Jessie Taylor
Pillar candles are a popular type of candle that can be used for decoration or to create ambiance in a room. They are typically larger and more cylindrical than other candles and can stand on their own without a container or holder. In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know to make your own pillar candles at home, including the best waxes to use, selecting and preparing your mold, choosing your wick, and step-by-step instructions on how to create your candle.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of candle | Pillar |
| Shape | Cylindrical |
| Position | Stands upright without a container |
| Wax | Soy, paraffin, beeswax, palm wax, blended waxes |
| Wax properties | Hardness, stability, sustainability |
| Wax preparation | Cut with a putty knife, scored with a utility knife |
| Wax weight | 15.75 oz. (447 g) |
| Wax temperature | 175° - 185°F |
| Additives | UV stabilizer, dyes, fragrances |
| Mold | Pillar mold, silicone, metal, plastic |
| Mold preparation | Clean with soap and water, wipe with mold cleaner or cooking spray |
| Wick | Cotton, paper, zinc, wood, bamboo |
| Wick preparation | Cut to length, attach with wick sticker, hot glue or duct tape |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right wax
There are several types of wax that can be used to make pillar candles, the most common being soy and paraffin waxes. You can also use 100% beeswax or palm wax. Soy wax is a good option for pillar candles because it is formulated for hardness and shrinkage, which makes it easy to release from a mould. Harder waxes will also make your candle less susceptible to dents and will ensure it burns properly. Paraffin wax is a classic choice for pillar candles due to its affordability, ease of use, and excellent scent throw. It has a high melting point, resulting in long-lasting candles with a glossy finish. If you're looking for an eco-friendly option, soy wax is a good choice. Beeswax is another natural option that will give your candle a beautiful, unique look.
When selecting your wax, it's important to consider the desired candle size, fragrance load, and burn characteristics. You'll also need to take into account the hardness of the wax, as this will affect how easily the candle releases from the mould. For example, if you're using a silicone mould, you'll want to choose a wax that is soft enough to be easily peeled away from the candle after it has cooled and hardened.
Once you've chosen your wax, you'll need to melt it. This can be done using a double boiler or a wax melter. If you don't have either of these, you can use a heat-resistant container placed inside a pot of water. While your wax is melting, you can prepare your mould and wick.
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Preparing your mould
Firstly, select a suitable mould. Pillar candles typically require sturdy, heat-resistant moulds. Silicone moulds are highly recommended due to their softness, flexibility, and ease of removal. Makesy moulds, for instance, are made of "super silicone," making them ideal for this purpose. Metal or plastic moulds are alternative options, but they may not be as effective unless you are creating a taper candle.
Once you have chosen your mould, it's time to clean and inspect it. Start by using a paper towel with a small amount of mould cleaner to thoroughly wipe the inside of the mould. If you don't have mould cleaner, a cooking spray like Pam will also work. This step is important because even new moulds can have a thin layer of oil from the manufacturing process, and cleaning will ensure your candle looks its best. After cleaning, carefully inspect the mould for any cracks, chips, or imperfections that could impact the quality of your finished candle.
Now, it's time to prepare the wick. Cut the wick to the desired length, keeping in mind that it's better to have too much than too little. A good rule of thumb is to add about 6 inches to the height of your mould. You can then pierce a small hole through the centre of the bottom of the mould. Using a bamboo skewer or something similar, push the wick through the hole, leaving a few inches of wicking hanging out. Take the wick and hold it flush to the bottom of the mould. Secure the wick with a wick bar, ensuring it is straight and taut.
Finally, before pouring the wax, it's important to take some precautionary measures. Wear protective gear, such as gloves and an apron, to prevent burns. Additionally, ensure your work area is clean, dry, and free from any clutter or flammable materials. Lay out all your equipment within easy reach to make the process more efficient.
By carefully following these steps, you will be well-prepared to create beautiful and elegant pillar candles.
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Adding fragrance and colour
If you are using colour, you can add it at the same time as the fragrance. You can add a single colour to your wax for a solid design or create a more colourful look through layers. You can also dip-dye your pillars to create an ombre effect. It is important to mix everything together very thoroughly for 3-5 minutes.
There are several types of wax that can be used to make pillar candles, the most common being soy and paraffin waxes. You can also use 100% beeswax. Harder waxes will perform better because they will make your candles less susceptible to dents and they will burn properly.
You can also add a UV stabiliser to your wax to help keep the colour from fading if the candles are exposed to UV rays or fluorescent lighting.
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Wick selection and placement
Wick Selection:
When selecting a wick for your pillar candle, it's important to consider the diameter of the candle, the type of wax used, and the desired burn characteristics. Common wick materials include cotton, paper, zinc, and wood, each offering unique properties and benefits. For example, cotton wicks are known for their stability and ability to burn slowly, while wood wicks can provide a more rustic look and a crackling sound when lit.
Wick Placement:
To ensure even burning and optimal performance, proper wick placement is essential. Start by cutting the wick to the desired length, allowing for enough extra wick at each end of the mold. You will need about twice the height of the candle. Then, flip over your pillar mold so that the bottom of the candle is facing up. Using a needle or a thin tool like a bamboo skewer, pierce a small hole through the centre of the bottom of the mold. Pull the wick taut and push it through the hole, securing it with a wick sticker, hot glue, or duct tape to create a good seal. This step is crucial in preventing wax leakage. Finally, use a wick bar to secure the wick in place, ensuring it remains straight and centred as the wax cools.
Experimenting with different wick types and placements will help you refine your craft and create pillar candles that burn beautifully and efficiently.
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Melting and pouring the wax
To melt the wax, use a double boiler or a wax melter. Place your chosen wax, such as soy wax, paraffin wax, or beeswax, in the double boiler or wax melter and heat it until it is completely melted. If using a double boiler, the handle of the pouring pot may heat up slightly, so be sure to use a hot pad or something similar to protect your hand. You may also want to set the pouring pot on a few paper towels to absorb any water from the double boiler. The recommended melting temperature for the wax is around 150 degrees Fahrenheit.
While the wax is melting, prepare your wick by cutting it to the desired length, leaving enough excess wick at each end of the mold. You can then attach the wick to the bottom of your mold using a wick sticker, duct tape, or hot glue. It is important to create a good seal over the hole to prevent the wax from leaking. If using a silicone mold, pierce a small hole through the centre of the bottom of the mold and push the wick through using a skinny object like a bamboo skewer.
Once the wax is melted, you can add any desired fragrance oils, essential oils, or dyes. It is recommended to allow the wax to cool slightly before adding these components to prevent them from burning off or losing potency. The ideal temperature for adding fragrances and essential oils is around 140 to 180 degrees Fahrenheit. Mix everything together thoroughly for about 3 to 5 minutes.
Now, it's time to pour the wax into your prepared mold. Be cautious during this step to avoid spills and burns. Try not to hit the sides of the mold with wax as drips can harden quickly and cause the candle to stick to the mold. Pour slowly and steadily, filling the mold to the desired level. Pull the wick taut and secure it with a wick bar to ensure it remains centred as the wax cools.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need wax, a mould, a wick, and a heat source. Common waxes used for pillar candles include paraffin, soy, beeswax, and palm wax. Harder waxes are better as they make your candle less susceptible to dents. For moulds, silicone is a popular choice as it is soft, flexible, and easy to work with. Common wick materials include cotton, paper, zinc, and wood.
Clean the mould with soap and water to remove any dust, debris, or residue. If you do not have soap, you can use a small amount of mould cleaner or a cooking spray on a paper towel to wipe the inside of the mould. Cut the wick to twice the height of the candle, thread it through the hole in the bottom of the mould, and secure it with a wick sticker, hot glue, or duct tape.
Melt the wax in a double boiler or a heat-resistant container placed inside a pot of water. If adding fragrance or essential oils, allow the wax to cool to around 140°F to 180°F before adding them. Stir the mixture for 3-5 minutes. Then, pour the wax into the mould, trying not to hit the sides. Allow the candle to fully cool before removing it from the mould.
