Jessie Taylor
Floating candles are a simple yet elegant way to elevate the ambience of any space. They are perfect for indoor and outdoor use and can be customised to suit the theme of your event. Whether you're looking to create a romantic atmosphere with floating candles nestled among flower petals or a dramatic effect with a group of candles in a large bowl, the possibilities are endless. In this discussion, we will explore the art of making and using floating candles to enhance your surroundings and impress your guests. From choosing the right wax and moulds to safety considerations, we will guide you through the process of creating these enchanting illuminators that are sure to make a lasting impression.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Materials | Wax (paraffin or soy), water, bowl, candle wick, thermometer, skewer/pencil, glue dots, decorative items |
| Process | Melt wax, add colour/fragrance, place wick, stabilise wick, pour wax into mould, cool, remove from mould, decorate vessel, add water, light candle |
| Benefits | Affordable, elegant, versatile, long-lasting, cleaner burning, prevents overheating |
| Use Cases | Centrepieces, weddings, events, parties, indoor/outdoor spaces, pools, vases, bowls |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right wax
The wax you choose for your floating candles will depend on the burn time and buoyancy you desire. Paraffin wax is a popular choice, melting at around 80-85°C. Soy wax is a natural alternative, producing a slow burn, but it may not burn far or long enough, especially if using a harder wax like Votive/Pillar soy wax. In this case, you could try blending it with paraffin wax or another soy wax.
If you're making your own floating candles, you'll need to weigh out your wax before melting it. For 1lb of paraffin wax, heat to 185ºF (85°C) in a double boiler or on a hot plate. Weigh out 275g of soy wax flakes if you're using this natural alternative.
You can also blend different types of wax to get the desired effect. One source recommends using half votive wax and half 100% soy wax to ensure the candles come out of the moulds easily and burn for longer.
If you're not making your own floating candles, you can buy cheap candles in glass holders from dollar stores. Simply set the glass candle holder in a bowl of hot water to loosen the candle inside and pull it out. Seal the bottom to make it float.
Remember, the burn time of your floating candles will not only depend on the type of wax but also on the quality of the wax, how well the candles are maintained, and whether the flame is exposed to drafts.
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Melting the wax
The first step in making floating candles is to choose the type of wax you want to use. Paraffin wax and soy wax are two popular options. Soy wax is a better natural alternative, and it also produces a slow burn. Weigh out your wax—for example, 1 lb (454 g) of paraffin wax or 275 g of soy wax flakes.
Next, you'll need to melt the wax. This can be done using a double boiler or a hot plate. Place your wax in a pouring pitcher or metal bowl and heat it to the ideal melting point for your chosen wax. The ideal melting temperature for paraffin wax is around 80-85°C, while soy wax has a slightly lower melting point.
Once your wax has melted, you can add colour or fragrance if desired. If using liquid dye, add it to the melted wax and stir gently until fully incorporated. For fragrance, essential oils can be used, but be sure to start with low percentages to avoid affecting the wax's density and the candle's ability to float.
When adding fragrance oil, remove the pitcher or bowl from the heat first, then add the oil and stir gently for a couple of minutes to ensure the fragrance binds with the wax. It's important to pay close attention to the wax's temperature throughout the process to ensure a smooth finish and consistent burn.
After adding any desired colour or fragrance, carefully pour the wax into your chosen moulds. You can use metal tart moulds or other types of moulds that are wider at the top, where the wick will be lit, to ensure the candle floats nicely.
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Placing the wick
To make your own floating candles, you'll need to start by choosing the right wick. The wick should be the right size for the diameter of your candle, allowing it to burn efficiently without drowning in melted wax.
Once you've chosen the right wick, it's time to secure it in place. Place the wick tab in the centre of your mould, using a bit of melted wax to hold it in place. Ensure that the wick stands upright and centred. You can also use an adjustable wick holder for more precision.
If you're using a pre-made candle, you'll need to remove it from its aluminium cup and flip it over. Then, light another candle and drip some wax onto the underside of the tea light until the metal wick holder is completely sealed.
For larger candles, you can buy cheap candles in a glass holder and set the holder in a bowl of hot water to loosen the candle inside. Remove the candle from the holder and seal the bottom in the same way.
Finally, test your floating candle in a bowl of water to ensure it floats well and burns evenly. Floating candles should have a wider, flatter base than traditional candles to ensure stability and buoyancy.
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Stabilising the wick
To stabilise the wick of a floating candle, you must first secure a pre-tabbed wick in the centre of your mould. Use a bit of melted wax to hold the wick tab in place, ensuring it stands upright and centred.
Next, stabilise the wick by keeping it straight. You can do this by resting a skewer or pencil across the mould's top and wrapping the wick around it. For more precision, an adjustable wick holder can be used.
If you are using a tea light candle, remove the candle from its aluminium cup and flip it over. Light another candle and drip some wax from it onto the underside of the tea light until the metal wick holder on the bottom is completely sealed.
For bigger floating candles, use cheap candles that can be bought in a glass holder. Place the glass candle holder in a bowl of hot water to loosen the candle inside and pull it out. Seal the bottom in the same way.
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Customising the candle
Customising your floating candles is a great way to make a simple yet elegant display that fits the theme of your event. You can customise the colour, fragrance, and decorations of your candles and their vessels.
Colour
You can customise the colour of your candles by adding liquid dye to the melted wax before pouring. You can play with mixing dyes to create your own custom shade. For example, to create a Living Coral colour, use two drops of magenta liquid dye and one drop of yellow liquid dye.
Fragrance
You can add a fragrance to your candles by stirring in essential oils or candle-approved fragrance oils after adding the colour. Choose a scent that won't overwhelm your guests or compete with any food being served. Floral or green scents like Hibiscus Palm can add a pleasant, subtle fragrance. Remember that too much fragrance oil can affect the wax's density and the candle's ability to float.
Decorations
You can decorate the vessels holding your floating candles with items such as flowers, flower petals, rocks, shells, small pieces of driftwood, starfish, sea glass, or sand dollars. You can also add decorations to the water, such as fresh or silk flowers. Just ensure that any decorations are not close enough to the candle flame to create a fire hazard.
Vessels
The vessels you use for your floating candles can also be customised to fit your desired theme. You can use creative bowls, cylinder vases, or dishes, or opt for a minimal look.
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