Chloe Adams
Decoupage is a fun and easy way to decorate candles and make them more personal. It can be done using a variety of tools and techniques, such as a hairdryer, iron, mini heat press, or glue. The process involves melting the wax of the candle just enough to make a decorative napkin stick to its surface. The napkin can feature any pattern or design you like, from floral prints to holiday themes. Once the wax has cooled and the napkin is secured, you can cut off any excess material and display your unique candle in your home or gift it to a friend.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Techniques | Heat method, glue method |
| Tools | Iron, blow dryer, heat gun, mini heat press, craft knife, paintbrush |
| Materials | Napkins with interesting designs, wax candle, parchment paper, Mod Podge or clear varnish |
| Steps | Choose a napkin, trim it to size, wrap it around the candle, apply heat, remove parchment paper, let it cool, cut excess napkin |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing a napkin design
When choosing a napkin design for your decoupage candle, you can opt for any pattern you like. You can use decorative napkins with floral patterns, holiday themes, or elegant designs. If you want to use your favourite napkins, look for candles with a matching base colour. For example, if you have blue and white floral napkins, opt for a white candle.
You can also choose a napkin with an interesting design, such as flowers, or any design that you like. If you want to apply the entire design to the candle, you can do so. However, if you only want to include certain elements, such as a few flowers, you can cut them out from the rest of the design.
It is important to note that paper napkins usually have multiple layers, so you will need to peel away the plain layers and only use the top printed layer. This means that you should look for napkins that have a decorative design on the top layer. Additionally, make sure that your napkin is big enough to cover the candle by doing a dry fit before starting.
When choosing a napkin, consider the size and shape of your candle. You will need to trim the napkin to fit the height and circumference of the candle, so choose a napkin that you can cut without ruining the design. If you are using a candle with a straight edge, it will be easier to match up the napkin.
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Preparing the candle
To prepare your candle for decoupaging, start by choosing a candle in your preferred colour. Plain white wax candles are a good option, especially if your napkin design includes white space, which can be difficult to remove. You can also opt for a candle colour that matches the base colour of your napkin.
Next, select a decorative napkin with a design of your choice. Floral patterns, holiday themes, or elegant designs work well. Paper cocktail napkins with two or three plies are commonly used. If your napkin has multiple layers, carefully peel and remove the plain layers, leaving only the top layer with the printed design. Ensure the napkin is large enough to cover the candle by measuring the height and circumference of the candle and trimming the napkin accordingly.
Before applying the napkin, make sure your candle is clean and free of any stickers or residue. Then, wrap the napkin around the candle, aligning it with the edges, and hold it firmly in place. You can use a paintbrush to smooth out any folds or creases. Once you are satisfied with the placement, you are ready to apply heat to adhere the napkin to the candle.
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Applying the napkin
When applying the napkin to your candle, there are a few different methods you can use. Firstly, you should ensure that your napkin is the correct size. Measure the height and circumference of the candle, then cut the napkin to fit. If your napkin has multiple layers, carefully peel away the blank layers, leaving only the top printed layer.
Next, you will need to apply heat to the candle to help the napkin adhere. You can use a hairdryer, a heat gun, a mini heat press, or an iron. If using a hairdryer, heat gun, or mini heat press, wrap the candle with the napkin, then apply heat directly to the napkin, slowly moving around the surface of the candle. You will see liquid wax coming through the napkin—this means it's working! Be careful not to burn your fingers. If using an iron, wrap the candle in parchment paper, then gently press the iron over the paper to melt the wax.
Once the wax has cooled, you can cut off any excess napkin from the top and bottom of the candle using a craft knife or scissors. You can also use a paintbrush to smooth out any folds or creases in the napkin as you apply heat.
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Using heat to bond
First, prepare your candle and napkin. Choose a napkin with an interesting design, perhaps featuring flowers, or a pattern that suits the occasion. Napkins are usually 2-ply or 3-ply, so carefully peel away the layers you don't need, being careful not to tear the top layer with the design. Wrap the napkin around the candle, ensuring it aligns with the edges.
Now, to apply heat. If using a hairdryer, direct the heat onto the napkin, slowly moving it around the surface of the candle. You will see liquid wax coming through the napkin—this means it's working! Be careful not to burn your fingers. If using an iron, set it to a low heat setting (without steam) and gently press it over the candle. The heat will melt the wax, bonding it with the napkin. A mini heat press will also get the job done, offering better control and precision than a full-size iron.
Once you've applied heat to the entire surface, allow the wax to cool. You can then remove the greaseproof or parchment paper, ensuring the design is fully adhered to the wax. If it looks like it could peel off, simply repeat the heating process. For a finishing touch, apply a thin coat of Mod Podge or clear varnish to add a protective layer and ensure the napkin stays intact.
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Finishing touches
Once you are happy with the placement of your design, it is time to apply heat to the candle. Using a hairdryer, heat gun, or iron, gently heat the surface of the candle so that the wax melts slightly and the napkin adheres to it. You can also use a heat press for this step. This will ensure that your design becomes a permanent part of the candle.
If you are using a hairdryer, be careful not to burn your fingers when touching the hot wax. It is recommended to let the candle sit for a few minutes to cool down before handling it further.
After the candle has cooled, cut off any excess napkin from the top and bottom of the candle using scissors. You can also use a paintbrush and a bit of water to precisely remove any unwanted parts of the image.
For an optional finishing touch, you can apply a thin coat of Mod Podge or clear varnish over the candle. This will add a protective layer and ensure that the napkin stays intact over time.
Your decoupage candle is now complete! You can display it on your dining table, mantel, or as part of your holiday décor. These candles also make thoughtful, handmade gifts.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need a candle, a decorative napkin, parchment paper, a hairdryer or heating tool, and scissors.
First, choose a decorative napkin and cut it to the size of your candle. Remove any stickers from the candle and wrap the napkin around it. Then, apply heat to the candle using a hairdryer or heating tool, melting the wax so that the napkin sticks. Once cool, remove the parchment paper and cut off any excess napkin from the top and bottom of the candle.
Choose a napkin with an interesting design, such as flowers or a holiday theme. For your first attempt, use a white candle and a napkin with white space, as dark colours are likely to look awful. If you want to use a coloured candle, make sure it matches the base colour of the napkin.
There are two methods: the heat method and the glue method. The heat method involves using a hairdryer or heating tool to melt the wax and stick the napkin to the candle. The glue method involves using a glue substance, such as Mod Podge, to stick the napkin to the candle. However, the heat method is preferable as it does not release nasty chemicals from synthetic glue.
