Chloe Adams
Adding glitter to candles is a fun and creative way to make them sparkle and shine. Whether you're making candles from scratch or decorating store-bought ones, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure the process is safe and successful. Firstly, it's important to choose the right type of glitter. Traditional plastic glitter is a no-go, as it can release toxic fumes when burned and cause a fire hazard. Instead, opt for biodegradable, eco-friendly glitter, such as Bioglitter™ PURE, which is made from plant-based materials and won't produce harmful fumes. Once you have the right glitter, you can decide whether to apply it to the outside of the candle with glue or a heat gun, or sprinkle it directly into the melted wax for a foiled effect.
Characteristics and their values:
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of glitter | Bio glitter, mica glitter |
| Type of candle | Pre-made, self-made |
| Application method | Heat gun, glue, sprinkling |
| Application time | When wax is hot, after wax solidifies |
| Container | Glass jar, mould |
| Wick type | Wick with base, wick without base |
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What You'll Learn
- Choose the right glitter: opt for biodegradable eco-glitter, not plastic glitter
- Prepare your candle: clean and dry old candle jars, or buy cheap plain candles
- Melt the wax: use a heat gun or melt in the microwave, then pour into a jar
- Add the glitter: sprinkle glitter on top, or wait until the wax is cool and solid
- Finishing touches: brush off loose glitter and decorate with tape or contact paper
Choose the right glitter: opt for biodegradable eco-glitter, not plastic glitter
When glittering a candle, it is important to opt for biodegradable eco-glitter instead of plastic glitter. Regular glitter is made of plastic, mainly PLA or PET, and burning it releases toxic fumes that can be harmful to both you and the environment. These fumes smell awful and release toxic smoke laden with dangerous chemicals. Since each glitter particle is less than 5 millimeters long, it is considered a microplastic, which can endure for hundreds of years, polluting landfills and oceans before it degrades. Microplastics can also negatively impact marine ecosystems for decades.
Eco-glitter, on the other hand, is made from unique Modified Regenerated Cellulose. The film is crafted from Eucalyptus tree fibers, which are sourced from responsibly managed plantations. This type of glitter is biodegradable and will not melt when burned, instead turning into ashes just like burning paper. It does not release any toxic fumes or pollution, making it a much safer and more environmentally friendly option.
When choosing an eco-glitter, look for one that has passed the freshwater test, like Bioglitter™ PURE, which is considered the No. 1 biodegradable, plastic-free glitter in the world. This type of glitter achieves 87% biodegradation in under four weeks and can biodegrade under natural conditions with the help of bacteria, water, oxygen, and heat.
Another option for a non-toxic glitter is mica, which can be added to the tops of candles once they have cooled. However, it is important to source ethical mica and be careful not to add too much, as it can clog the wick.
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Prepare your candle: clean and dry old candle jars, or buy cheap plain candles
To prepare your candle for glittering, you can either clean and dry old candle jars or buy cheap plain candles. If you're reusing old candle jars, you'll need to clean them before you begin. This is a simple process:
First, remove any leftover candle wax by heating the jar in the microwave for a minute or two. Then, use a paper towel to wipe out the melted wax. Next, clean off any remaining wax with warm water, a sponge, and some soap. If there is any sticky residue from stickers, use a cotton pad and some cooking oil to remove it. Finally, rinse the oil off with soap and water, and your container is ready for your new candle!
Alternatively, you can buy cheap plain candles and glitter them without having to prepare a jar. You can use a heat gun to heat the surface of the candle and then add glitter, or you can try gluing the glitter onto the candle with Mod Podge.
Remember to use bio glitter, as standard glitter is made of plastic, which can release toxic fumes when burned. Bio glitter is eco-friendly and biodegradable, so it's much safer to use.
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Melt the wax: use a heat gun or melt in the microwave, then pour into a jar
To glitter a candle, you can melt the wax using a heat gun or a microwave, and then pour it into a jar. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to do this:
Melting Wax with a Heat Gun
Firstly, get a pre-made candle and a heat gun. Use the heat gun to heat the first layer of the candle, and then add the glitter directly on top while the wax is still melted. Ensure that you have a sufficient amount of melted wax before adding the glitter, so that it disperses properly. If you add too little wax, you may end up with chunks of glitter around the edges of the jar.
Melting Wax in the Microwave
If you choose to melt your wax in the microwave, start by pouring your wax into a microwavable container. Ceramic and glass dishes are usually suitable, but always check for "microwave-safe" or "heatproof" labels. Place the container with wax in the microwave and heat for 1 minute at a time, monitoring the temperature until it reaches 80°C. Do not let the wax exceed this temperature. Continue heating in 2-minute intervals until the wax is fully melted. Once the wax reaches 80°C, remove it from the microwave and place it on a safe, even, covered surface.
Adding Colour and Fragrance
Before pouring the wax into your jar, you may want to add colour and fragrance. Use a thermometer to ensure the wax is at 70°C, and then add your desired amount of colour (0.2% is recommended). Next, add your fragrance oil, aiming for 6-10% by weight. Gently stir the mixture for 1 minute to ensure the colour and fragrance are well-blended.
Pouring the Wax into the Jar
Now, you are ready to slowly pour the wax into your jar. If you are using a wick without a base, tie the wick to a pencil and lay it on top of the jar, ensuring the wick is centred. Pour the wax into the jar slowly, being careful to keep the wick centred. At this point, you can add your glitter. If you add it while the wax is hot, the glitter will disperse over the surface, creating a foiled effect. If you wait until the wax solidifies, you will need more glitter to cover the surface, and it will be loose in the jar.
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Add the glitter: sprinkle glitter on top, or wait until the wax is cool and solid
When it comes to adding glitter to your candle, you have two main options: sprinkling the glitter on top or waiting until the wax has cooled and solidified. Each method will give your candle a different look, so it's important to choose the one that best suits your desired outcome.
If you choose to sprinkle the glitter on top, you'll want to make sure the wax is still melted. This method will give your candle a foiled effect, with the glitter dispersing over the surface. It's important to note that you should not use a heat gun on the wax after adding the glitter, as this will cause the glitter to go everywhere. Additionally, be sure to use enough melted wax before adding the glitter to ensure it disperses properly and doesn't clump.
Another option for adding glitter to the top of your candle is to use glue. You can brush a thin layer of Mod Podge onto the areas you want to glitter and then roll the candle in glitter or use your fingers to sprinkle it on. This method is great for creating specific shapes or designs with the glitter. However, be cautious when choosing a glue, as some options, like PVA glue, can give off fumes when burned.
If you prefer a more subtle look for your glitter candle, you may opt to wait until the wax has cooled and solidified before adding the glitter. This method will require more glitter to cover the entire surface, and the glitter will be loose in the jar. You can simply sprinkle the glitter on top of the solidified wax, and it will still be loose in the jar. This technique is perfect for those who want a more understated glitter effect.
When adding glitter to candles, it is crucial to use the right type of glitter. Regular glitter is made of plastic, which can release toxic fumes when burned and is harmful to the environment. Instead, opt for biodegradable, eco-friendly glitter, such as Bioglitter™ PURE or bio glitter, which turns into ashes when burned, just like paper. Mica glitter is another candle-safe option, but it tends to sink to the bottom of the candle during the cooling process.
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Finishing touches: brush off loose glitter and decorate with tape or contact paper
When it comes to finishing touches, there are a few important steps to follow to ensure your glitter candle looks perfect. First, use a brush to gently remove any loose glitter particles from the surface of the candle. This will give it a smooth and polished appearance. Next, you can choose to decorate your candle with tape or contact paper. This step will depend on the desired design and your personal preference.
If you want to create straight lines or simple shapes, painters' tape or masking tape can be a great option. It will help you achieve crisp, clean lines and give your candle a modern look. Make sure to press down the edges of the tape firmly onto the candle to avoid any accidental glitter application on the covered areas.
On the other hand, if you want to create more intricate shapes or designs, contact paper is the way to go. Contact paper is easier to cut into complex shapes, such as hearts or zigzags. Similar to tape, ensure that the contact paper is securely adhered to the candle's surface, with no air bubbles or gaps.
Once you have applied the tape or contact paper to the desired areas, you can begin glittering the exposed sections of the candle. Use a thin layer of Mod Podge or a similar adhesive, and then roll the candle in glitter or use your fingers to sprinkle it on. You can also use a combination of these techniques to achieve the desired coverage.
After applying the glitter, allow it to set for a couple of minutes. Then, carefully remove the tape or contact paper. It is important to note that you should not let the adhesive dry completely before removing the coverings, as this can cause the glitter to peel off along with the tape.
Finally, leave the candle to dry completely. Once it is dry, you can gently brush off any remaining loose glitter and admire your handiwork! Your glitter candle is now ready to be displayed or gifted to a loved one.
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Frequently asked questions
It is important to avoid using plastic glitter, as this can release toxic fumes and be harmful to the environment. Instead, opt for biodegradable glitter such as Bioglitter™ PURE, eco glitter, or mica glitter.
If you are using a premade candle, you can use a heat gun to melt the top layer of wax before adding the glitter. Alternatively, you can use Mod Podge or glue to adhere the glitter to the candle. If you are making your own candle, melt your wax and add the glitter to the bottom of your candle mould before pouring in the wax.
You can add glitter to your candle either before or after the wax has set. Adding glitter to melted wax will create a foiled effect, while waiting for the wax to solidify will result in loose glitter in the jar.
It is recommended to work over a tray to catch any falling glitter. You can also use painter's tape or contact paper to mask off areas of the candle that you do not want to be covered in glitter.
Yes, you can reuse old candle jars by heating them in the microwave for a minute or two to remove any remaining wax. Then, clean the jar with warm water, soap, and a sponge to remove any residue.
