Maddie James
Candles are delicate objects, and it is common for them to chip, crack, and break. While a broken taper candle can be repaired, it will never look as perfect as it did before. There are several methods to fix a broken taper candle, depending on the type of break. If the candle has cracked, melting a small amount of wax and painting it inside the crack with a paintbrush can help mend the break. If the candle has broken into two pieces, the broken ends can be melted and immediately secured back together. Another method involves melting the candle down and reshaping it into a new candle.
How to fix a broken taper candle
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Step 1 | Melt a small amount of candle wax in a double boiler. Use beeswax for a broken beeswax taper candle, and paraffin wax for a broken paraffin candle. |
| Step 2 | Lay the broken taper candle on some old newspaper, wax paper, or baking parchment paper. |
| Step 3 | Dip the broken ends of the candle into the wax until it begins to melt. |
| Step 4 | Secure the two pieces together and stand the candle upright on a table. |
| Step 5 | Hold the candle together for 30 seconds, then set it down gently. |
| Step 6 | Allow the candle to dry for a few minutes. |
| Alternative method | Use a lighter or hot water to melt the wax. |
| Alternative method | Wrap the candle in aluminium foil and burn it. |
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What You'll Learn
Melt wax in a double boiler
To fix a broken taper candle, melting wax in a double boiler is a safe and efficient method. Here is a step-by-step guide:
Prepare the Double Boiler
Start by filling a large pot or saucepan with water. The amount of water will depend on the size of your pot, but aim for about 1-2 inches or halfway full. Place the pot on your stove and turn the heat to medium to bring the water to a gentle simmer.
Choose the Right Wax
Depending on the type of taper candle you are repairing, choose the appropriate wax. Common options include soy wax, beeswax, or paraffin wax, each with different melting points. Soy wax, for example, has a low melting point of around 120°F to 140°F, while beeswax requires higher temperatures, ranging from 145°F to 175°F.
Melt the Wax
Place a heat-safe container, such as a pouring pitcher or smaller saucepan, on top of the large pot, ensuring it rests comfortably without touching the water. Add your chosen wax to this container. As the wax begins to melt, stir it occasionally with a wooden or heat-safe spatula to ensure even melting.
Keep the water in the large pot at a gentle simmer to avoid uneven heating, which can lead to burning. Monitor the temperature of the wax with a thermometer to ensure it remains within the safe range for your specific wax type.
Add Color and Fragrance (Optional)
If desired, you can add color to your wax once it has completely melted. Stir it in thoroughly. If you wish to add a fragrance, remove the wax from the heat first. Gently stir in the fragrance, being careful not to over-mix. Most wax should be heated to 185 degrees Fahrenheit before adding fragrance, but always refer to your wax supplier's instructions.
Remember to work in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling any fumes released during the melting process. Keep in mind that overheating or burning the wax can negatively impact its quality and scent throw.
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Paint wax inside the crack
To fix a broken taper candle, you can paint wax inside the crack. Here is a step-by-step guide:
- Prepare your workspace: Lay out some old newspaper, wax paper, or baking parchment paper to protect your work surface.
- Melt wax: Melt a small amount of candle wax in a double boiler. If you have a broken beeswax taper, use beeswax, and if you have a broken paraffin candle, use paraffin wax. You can add colour and scent to match your candle, but it is not necessary. Heat the wax to 180 degrees Fahrenheit, monitoring the temperature with a candy thermometer.
- Paint the crack: Dip a paintbrush into the hot wax and quickly paint the wax inside the crack. Work fast, as the wax will start to cool as soon as it comes into contact with the air.
- Hold the pieces together: Keep the two pieces of the candle together until you are satisfied with the sturdiness of the repair. Don't worry about the exterior mess at this stage.
- Let it cool: Allow the candle to cool completely.
- Check for sturdiness: Gently place the repaired candle in a candle holder to test its sturdiness. If it falls apart, repeat steps 1-5.
- Smooth the finish: Use a small, sharp knife to gently scrape away any excess wax bumps. Buff the candle with a soft, clean cloth. You can further smooth the finish by blasting it with a heat gun for a second or two. Be careful not to overdry it, as it may mar the finish. Alternatively, you can use a handheld hairdryer.
- Overdip the candle (optional): If you want to refinish the candle, dip the entire candle in hot wax for three seconds. If the repaired candle is one half of a pair, dip the other candle as well so that they match.
Remember, while you can repair a broken taper candle, it will never look as perfect as it did before the break.
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Smooth the finish with a heat gun
Heat guns are an important tool in the candle-making process, used to control temperatures with accuracy and precision to manipulate the state of wax into a different shape. They can be used to smooth the finish of a repaired taper candle.
To smooth the finish of a repaired taper candle with a heat gun, start by laying the candle on some old newspaper, wax paper, or baking parchment paper. Then, blast the repaired area with the heat gun for just a second or two. Overdoing it with the heat gun will mar the finish of the candle more than it will fix it. If you don't have a heat gun, try using a hand-held hair dryer.
A heat gun can also be used to smooth the top of a candle by melting the top layers. However, this can cause random holes and air bubbles to appear. This is caused by the wax and fragrance separating. To avoid this, stir the scents for at least 4-5 minutes and get the candle down to 125 degrees Fahrenheit before pouring.
Heat guns are also useful for removing excess wax from surfaces. A few minutes under a heat gun will transform wax back into a liquid that can be easily cleaned with paper towels.
When using a heat gun, it is important to be cautious as concentrating too much heat on the wax can scorch it.
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Dip the candle in hot wax
To fix a broken taper candle by dipping it in hot wax, you'll first need to melt some wax in a double boiler. Use a wax melter if you have one, or a jar placed in a pot of water. If you're fixing a beeswax taper, melt beeswax; if it's a paraffin candle, melt paraffin wax. You don't need to add colour or scent to match your candle.
Next, lay the broken candle on some newspaper, wax paper, or baking parchment paper. Be sure to wear gloves to protect your hands from the hot wax. Dip the broken ends of the candle into the wax until it begins to melt. The time required will depend on the thickness of your candle—a few seconds should be enough for thin candles, but thicker candles will need longer. Don't dip the candle too far into the pot, as only the outermost ends need to be melted.
Once the wax has melted, immediately secure the two pieces together in their original form. Hold them firmly for 30 seconds, then set the candle upright on a table to air dry. It will take a few minutes to dry completely. If you have a heat gun, you can blast the candle with a quick burst of heat to smooth the finish. Alternatively, use a handheld hairdryer.
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Burn the candle inside a protective layer
Burning a candle inside a protective layer, such as a jar, can be dangerous if the glass is broken. It is not recommended to burn a candle in a broken container as it might start a fire. However, you can take the broken candle out of its original container and place it in a new one. Here are the steps to do this safely:
Firstly, put the candle in the freezer. This will make it easier to remove the wax from the broken container. You can then break the wax into smaller pieces and place them in a wax warmer or melter. Once the wax is melted, you can pour it into a new container. Make sure the new container is heat-safe and can withstand the temperature of the melted wax.
Alternatively, you can use hot water to melt the wax. Fill a small pot or pan with water and set it on the stove on high heat. When the water reaches a temperature of 160 to 180 degrees Fahrenheit, it will begin to "dance". At this temperature, you can place the broken candle in the water to melt the wax. Be careful not to get the wax or water too hot, as it could shatter the glass.
Once you have removed the wax from the broken container, you can transfer it to a new container. Make sure the new container is clean and dry before pouring in the melted wax. You can also add colour or scent to the wax if desired. Allow the wax to cool and harden completely before lighting the candle.
Always exercise caution when working with hot wax and open flames. Wear protective clothing, such as gloves, and keep flammable objects away from the heat source. Never leave a burning candle unattended.
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Frequently asked questions
To fix a broken taper candle, you can melt some candle wax in a double boiler. Then, dip a paintbrush into the wax and paint some wax inside the crack. Work quickly before the wax cools.
You can melt the wax using a double boiler. If you don't have one, you can fill a small pot or pan with water and set it on the stove on high heat. The water should be around 160 to 180 degrees Fahrenheit.
For thin taper candles, a few seconds in the wax should be enough. For thicker candles, leave them in the wax for longer. Be careful not to dip the candle too far into the wax, as only the outermost ends need to be melted.
If you don't have any extra wax, you can try using a lighter or hot water to mend the break. Be careful when handling hot items.
You can use a heat gun or a handheld hairdryer to smooth out the finish of the candle. Be careful not to overdo it, as this can ruin the finish.
