Tyler Brooks
Hand-dipped beeswax candles are a fun and simple craft that can be easily made at home. They are a great beginner craft and can be made with basic equipment, such as a candle-dipping vat, wicks, and beeswax. Beeswax is a natural and eco-friendly alternative to other types of wax, and it burns longer and cleaner. The process of making hand-dipped beeswax candles involves melting the beeswax, dipping the wicks, and then repeatedly dipping the candles in the wax to add layers and achieve the desired size. This craft has been done since ancient times and can be a fun tradition to celebrate the autumn solstice or to create decorations for the winter holidays.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wax | Beeswax, Soy, Bayberry |
| Wick | Plain cotton or hemp wicks |
| Wax canister | Tall and thin, preferably metal |
| Wax melting method | Double boiler, melting pot, fire |
| Wax temperature | 150-170 °F (65.5-76.6 °C) |
| Dipping method | Alternate wax and cold water |
| Number of dips | 30 for thick candles |
| Wax build-up | Remove from washers and add back to melting pot |
| Candle size | Determined by canister height |
| Candle base | Cut off with a sharp knife for a flat base |
| Curing time | A few weeks to a few months |
| Wax reuse | Possible |
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$52.99 $57.89
What You'll Learn
Melt beeswax in a metal canister
To melt beeswax in a metal canister, start by filling a pot with water and placing it on a stove. The amount of water you add is important—it should be enough to cover at least 15 cm of the canister's height. Next, take your metal canister and add beeswax to it. Place the canister into the pot of water, being careful not to let it overflow. Heat the water to melt the wax, maintaining a temperature below 75°C (167°F). You can use a candy thermometer to monitor this.
The melting process can take a while, so be patient. Once the wax is melted, you can begin the candle-dipping process. It is recommended to use plain cotton or hemp wicks, with a variety of thicknesses depending on the desired candle size. Cut the wick to be a little longer than double the length of the pot, leaving enough room to tie metal washers to each end and hold the wick while dipping.
When dipping the wick, be cautious as the wax will be hot. You may use pot holders to protect your hands. Dip the wick until the washers touch the bottom of the melting pot, then remove it and let the excess wax drip off. If desired, you can dunk the hot waxed wick into a pot of cold water to help the wax set faster. However, some sources advise against this, as it can cause bubbles and deformities in the final product.
Repeat the dipping process until you achieve your desired candle thickness. For thicker candles, you may need to perform 30 dips or more. As you dip, remove the soft wax buildup on the washers and return it to the melting pot. Finally, trim the wicks with scissors, cut off the candle bases, and allow them to cure for several weeks or months before burning.
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Dip the wick
To begin the process of hand-dipping beeswax candles, you'll need to cut your candle wicking. Leave it a little longer than double the length of your pot, so you have extra room to tie metal washers to each end and still have some room to hold the top of the wicking. You can use plain cotton or hemp wicks, and if you're making candles of different sizes, use a variety of thicknesses.
Once you've cut your wick, tie a metal washer to each end. Now you're ready to dip! Holding the centre of the wicking, dip the wick into the hot melted wax, with the washers at the bottom. Dip until the washers touch the bottom of the melting pot, then lift the wicking out of the wax and let it drip off.
If you want to speed up the setting process, you can dunk the wick into a pot of cold water at this stage. However, this can cause bubbles and deformities in your candle, so proceed with caution. If you do choose to dunk the wick in water, make sure to remove any excess water before adding it back into the wax, or the wax won't stick properly.
Continue this process, dipping into the wax and then, optionally, into the cold water, until you reach your desired thickness. For thicker candles, you may need to do around 30 dips. As you dip, pull off the soft wax that builds up on the washers and add it back to the melting pot.
Finally, trim the wicks with scissors, leaving them long if you're planning on gifting the candles, and cut off the bases. It's best to let the candles cure for several months before use, for the best burning time.
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Alternate dipping between wax and cold water
Alternating between wax and cold water is an optional step in the beeswax candle-making process. It is not necessary, but it can speed up the process by instantly setting the wax. If you are making candles with children, dipping them in cold water between dips of hot wax can be a good way to keep their interest.
However, this method can also lead to bubbles and strange formations on the candles, so it is not recommended if you want smooth, professional-looking candles. If you do choose to use this method, make sure your candle has no beads of water before adding it back into the wax, or the wax won't stick properly. You can gently rub your hand down the candle to knock off any excess water.
The wax should be completely melted before you begin dipping your wicks. The best temperature for dipping the wick is between 150 and 170 degrees Fahrenheit. If the wax is too hot, it can lead to issues with the shape of your candle. If you are using a double boiler, keep the stove burner on low and regularly check the water level, adding more water if necessary.
When dipping the wick, hold it in the centre and lower it into the wax slowly and smoothly, being careful not to let it touch the sides of the container. Hold it in the wax for around 20 to 30 seconds, or until you don't see any more air bubbles. Then, lift the wick out of the wax and allow it to harden before dipping again. You can alternate between wicks to allow them to dry.
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Trim the wicks
Trimming the wicks of your hand-dipped beeswax candles is an important step in the candle-making process. It ensures optimal candle performance and enhances your candle experience. Here are some detailed instructions and tips for trimming the wicks:
Firstly, it is crucial to understand that wick trimming is an essential part of candle maintenance. By regularly trimming the wick, you can reduce the production of soot and minimize "mushrooming". Mushrooming is a term used to describe the unique mushroom-shaped cap that can form on the wick of a candle, particularly those made from paraffin wax. Regular trimming helps prevent this and ensures a cleaner burn.
When trimming the wicks of your beeswax candles, it is recommended to use the right tools for a precise and clean cut. You can use scissors or a specialized wick trimmer for this purpose. Ensure the wick is trimmed to the recommended size before lighting the candle. For beeswax Honey Candles® Tealights, it is advised not to trim the wicks as they are designed to be maintenance-free. Trimming these wicks may result in a shorter flame that cannot fully liquefy the beeswax.
If you are using a wooden wick, it may be necessary to trim it with each burn. You can use a wick trimmer or simply pinch off the blackened portion of the wick with your fingers before lighting the candle. This helps to improve the quality of the flame and reduce unnecessary smoke.
Additionally, consider the length of the wick when trimming. A longer wick may create a larger flame, which can lead to incomplete combustion of the wax. This, in turn, can release soot particles into the air and reduce the overall burn time of your candle. Therefore, trimming the wick to the appropriate length is crucial for a cleaner and longer-lasting burn.
Finally, while some candles may come with pre-trimmed wicks, it is always advisable to inspect the wick length before lighting your hand-dipped beeswax candle. By trimming the wick to the appropriate length, you can promote even wax melting, prevent tunnelling, and allow your candle to burn more efficiently.
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Cut off the bases
Once your beeswax candles have reached your desired size and you've completed the dipping process, it's time to cut off the bases. This step is important to create a flat and even base for your candles. Use a sharp knife to cut off the bottom of each candle. Be careful and precise with your cuts to ensure a smooth and level surface.
After cutting the bases, you may notice that you have excess wax collected at the bottom of your dipping vat or container. This built-up wax can be carefully removed and reused for future candle-making projects. Simply collect the excess wax and store it in a cool, dry place until you're ready to melt it again.
If you want to speed up the hardening process, you can try dipping the candles in cold water before cutting the bases. However, some candle makers caution against this method as it can cause bubbles and deformities in the final product. Instead, they recommend allowing the candles to dry and harden at room temperature before cutting the bases.
For the best burning experience, it's recommended to let your hand-dipped beeswax candles cure for several weeks or even months before use. This curing process improves the burning time and overall quality of the candle. During this time, the wax hardens further and any potential imperfections caused by cutting the bases will become less noticeable.
Cutting off the bases of your hand-dipped beeswax candles is a crucial step in creating a professional and polished final product. It ensures your candles stand upright and burn evenly. By reusing the excess wax and allowing your candles to cure, you can also improve the efficiency and quality of your candle-making endeavours.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need beeswax, wicks, a tall and thin canister, a pot, water, scissors, and a sharp knife.
It is recommended to use a metal canister, such as a recycled aluminium can, rather than glass to prevent cracking.
Add the beeswax to the canister and place it into a pot half-filled with water. Heat the water to melt the wax, ensuring it doesn't exceed 75°C (167°F).
Cut the wicking longer than double the length of the pot. Dip the wick into the melted wax, then dunk it in cold water to set the wax. Repeat this process until you reach your desired thickness.
It is best to let the candles cure for several months before use to ensure the best burning time.
