Maddie James
Dipping your own beeswax candles is a fun and easy project that can be done with just a few supplies. It's a great beginner craft that can be done by adults and children alike, and the finished candles make perfect gifts. The process is simple: melt your beeswax in a metal container set in a pot of water, dip your wick, then use your fingers to straighten it out. Repeat the dipping process until you're happy with the thickness of your candle, dunk it in cold water to set the wax, trim the wick, and you're done!
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wax | Beeswax, soy, bayberry, or any candle-making wax |
| Wick | Cotton, hemp, or plain |
| Container | Tall, thin, and deep |
| Water | Cold |
| Temperature | Wax shouldn't exceed 75°C (167°F) |
| Technique | Dip wick into wax, straighten, dip into water, repeat |
| Weight | Metal washers, nuts, or bolts |
| Drying | Drying rack or hang to dry |
| Curing | Several months for best burning time |
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What You'll Learn
Melting the wax
Firstly, you need to prepare your wax. You can use new wax or recycle old beeswax from burning other candles. Beeswax has the highest melting point of any available wax, so it will take longer to melt than other types of candle wax. It should not be heated above 75°C (167°F).
Next, you need to choose a container to melt your wax in. It is important to note that beeswax is extremely difficult to remove from dishes and pans, so it is best to use designated beeswax containers that you don't mind ruining. Metal containers are preferred over glass ones as they are cheaper and there is no risk of cracking or shattering. You can use an old metal cake pan, a metal canister, or even an old soup can.
Once you have your wax and container ready, it's time to start melting the wax. Place your container of wax inside a larger pot that is half-filled with water. The water should come up to at least 15 cm around the canister. Heat the water on a stove to melt the wax. Do not let the water come to a boil.
While the wax is melting, you can prepare your other materials and set up your workspace. You will need a large jar or bucket of cold water to dip the candles in between dips in the hot wax. This speeds up the hardening process and makes the overall process faster. You will also need your wicks, which can be made of plain cotton or hemp. Cut the wicks to the desired length, leaving a little extra to hold onto when dipping. You can also use metal washers or nuts to weigh down the wicks and keep them straight.
Once the wax has completely melted, remove it from the heat source. You can now begin the dipping process, starting with your wicks.
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Preparing the wick
Firstly, measure and cut the candle wicking. It should be a little longer than double the length of your pot, with some extra room to tie metal washers or weights to each end and leave room to hold the top of the wicking while dipping the candles. The extra length will also ensure that your hands are a safe distance from the hot wax. You can use metal washers, nuts, or bolts as weights. If using bolts, you might need to cut a small slit at the end of the wick for the bolt to fit through.
Next, tie your chosen weights to each end of the wicking. You can use plain cotton or hemp wicks, and choose a thickness suitable for the candle size you are aiming for—thicker wicks for larger candles.
Now you are ready to start dipping! Slowly lower the wicking into the melted beeswax, holding it in the centre to ensure that the weights at each end do not touch the sides of the pot. Continue lowering the wicking until the weights touch the bottom of the melting pot. Then, slowly bring the wicking back up, allowing any excess wax to drip off for a few seconds.
At this point, you can choose to dunk the hot waxed wicking into a pot of cold water to instantly set the wax and speed up the process. This will also help to create a smoother finish on your candle. However, this step is optional, and you can also allow the wax to harden at room temperature before proceeding.
Repeat the dipping process, alternating between wax and cold water dips if desired, until you achieve the desired thickness for your candle. For thicker candles, more dips will be required. Remember to gently pull off any soft wax that builds up on the washers and add it back to your melting pot.
Once your candle has some bulk, you can use scissors to carefully cut off the weight at the bottom. You can then continue dipping the candle without the weight until it reaches your desired size. Press the bottom of the candle gently to ensure it doesn't become misshapen from cutting off the weight.
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Dipping the wick
To begin making your beeswax candles, you will need to cut your candle wicking longer than double the length of your pot, leaving extra room to tie metal washers to each end. You can also use a nut or bolt to weigh down the wick. The extra length will also give you room to hold the top of the wicking to dip the candles.
When you are ready, dip the wick into the hot melted wax, with the washers at the bottom and your hands holding the centre of the wicking. Slowly bring the wick back up and allow the last of the wax to drip off. Dunk the hot waxed wicking into a pot of cold water.
Repeat these steps, dipping into the wax and then the cold water, until you reach your desired thickness. You can peel off and recycle the soft wax that builds up on the washers. You can also straighten the wick immediately after the first few dips to help shape your candle.
Once you are happy with the thickness, cut the weight off the candle with scissors or a knife. You can then continue dipping the candle without the weight until it reaches your desired size.
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Dipping in cold water
Dipping your beeswax candles in cold water is a great way to speed up the candle-making process. It is an optional step that you can do in between dips in hot wax to instantly set the wax. You will need a large container of cold water to do this. A large pail, a half-gallon mason jar, or a bucket will all work well.
After dipping your candle wick in hot wax, slowly move it over to the cold water and dip it completely under the water. You can then move the candle back and forth between the wax and the water, building up layers of wax until your candle has some bulk to it.
If you are making full-length candles, you may want to create a drying rack to speed up the process. This will allow you to leave some candles hardening while you continue to dip new ones.
Once your candles have reached the desired thickness, give them a final dip in the cold water to set the wax. Then, trim the wicks with scissors and cut off the bases. It's best to let the candles cure for several months before use, for the best burning time.
Remember, beeswax is extremely difficult to remove from dishes and pans, so it's a good idea to have designated beeswax containers that you don't need to worry about cleaning.
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Trimming the wick
Firstly, it is important to choose the right type of wick for your candle. Cotton or hemp wicks are commonly used, and the thickness of the wick should correspond to the size of the candle. Thicker wicks are more suitable for larger candles. You can refer to the suggested candle thickness on the wick's label as a guide.
When you are ready to trim, use scissors or a knife to cut the wick. If you have used a weight, such as a nut, bolt, or washer, attached to the wick during the dipping process, you will need to remove it. Some people prefer to cut the weight off after a few dips to achieve a tapered look on the bottom of the candle. Alternatively, you can trim the weight off at the end if you prefer a flat bottom.
After removing the weight, continue dipping the candle without it until it reaches your desired size. Ensure the wick is straight and centred during each dip. Once the candle is fully formed, trim the wick to approximately 1/8 inch before lighting. This ensures a proper burn.
It is important to note that candle making can pose a fire hazard, so always exercise caution when working with hot wax and open flames. Be sure to never leave a burning candle unattended, and always supervise children and pets when candles are lit.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need beeswax, candle wicks, a tall container to dip your candles in, something to melt your beeswax in (like a metal canister), and a large jar of cold water to dip the candles in between coats of wax.
Place your beeswax in a metal canister set in a pot of water. Heat the water to melt the wax, but don't bring it to a boil. The wax shouldn't be heated above 75°C (167°F).
Cut your candle wicks longer than double the length of your container, leaving extra room to tie metal washers to each end. Dip the wicks into the hot melted wax, then dunk them in the cold water. Repeat this process until you reach your desired thickness.
Let the candles dry for a day or so. Once they are completely dry, you can use them immediately or store them flat in a cool and dry place.
