Chloe Adams
Pillar candles are a popular choice for those looking to create a cosy atmosphere in their home. They are typically larger and more cylindrical than other candles, and they stand on their own without a container or holder. With a little care and attention to detail, you can create stunning pillar candles that add warmth and elegance to any space. In this guide, we will cover the essential steps and techniques for creating your own pillar candles, including choosing the right wax, preparing your mould, and adding your wick.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wax type | Paraffin, soy, beeswax, palm wax, blended waxes |
| Wax properties | Hardness, stability, affordability, ease of use, scent throw, melting point |
| Wax preparation | Cut with a knife, putty knife, or utility knife. Melt in a double boiler or wax melter. |
| Mold type | Sturdy, heat-resistant, silicone |
| Mold preparation | Clean with soap and water, mold cleaner, or cooking spray. Inspect for cracks, chips, or imperfections. |
| Wick type | Cotton, paper, zinc, wood |
| Wick preparation | Cut to desired length, attach to bottom of mold with wick sticker or hot glue |
| Additional items | UV stabilizer, essential oils, fragrance oils, dyes |
| Safety | Keep out of reach of children and pets. Place on high surfaces or use protective barriers. Avoid drafts. |
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What You'll Learn
Choose the right wax
Choosing the right wax is a critical step in creating a protection pillar candle that meets your aesthetic, performance, and sustainability goals. Understanding the characteristics of each wax will empower you to create stunning pillar candles that delight the senses and elevate any space.
The best natural waxes to use for pillar candles are beeswax, palm wax, and elite-300. Pillar candles are self-supporting and do not need to be placed in a container. Therefore, it is important to select a wax that can hold its own shape. Pillar wax is specifically formulated for pillar candles, wax melts, tarts, votives, and other wax products that need to be freestanding.
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 beautiful, glossy finish. However, it is important to note that paraffin wax does not have any additives, so if you are looking for a scented candle, you will need to add fragrance oils.
Soy wax is another popular option for pillar candles. It is made from hydrogenated soybean oil and is available in several forms, including soy wax flakes. Soy wax generally has a longer burn time, produces less black soot, and is often preferred by consumers who value naturally-derived products. It also has an impressive cold throw, providing a light scent even when the candle is not lit. However, frosting is a common issue with soy wax, resulting in a whitish coating on the surface of the cooled wax.
Ultimately, the type of wax you choose will depend on your specific needs and preferences. Each wax has its own unique properties, so consider factors such as hardness, stability, scent throw, burn time, and eco-friendliness when making your decision.
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Prepare your moulds
Preparing your moulds is an important step in creating a protection pillar candle. The mould will determine the shape and size of your candle, so choose one that is sturdy, heat-resistant, and made of a soft, flexible material like silicone to ensure your candle has smooth surfaces and clean edges.
Before pouring your wax, clean your mould thoroughly with soap and water, or a mould cleaner, to remove any dust, debris, or oil residue from manufacturing. If this is your first time making a pillar candle, it is recommended to put the sealed mould in a pan for your first pour. Pour about an inch of hot wax into the mould and wait a few seconds to make sure the mould is not leaking. If there is no leaking, continue to pour slowly.
While your wax is melting, prepare your wick by cutting it to the desired length, leaving about 6 inches longer than the height of your mould. String the wick through the hole in the bottom of the mould, leaving a few inches hanging out, and hold it flush to the bottom of the mould. Once the mould is filled, pull the wick taut and use a wick bar to secure it.
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Select and place the wick
Selecting and placing the wick is a crucial step in creating a protection pillar candle. The wick plays a critical role in how the candle burns, affecting factors such as heat, duration, scent throw, and combustion. Therefore, choosing the right type and size of wick is essential for achieving optimal performance and ensuring your candle burns evenly and cleanly.
When selecting a wick, 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, thicker wicks allow more fuel to be drawn into the flame, creating more heat, making them ideal for wider candles or candles made with harder waxes like beeswax. On the other hand, thinner wicks burn cooler and are better suited for narrower candles or those made with softer waxes like soy. Additionally, consider using flat braided or knitted wicks made from high-performance fibres, as they result in a cleaner-burning, self-trimming wick with additional structural strength and a more efficient flame.
Before placing the wick, prepare your mould by cleaning it thoroughly with soap and water to remove any residue. Then, cut the wick to the appropriate length, ensuring you have slightly more than you need. Flip your mould so that the bottom of the candle is facing up. Centre the wick using a wick centring tool to ensure it runs straight up the middle of your candle. Secure the wick with a wick bar or a wick sticker, making sure it is nice and straight. Alternatively, you can use duct tape by placing it across the mould and adding another piece perpendicular to it to enforce the seal.
Once the wick is secured, your mould is ready for wax. Pour the melted wax into the clean mould, being careful not to spill. Allow the wax to cool and set, then trim the excess wick, leaving a few inches protruding. By regularly trimming the wick, you can ensure a safer, cleaner, and more efficient burn.
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Melt and pour the wax
Now it's time to melt your wax. If you're using a wax melter, simply follow the machine instructions. If not, you can melt your wax using a double boiler or a heat-resistant container placed inside a pot of water. If you're using a double boiler, fill the bottom pot with water and place the pouring pot inside. Be careful when handling the pots as the handles may heat up. You can place the pot on paper towels to absorb any water.
The ideal temperature for pouring wax is around 150 degrees Fahrenheit. However, some tutorials suggest a higher temperature of 170 to 185 degrees Fahrenheit. If you're reheating leftover wax, make it 5ºF hotter than your original pour temperature.
While the wax is melting, prepare your mold. Clean the mold with soap and water, and check for any cracks or imperfections. If you're using a new mold, it may have a thin layer of oil from manufacturing, so wipe it with a paper towel and some mold cleaner or cooking spray.
Once the wax is melted, you can add any desired fragrance oils or dyes. Then, it's time to pour the wax into your prepared mold. Avoid hitting the sides of the mold with wax, as drips can cause the candle to stick. If you're new to making pillar candles, try placing the sealed mold in a pan for your first pour. Pour about an inch of hot wax into the mold and wait a few seconds to check for leaks. If there are no leaks, slowly continue pouring.
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Add fragrance and colour
To add fragrance to your candle, weigh out your chosen fragrance oil—a little more than a 6% fragrance load is recommended, but typically loads range from 6% to 10%. Once your wax has melted, wait for it to cool to 70°C, and then add your fragrance oil. Stir the mixture thoroughly for two minutes.
If you want to add colour to your candle, divide your wax into as many portions as you have colours. Add each portion to a melting pot, ensuring you don't fill them to the brim. Place the melting pots inside a double boiler and heat the wax to between 176°F and 194°F. Once the wax reaches this temperature, add your chosen candle dye to each melting pot and stir thoroughly with a bamboo skewer. Lower the setting of your double boiler and let the wax cool to 158°F.
The secret to successfully making a layered candle with different colours is knowing how long to wait between pouring each layer. If you pour the next layer too soon, the colours will mix. But if you wait too long, the layers may not stick together. To test if the wax is ready for the next layer, thrust a wicking needle along the wick into the topmost layer of wax. If the wax is too hard to let the needle through, it's too late. If the needle comes out covered in wax, it's too soon. If it comes out clean, it's time to pour the next layer.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need a wax formulated for pillar candles, such as paraffin, soy, or beeswax, a mold, a wick, a double boiler or wax melter, and fragrance oils or dyes if desired.
First, prepare your work area by ensuring it is clean, dry, and free from clutter or flammable materials. Lay out all your supplies within easy reach. Next, clean your mold with soap and water or a mold cleaner, and prepare your wick by cutting it to the desired length and attaching it to the bottom of your mold. Then, melt your wax in a double boiler or wax melter, and add any fragrance oils or dyes. Finally, pour the wax into your mold, and allow it to cool.
Before lighting your candle, ensure that it is placed on a heat-resistant surface such as a stovetop, granite countertop, or a plate made of ceramic or glass. Keep the candle out of reach of children and pets, and away from drafts, flammable materials, and uneven surfaces. Trim the wick to 1/8 to 1/4 inch long before lighting, and ensure that the wax pool extends to the edges of the container or mold.
