will also work.
Before pouring the wax, you should also set the wick in place. Cut the wick to the desired length, leaving around 2 cm or a few inches protruding out of the hole at the bottom of the mould. String the wick through the hole and hold it flush to the bottom of the mould. You can use Blu Tack to keep the wick in place while you pour the wax. Place a piece of Blu Tack over the wick, and then add a second piece on top of the first. Leave it for at least 15 minutes before pouring the wax. This will help prevent leaks.
To further prevent leaks, you can use a small amount of duct tape to reinforce the Blu Tack. Additionally, you may want to pour your first batch of wax into a tray to catch any spills or leaks. This will help keep your workspace clean and prevent a mess in your kitchen or workshop.
Once your mould is prepared, you can pour the wax. Make sure to fill the mould within a few millimetres to the top. It's normal if not all of your melted wax fits into the mould, as you will use it for later pours. After the first pour, leave your candle to cool at room temperature for around three hours.
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Melt wax at 65-80°C
When making a pillar candle, it is important to melt your wax at the right temperature. The ideal temperature range for melting wax is between 65°C and 80°C.
Beeswax, for instance, has a melting point of around 62°C to 65°C, while paraffin wax typically has a pouring temperature of 54°C to 65°C. If you're using a different type of wax, such as soy wax, carnauba wax, or palm wax, the melting point will vary, so it's important to check the specific guidelines for your chosen wax.
To melt your wax, use a double boiler or a pan, and heat the wax gently until it reaches the desired temperature range of 65°C to 80°C. Stir continuously until all the wax has melted, being careful not to exceed the recommended temperature to avoid scorching or discolouration.
Once your wax has melted and is at the right temperature, you can add any desired additives such as fragrance oils or dyes. Mix well with a spoon to ensure they are thoroughly combined. Keep in mind that the type of mould or container you use may also influence the ideal pouring temperature, so adjust accordingly.
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Add dye, fragrance, and UV stabiliser
Once your wax has reached the right temperature, it's time to add your dye, fragrance, and UV stabiliser. These ingredients are sensitive to light, particularly UV light, which can cause them to degrade over time. This is why many candle makers use UV stabilisers to protect their candles from the damaging effects of UV exposure.
First, weigh your dye and fragrance oil according to the recommended usage percentage. For a strong colour, you can use up to 6% dye, but for a more subtle shade, you may want to use less. If you're using fragrance oil, a good starting point is 6% of the weight of your wax, but you can adjust this to your preference. Too much fragrance oil can negatively impact other areas of your candle, so it's important not to overuse these additives.
Next, add your UV stabiliser. This will help to protect your candle's colour and scent from fading due to UV exposure. The recommended usage for UV stabiliser is about 0.2% by weight or 1/2 teaspoon per pound by volume. Make sure to add your UV stabiliser to the melted wax before adding your dye and fragrance. The wax temperature should be between 180°F and 185°F (76.7°C-85°C) when adding the stabiliser.
Finally, add your dye and fragrance oil to the wax and mix well. You can use an old wooden spoon or similar utensil to stir everything together. Once your additives are thoroughly mixed in, you're ready to pour your wax into your prepared mould. Remember to have some paper towels or an old towel on hand to catch any spills.
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Pour wax into mould
When preparing to pour wax into a mould, ensure your workspace is clean and clear, and you have all the necessary items to hand. You will need to work out how much wax you need for your mould, and pour this into your double boiler or pan. Melt the wax at a controlled temperature of no higher than 65°C, stirring gently until all the wax has melted.
While the wax is melting, prepare your mould for the pour. Ensure it is free of any dirt or particles and is dry. Set the wick in place, which may vary depending on the type of mould. You may need to support one end of the wick externally from the mould with a peg, hair clip, or chopstick. If you are using a silicone mould, you will need to sandwich the wick between the two pieces, ensuring they align properly. For other moulds, you may need to secure the wick with a wick bar.
Once your wax has reached the correct temperature, add any additives, fragrance oils, or dyes, and mix well. Pour the wax slowly into your mould, being careful not to hit the sides of the mould with wax, as drips will set very fast and may cause the candle to stick to the mould. If you are new to pillars, put the sealed mould in a pan and pour about an inch of hot wax into the mould, checking for leaks before continuing to pour slowly.
Fill your mould to about half an inch from the top, leaving some wax in the pouring pot to fill in any cracks or holes later. Leave the mould on a flat surface for around 20-30 minutes, then allow the candle to cool for 12-24 hours before removing it from the mould. The candle should shrink as it cools, making it easier to release from the mould. If the candle is stuck, gently squeeze the sides of the mould or roll it on a flat surface using gentle pressure to help it release.
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Allow to cool, then remove from mould
After pouring the wax into the mould, it's important to allow it to cool completely before removing your candle from the mould. The cooling process may take several hours, and for very large candles, it may take more than a full day.
While the wax is cooling, you can prepare for the second pour by reheating your leftover wax to a temperature that is 5-10° hotter than the original pouring temperature. This will aid adhesion between layers. Once the wax is at the proper temperature, you can fill in any sinkholes or cracks in your candle. However, be careful not to overfill the mould, as this can cause wax to drip down the side of the candle, resulting in an unsightly finish.
After the first pour has completely set, you are ready to remove the candle from the mould. First, remove the mould putty and screw from the bottom of the mould. Then, gently slide the mould off the candle. If the candle is stuck, you can try gently squeezing the sides of the mould or rolling it on a flat surface using gentle pressure. Alternatively, you can place the mould in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes to help the wax release from the mould.
Once the candle has been released from the mould, trim the wick on the bottom end so that it is flush with the base of the candle. If desired, you can level the base of the candle by placing it on a cookie sheet over a pot of boiling water and allowing the heated cookie sheet to melt away some of the wax, creating a flat base.
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Frequently asked questions
The ideal temperature for pouring wax into a mould is between 175-200°F (76.7-93.3°C).
The second pour should be done after the wax from the first pour has completely set.
Relief holes are holes that are poked in candles to release air pockets that form as the wax cools and shrinks. They are necessary to prepare the candle for the second pour.
If your candle doesn't slide out of the mould easily, place it in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes and try again.
