Chloe Adams
Candles are surprisingly delicate, and even the slightest impact can cause them to chip, crack, or break. While it may be tempting to discard a broken candle, there are several ways to repair it. One method involves melting wax and using it as an adhesive to fuse the broken pieces together. Another approach is to use a low-temperature hot glue or contact adhesive, which can provide a strong bond between the broken surfaces. For more intricate breaks, a toothpick can be used as a splint to hold the pieces together while melting wax or using adhesive. While a repaired candle may not look perfect, with patience and care, it is possible to restore a broken candle to a functional state.
How to Glue a Broken Candle
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Materials | Broken candle, wax paper or parchment paper, old newspaper, paintbrush, matches, toothpicks |
| Preparation | Lay the broken candle on wax paper or parchment paper to protect the surface. |
| Wax Application | Melt a small amount of wax in a double boiler. Dip a paintbrush into the hot wax and paint it inside the crack, working quickly to avoid drying. |
| Alternative Method | Light a match and hold the broken candle piece in the flame until the wax melts. |
| Stabilization | Hold the candle pieces together until the wax dries and the candle feels sturdy. |
| Heat Gun | Use a heat gun or hair dryer to smooth the finish of the candle. |
| Overdip | Optional: Overdip the candle in hot wax to refinish it. |
| Adhesive | Low-temperature hot glue or beeswax can be used as an adhesive, but wax-to-wax adhesion is ideal. |
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What You'll Learn
Using wax to fill cracks
When gluing a broken candle back together, you can use wax to fill in any cracks or gaps between the pieces. This method is simple and effective, and it helps to ensure that your candle is securely bonded. Here is a step-by-step guide to using wax to fill cracks when repairing a broken candle:
Begin by gathering your materials. You will need:
- Broken candle pieces
- Wax flakes or pellets (you can use leftover candle wax or purchase wax flakes from a craft store)
- Double boiler or a heat-safe container and a pot for creating a makeshift double boiler
- Stovetop or hot plate
- Spatula or wooden stick for stirring
- Cloth or paper towels
Place the wax flakes or pellets in the top container of your double boiler or your heat-safe container. If using a makeshift double boiler, create a setup by filling a pot with a few inches of water and placing a heat-safe container (such as a metal or glass bowl) on top, ensuring that the bottom of the container does not touch the water. Turn on your stovetop or hot plate to medium heat and allow the water to simmer gently. Stir the wax occasionally as it melts, creating a smooth, even liquid.
Once you have completely melted wax, remove it from the heat. Carefully pour the molten wax into the cracks of your candle, taking care not to spill. Use a spatula or wooden stick to guide the wax into the cracks and ensure that it fills all the gaps between the broken pieces. You may need to hold the candle pieces together for a few moments to prevent them from shifting and spilling wax.
After filling the cracks with wax, quickly and carefully wipe away any excess wax that has spilled or leaked out using a cloth or paper towel. This ensures that your finished candle has a neat appearance. Allow the wax to cool and harden completely. This may take several hours, depending on the size of the cracks and the amount of wax used.
Once the wax has hardened, check to ensure that the pieces are securely bonded and that there are no remaining gaps or cracks. If necessary, repeat the process to fill in any areas that may have been missed or to reinforce the bond between the pieces. Your candle is now repaired and ready to be burned or displayed!
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Melting wax with a heat gun
Prepare your workspace:
Lay out some old newspaper, wax paper, or baking parchment paper to protect your work surface. This will catch any drips or spills and make cleanup easier.
Prepare your candle:
Wipe away any dust or debris from the top of the wax with a paper towel. If your candle is in a container, ensure it is heat-resistant. Blasting the edges and inside of the container for 15-30 seconds can help lessen the thermal difference between the wax and the jar, but be careful not to scorch the container or melt the glue under the wick.
Set up your heat gun:
Heat guns can reach temperatures ranging from 120°F to over 1000°F, so it is important to exercise caution. For candle work, a temperature of 150°F is typically sufficient, and you will rarely need to go much higher. Start with a low setting and adjust as needed.
Apply heat to the wax:
Hold the heat gun about 6 inches above the surface of the wax and turn it on. Move the heat gun evenly around the candle to avoid concentrating too much heat on one spot, which can scorch the wax. Continue until you have melted the desired amount of wax. Depending on the imperfections, you may only need to melt a thin layer.
Smooth the wax:
Use a toothpick to help break up any wax on the sides of your container and gently prod any unmelted wax stuck on the sides. Be careful not to make direct contact with the wick.
Allow the wax to cool:
Once you have achieved the desired result, turn off the heat gun and allow the wax to cool and harden.
It is important to note that melting wax can be dangerous if you are not careful. Always practice safe handling of your candle wax to avoid accidents and injuries.
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Painting wax inside the crack
To repair a broken candle by painting wax inside the crack, you will need a paintbrush, some wax paper or newspaper, and a heat source to melt the wax.
First, lay the broken candle on the wax paper or newspaper to protect your work surface. If you have a broken beeswax candle, melt beeswax; if you have a broken paraffin candle, melt paraffin wax. You can do this by using a double boiler or a pot or can in a double boiler fashion. The container must be at least as tall as the candle, and you should heat the wax to 180 degrees Fahrenheit, monitoring the temperature with a candy thermometer.
Once you have melted the wax, dip your paintbrush into the hot wax and start painting it inside the crack of the broken candle. Work quickly, as the wax will start to cool as soon as it comes into contact with the air. Keep painting wax into the crack, holding the two pieces of the candle together until you are satisfied that the bond is strong enough.
The exterior of the repaired candle may look messy, but this can be tidied up later. Allow the candle to cool completely, then assess whether it is sturdy enough to stand in a candle holder without falling apart. If it is not strong enough, repeat the process until it is secure.
You can further smooth the finish of the repaired candle by blasting it with a heat gun for a second or two. Be careful not to overdo it, as this can mar the finish more than it fixes it. If you don't have a heat gun, you can try using a handheld hairdryer instead.
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Using adhesive glue
While it is possible to repair a candle with adhesive glue, it is important to note that the repair may not be seamless or flawless, and the candle may not look as perfect as it did before it broke. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use adhesive glue to fix a broken candle:
Prepare the Candle and Work Surface:
Start by laying out some old newspaper, wax paper, or baking parchment paper on your work surface. This will help catch any drips and make cleanup easier. Place the broken candle on the prepared surface, ensuring that any loose wax particles are brushed away from the break sites.
Prepare the Adhesive Glue:
Choose an adhesive glue that is suitable for use with wax. Low-temperature hot glue or beeswax, which has a very low melting point, can be effective in adhering wax surfaces. Have the glue nearby and ready to apply, as you may need to work quickly once the glue is applied.
Apply the Adhesive Glue:
Follow the instructions for your chosen adhesive glue. Typically, you will apply a small amount of glue to both surfaces that you want to join. Make sure to work quickly, as the glue may set or cool down, reducing its effectiveness.
Join the Candle Pieces:
Carefully bring the two pieces of the broken candle together, ensuring that they are aligned correctly. Hold them firmly in place for several seconds to allow the adhesive glue to set and create a bond. You may need to adjust your grip or apply pressure gently to ensure a good hold.
Assess and Stabilize:
Once the adhesive glue has set, gently release your grip and assess the stability of the repaired candle. If the pieces are holding together securely, you can proceed to the next steps. If there are any gaps or weaknesses, you may need to reapply glue or consider using a different adhesive.
Smooth the Finish (Optional):
If desired, you can smooth the finish of the repaired candle by using a heat gun or a handheld hair dryer to gently heat the surface. Be cautious and brief with this step, as too much heat can mar the finish.
Overdip the Candle (Optional):
For a more refined finish, you can overdip the repaired candle in hot wax. Melt candle wax in a double boiler or a pot at 180 degrees Fahrenheit. Quickly warm the candle with a heat gun, then dip it into the hot wax for about three seconds. Allow the candle to cool, and you'll have a smoother, more uniform finish.
Remember, when working with hot wax and open flames, always exercise caution and follow safety precautions. Keep your work area well-ventilated and clear of flammable materials.
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Holding pieces together
To repair a candle, you will need to hold the pieces together while the wax dries. Here are some ways to do this:
Using Wax
If your candle has broken into large pieces, you can use wax to glue them back together. Lay the broken candle on some old newspaper, wax paper, or baking parchment paper to protect your work surface. Melt a small amount of candle wax in a double boiler. The type of wax you use will depend on the type of candle you are repairing. If you have a broken beeswax taper, melt beeswax. If you are repairing a paraffin candle, melt paraffin wax. You do not need to add colour or scent to match your candle. Dip a paintbrush into the hot wax and paint some wax inside the crack. Work quickly, as the wax will start to cool as soon as it touches the air. Keep painting wax into the crack and hold the two pieces together until you are satisfied that the candle is sturdy.
Using a Toothpick
If your candle has broken into smaller pieces, you can use a toothpick to hold the pieces together. Break the toothpick into a 2-inch piece and insert it into the centre of the broken candle part. For example, if the paw of a decorative kitten candle has broken off, stick the toothpick into the centre of the jagged end of the paw. Then, light a match and hold it to the jagged side of the broken piece until the wax melts. Quickly push the toothpick into the centre of the broken piece, then blow out the match and discard it. Light another match and hold it against the break site on the candle until the wax melts. Blow out the match and push the broken piece into the candle, ensuring that the toothpick is stuck into the centre of the break site.
Using Low-Temperature Hot Glue
Low-temperature hot glue is made of wax and can be used to glue candle pieces together. When using this method, the pieces must be placed together immediately after the glue is applied. Beeswax could also be warmed and applied as an adhesive.
Using Matches
If your candle has broken into two large pieces, you may be able to simply hold the exposed wax of the broken piece in a flame until the wax melts. Then, fit the pieces back together like a puzzle.
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