Maddie James
Decoupage is an art form that involves covering items in sheets of gorgeous designs. You can decoupage a candle using a heat gun, blow dryer, or iron to apply decorative napkins to the surface of the candle. This DIY project is easy, affordable, and mess-free, and it can brighten up any space. The process involves choosing a decorative napkin, trimming it to size, wrapping it around the candle, and using heat to adhere it to the wax. The result is a custom-made candle perfect for displaying or gifting.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Easy, suitable for beginners |
| Materials | Candle, napkin, parchment paper, hair dryer/heat gun, craft knife, paintbrush, water |
| Process | Choose a napkin with an interesting design, trim to size, wrap around the candle, apply heat, cut excess napkin, apply a protective layer |
| Tips | Use a pillar candle, choose a light-coloured candle, use a mini heat press instead of an iron |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right candle
Candle Shape
The shape of the candle is an important factor to consider. While you can experiment with different shapes, pillar candles are generally recommended as the best option for decoupage. They offer a rounded surface that is easier to work with when applying heat. With pillar candles, you can more easily retain the shape and avoid unpredictability during the wax-melting process.
Candle Colour
When choosing the colour of your candle, consider selecting a white or light cream pillar candle. Darker candles may affect the appearance of your design, so lighter shades provide a better base for clarity and ensuring your design stands out. Additionally, if you're using napkins with a specific base colour, try to match the candle colour to it for a more seamless look.
Candle Size
Select a candle size that is appropriate for your chosen napkin design. Measure the height and circumference of the candle to ensure the napkin will fit perfectly. You may need to trim the napkin accordingly. Remember that you want the napkin to align with the edges of the candle without leaving excess material.
Candle Type
For decoupage, you can use either store-bought or homemade candles. The key consideration is the type of wax used. Soy wax or paraffin wax candles are good options, as they respond well to heat and melting. Ensure the candle is plain and unscented to avoid any unwanted odours during the decoupage process.
Candle Surface
Before starting the decoupage process, ensure your candle surface is clean and free of any stickers or residue. This will help the napkin adhere better to the wax surface. A smooth and even surface will also enhance the overall finish of your design.
By carefully considering these factors when choosing your candle, you'll be well on your way to creating beautiful and successful decoupage candles. Remember to have fun and get creative with your designs!
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Selecting a napkin design
When selecting a napkin design, it is important to consider the colour and size of the napkin in relation to the candle. The colour of the candle should complement the base colour of the napkin. For instance, if you have a blue and white floral napkin, pairing it with a cream or white candle would be more aesthetically pleasing than using a coloured candle that might clash with the napkin's design.
Additionally, you should ensure that the napkin is large enough to wrap around the candle. Measure the height and circumference of the candle and cut the napkin accordingly. It is also worth noting that paper napkins typically come in two or three layers, and only the top layer with the design will be used. Therefore, when choosing a napkin, consider whether the design on the top layer can be easily separated from the other layers.
Napkins with floral patterns, holiday themes, or elegant designs are popular choices for decoupaging candles. However, you can choose any design that appeals to you. If you are feeling creative, you can even cut out specific parts of the napkin design, such as flowers, to create a unique composition.
Finally, consider the type of napkin you want to use. Paper napkins, also known as rice paper, are commonly used for decoupaging candles. They come in a variety of designs and are usually two or three-ply. Fabric napkins can also be used, but they may require a different technique or additional preparation, such as thinning the fabric with a mixture of water and fabric softener to help it adhere better to the candle.
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Applying the napkin
To apply the napkin to your candle, you will first need to trim the napkin to size. Measure the height and circumference of the candle and cut the napkin to fit, leaving a little extra at the top and bottom. If your napkin has multiple layers, carefully peel away the blank layers, leaving only the top printed layer.
Next, wrap the napkin around the candle, aligning it with the edges. It is important to ensure that the napkin is not creased or torn, as this will affect the final result. Secure the napkin in place with a piece of parchment paper, which will act as a buffer to prevent burning and ensure even heat distribution.
Now, you can begin to apply heat to the candle. Using a heat gun, blow dryer, or iron, move the heat source back and forth over the napkin-covered candle. Be careful not to scorch the paper or burn yourself. Continue until you see the wax melt and darken the tissue paper.
Once the wax has melted, carefully trim the excess tissue paper, leaving about a quarter-inch overlap on the sides and about an inch at the bottom. Finish adhering the napkin to the side of the candle, using heat to secure the edges.
Finally, remove the sticker from the bottom of the candle and gently heat and press the excess tissue paper onto the base. Allow the candle to cool for a few minutes before handling.
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Using heat to secure the design
First, choose a candle. A pillar candle is the best shape to use, and it can be store-bought or homemade, scented or unscented. Then, select a decorative napkin with an interesting design. Flowers work great, but you can use any design you like. Ensure that the napkin is large enough to cover the candle by measuring the height and circumference of the candle and cutting the napkin to size. Peel away the plain layers of the napkin, leaving only the top printed layer.
Now, wrap the napkin around the candle, aligning it with the edges. To protect the napkin during the heat application, wrap the candle tightly in a piece of parchment paper. The parchment paper will act as a buffer to prevent the napkin from burning and ensure even heat distribution. Using a heat gun, blow dryer, or hairdryer, apply heat to the candle, moving the heat source back and forth to avoid scorching the paper. Continue until you see the wax melt and darken the tissue paper. Be very careful not to burn yourself.
Once the wax has melted, trim the tissue paper so that it overlaps by about a quarter of an inch on the sides and leave about an inch at the bottom of the candle. Finish adhering the napkin to the sides of the candle, and gently heat and press the excess tissue paper onto the bottom of the candle. Remove the parchment paper and ensure your design is fully adhered to the wax. If it looks like it could easily peel off, repeat the heating process.
Finally, let the candle cool for about five minutes, and then cut off any excess napkin from the top and bottom of the candle. You can also apply a thin coat of Mod Podge or clear varnish over the candle for a protective layer.
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Finishing touches
Once you have gone around the entire candle with your heat gun, thoroughly check to make sure that all areas of the napkin have stuck to the wax. If not, repeat the process of applying heat until you are happy with the results.
Next, cut the excess napkin on the top and bottom of the candle. Leave about 1 inch of napkin at the bottom of the candle. Finish adhering the napkin to the side of the candle. Remove the sticker covering the bottom of the napkin, and gently heat and press the excess tissue paper onto the base of the candle.
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.
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Frequently asked questions
A pillar candle is the best shape to use as candles that aren't rounded can be unpredictable when you melt the wax.
Paper cocktail napkins with a design on them work well. Napkins with floral patterns, holiday themes, or elegant designs are perfect.
Peel off the back layer, which does not have the design, and wrap the napkin around the candle. Trim the tissue paper so it overlaps by about 1/4" on the sides, and leave about 1 inch at the bottom of the candle.
Using your heat gun, hair dryer, or blow dryer, aim the heat onto the candle. Move it back and forth so you don't scorch the paper. Keep blowing hot air until you see the wax melt and darken the tissue paper.
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.
