Tyler Brooks
Hand-dipped taper candles are one of the oldest ways to make candles, and they make great gifts for any occasion. The process involves building up layers of wax on a wick, which naturally creates slender taper candles. While the process is hands-on, it becomes simpler each time you repeat it. You can use different types of wax, such as paraffin or beeswax, and add colours and scents to create unique candles. To get started, you'll need to set up your workspace, prepare the wick, and melt the wax before beginning the dipping process.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wax type | Paraffin, Beeswax, Soy or Coconut |
| Wax colour | Natural, or use crayons or wax colourants |
| Scent | Lilac, or use fragrance |
| Wick type | #1/0 or #2/0 braided wick |
| Wick length | Twice the length of a single taper |
| Weight | Nuts, washers, or hex nuts |
| Dipping container | Candle-making pouring pot, or deep container for longer tapers |
| Wax temperature | 155-180 degrees |
| Dipping technique | Alternate wax and water dips |
| Cooling technique | Hang to cool, or place on wax paper |
| Storage | Hang in pairs to keep straight |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right wax
Paraffin wax is a popular choice for beginners because it is inexpensive and readily available. It holds colour well and is versatile, making it suitable for a range of candle types. However, it may not be the most eco-friendly option and can produce more soot than other waxes. If using paraffin wax, opt for a medium or high melting point variety to ensure your taper candles stand up straight. You can also add hardening additives, such as stearic acid, to improve the rigidity of your finished candles.
Beeswax is another option that has been used for a long time, making it a reliable choice. It burns slowly and creates thicker layers, resulting in less dipping required to achieve a reasonably thick taper. Beeswax tapers may only need 7-10 dips, compared to twice that number for paraffin. Beeswax also has a longer burn time than paraffin and produces less drip. It has a subtly sweet natural scent and a warm-toned, smoke-free flame, making it a good choice for both your home and the environment. However, it is more expensive than paraffin and may develop a "`bloom", giving it a rustic appearance.
Soy wax is a middle-ground option that offers a slow, steady burn and great scent throw. It is more eco-friendly than paraffin wax, with no toxins, and is suitable for container candles. However, there are some environmental concerns within the soybean industry, and soy wax can be more difficult to work with due to its sensitivity to temperature changes.
Coconut wax is a newer option that shares many similarities with soy wax. It is a good choice for those seeking a natural, eco-friendly alternative to paraffin.
For beginners, CandleScience Coconut Apricot Wax is recommended due to its high performance, aesthetic quality, and ease of use.
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Melting the wax
For 7-inch taper candles, the wax level should be about 9 inches deep, requiring approximately 5 pounds of wax. It is recommended to use a smaller can of melted wax to fill the larger can as the level decreases. This helps maintain a consistent depth for uniform candles. Beeswax is a popular choice for hand-dipped tapers due to its slow-burning properties, resulting in thicker layers and fewer dips. However, paraffin wax is a more cost-effective alternative, requiring more dips to achieve the desired thickness.
When melting paraffin wax, consider using medium or high melting point varieties and adding hardening additives like stearic acid for a more rigid finish. It is also important to note that lower-melting-point paraffins used for container candles should be avoided as they may not stand upright. The melting process can be expedited by dipping the candles in cold water after each wax dip, and it is crucial to allow several minutes of cooling between each layer of wax.
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Preparing the wick
Firstly, cut a length of wick that is about twice the length of a single taper. This will ensure you have enough wick to work with and allow for any shrinkage during the dipping process. You can use a coat hanger wire and a pair of pliers to create a simple rig to hold the wick. This will also act as a handle while dipping, making the process easier.
Next, you need to weight the wick to keep it straight and taut while dipping. You can use various items as weights, such as nuts, washers, or hex nuts. Tie or attach the weights to the bottom of the wick securely. This will ensure that the wick stays straight as it accumulates wax.
Before you begin dipping, it is important to check the temperature of your wax. The ideal temperature for dipping beeswax is between 155 and 180 degrees Fahrenheit. If the wax is too hot, it will melt off the wick, and if it's too cold, it will start to solidify, making it difficult to dip.
Once your wax is at the right temperature, you can start the dipping process. For the first dip, leave the wick in the wax for a slightly longer period, around 20 seconds. This will help build a base for the subsequent layers of wax. After each dip, you can dip the candle into cold water to speed up the hardening process and create a smoother finish. Allow several minutes of cooling between each layer of wax.
As you continue dipping, you will notice that the wick accumulates more wax and becomes heavier. At this point, you can remove the weights as they are no longer necessary to keep the wick straight. Continue dipping until you achieve your desired thickness. Remember to hang your candles or place them on wax paper to cool completely before storing them.
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Dipping the candles
Step 1: Prepare the wax
First, melt your wax. You can do this by using a double boiler setup, which can be as simple as a can or jar placed in a larger pot of boiling water. Make sure the wax vessel sits higher than the water level so that the water doesn't splash into the wax. The ideal temperature for dipping is between 155 and 180 degrees Fahrenheit. If the wax is too hot, it will melt off the wick; if it's too cold, it will start to turn solid.
Step 2: Prepare the wick
Cut a length of wick that is about twice as long as you want your finished candle to be. Drape the wick over a pencil or a piece of wood or cardboard to keep it straight and separated from other wicks. You can also use a rig made of coat hanger wire and pliers to act as a handle while dipping. Weight the bottom of the wick with something like a washer, nut, or hex nut to keep the wick straight and taught while dipping.
Step 3: Dip the candles
Dip the wicks in the wax, then hang them to solidify. Repeat this process, building up layers of wax until you reach the desired thickness. Allow several minutes of cooling time between each layer of wax. If you want to speed up the process, you can dip the candles in cold water after dunking them in the wax.
Step 4: Finish and store
Once you've reached your desired thickness, cut off the weights from the bottom of the tapers and dip a few more times for a smooth finish. Hang your finished candles to completely cool, then store them flat in a cool, dry place. You can hang them in pairs to keep them straight until you're ready to use them.
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Trimming and storing
Trimming:
Once your candles have reached the desired thickness and have been allowed to cool completely, it's time to trim them. Use a sharp knife or scissors to gently slice off any weights attached to the bottom of the wicks. This step ensures that your candles have a smooth and finished look. You can even drop the weights in melted wax to clean them for reuse.
After removing the weights, you may need to trim the wicks themselves. Trim the wicks to the desired length, ensuring they are not too long or too short. A wick that is too short may struggle to stay lit, while a wick that is too long can produce excessive smoke and soot.
Storing:
Proper storage of your hand-dipped taper candles is essential to maintain their shape and quality. It is best to store your candles hanging in pairs, which helps keep them straight until you are ready to use them. You can use a simple hanging setup, such as a 2x4, a broom handle, or a dowel. Ensure the hanging surface is wide enough to balance the candles without the wicks touching each other.
Alternatively, you can store your candles flat in a cool, dry place. Lay them out on wax paper or a similar surface to prevent sticking and allow easy removal when needed. Storing your candles in a cool, dry environment is crucial to prevent softening or melting.
By following these trimming and storing instructions, your hand-dipped taper candles will be well-maintained and ready for use whenever you need a cozy glow or a touch of ambiance.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need wax, a melting pot or pouring pot, a double boiler, a dipping container, wicks, weights, a ruler, a piece of wood or cardboard, and colour or scent (optional).
You can use paraffin wax, beeswax, or soy wax. Paraffin is softer, less expensive, and requires more dips. Beeswax is more viscous, creates thicker layers, and results in longer-burning candles. Soy wax is also an option, and you can colour it with crayons.
Set up your double boiler and melting pot to heat the wax. Place your dipping container on a cool, hard surface such as a marble countertop or baking sheet. Prepare your wicks by cutting them to the desired length and weighting them.
Dip your weighted wicks into the melted wax, then hang them to solidify. Repeat this process, building up layers of wax until you reach the desired thickness. Allow several minutes of cooling between each layer.
Cut off the weights from the bottom of the tapers and dip a few more times for a smooth finish. Hang the finished candles to cool completely, then store them flat in a cool, dry place. Trim the wicks before burning.
