Maddie James
Making long, thin taper candles at home is a fun and easy project that can be done with a few simple ingredients and tools. Taper candles are a great way to decorate your home and dinner table, and they also make perfect gifts for your loved ones. In this guide, we will walk you through the process of creating beautiful and elegant taper candles that you can enjoy and share with others. We will cover the different methods of making taper candles, including using moulds and hand-dipping, as well as the materials and techniques needed to achieve the best results. So, get ready to roll up your sleeves and dive into the world of candle-making!
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Materials | Wax, string, silicone/plastic moulds, essential oils/fragrances, liquid dye, Blu Tack, baking paper, cardboard box, canola oil |
| Mould Types | Silicone, hard plastic, ribbed taper |
| Wax Type | Paraffin, soy, beeswax |
| Wick Type | Spool of taper candle wick, recycled string |
| Wick Length | 1/2" (1.2 cm) at the thinner end, cut close to the wax at the thicker end |
| Wax Temperature | 180°F for conventional fragrances, 140°F for essential oils |
| Drying Method | Air dry, do not put in the fridge |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing a mould: silicone or plastic
When making taper candles, the choice of mould material is crucial as it affects the candle's final look and the crafting process. Plastic and silicone moulds each have their own unique advantages and disadvantages.
Plastic moulds have been a mainstay for candle-making and are usually much cheaper than silicone moulds, making them accessible to hobbyists on a budget. They are available in a wide variety of intricate designs and can capture fine details, offering a traditional aesthetic to the candle. They are also easy to use, with plastic moulds making it simple to pop out the candles after the cooling and hardening process.
However, plastic moulds are prone to breakage and can become brittle with age, leading to replacements that add to long-term costs. They may also be less durable than silicone moulds, especially if they are not stored properly in a cool, dry place.
On the other hand, silicone moulds have surged in popularity due to their unique benefits. They are durable, flexible, and have a longer lifespan than plastic moulds. The flexibility of silicone moulds allows for the simple removal of the candle without the need for freezing or heating methods. They are also versatile and can be used with a variety of materials, such as paraffin, soy, and beeswax, without the need for additional treatments.
Nevertheless, silicone moulds are generally more expensive than plastic moulds, which can be a deterrent for those with budget constraints. While silicone moulds offer ease of use and durability, they may not be suitable for creating intricate designs as plastic moulds can. Additionally, silicone moulds require more maintenance and care, including proper storage and regular washing.
In conclusion, the choice between silicone and plastic moulds depends on your specific needs and preferences. Consider factors such as cost, durability, design complexity, and ease of use when deciding which type of mould to use for your taper candle-making project.
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Preparing the wick
To prepare the wick for your long, thin taper candles, you can use a simple piece of string. You can buy a spool of taper candle wick, or you can recycle existing items. For example, you could use some string from a spool, or even cut up an old cotton t-shirt into thin strips. The length of your wick will depend on the height of your candle. It is recommended to leave about 1/2 inch (1.2 centimeters) of wick at the thinner end of the candle for lighting, and to cut the wick as close as possible to the wax at the thicker end.
When you have prepared your wick, you will need to attach a weight to the bottom. This will help keep the candle straight as you dip it in wax. You can cut the weight off later, once there is enough wax for the wick to stay straight.
If you are using a mould to create your taper candle, you will need to prepare the wick slightly differently. First, push the wick through the hole at the base of the mould, and then seal it in place with a small piece of Blu Tack. Then, put the base cap onto the mould, covering the Blu Tack. Pull the wick taut and then stand the mould upright, ready for the wax.
If you are hand-dipping your taper candles, you will need to prepare your wicks by attaching them to a frame. This will allow you to dip multiple wicks at once, and will help the candles to cool in place. You can attach your wicks to a piece of cardboard, or a similar material, leaving enough space between each wick so that the candles do not touch.
Once your wicks are prepared, you can begin to build up layers of wax by dipping, or by pouring wax into a mould. Remember to trim the wick on both ends before lighting your candle.
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Melting the wax
Choosing the Right Wax
Select a wax that is suitable for candle-making. Common options include paraffin wax, soy wax, and beeswax. Soy wax, for example, is a renewable and environmentally friendly alternative to paraffin wax, offering a cleaner burn and a longer-lasting candle.
To melt the wax, you will need a double boiler or a heat-safe container placed in a saucepan of boiling water. This method ensures even melting without direct heat, reducing the risk of scorching or overheating.
- Chop or break the wax into smaller pieces to facilitate faster and more even melting.
- Place the wax pieces into the double boiler or heat-safe container.
- Heat the wax gently over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it is completely melted. Avoid boiling or overheating the wax, as this can affect its quality and safety.
- Maintain a temperature of around 180°F (82°C) for optimal melting. Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature if possible.
Adding Fragrances and Dyes (Optional)
If you wish to add fragrances or dyes to your candles, this is the stage to do so. Always refer to the manufacturer's instructions for adding fragrances, as the recommended temperature may vary.
- For conventional fragrances, the Lone Star Candle Company recommends adding them at around 180°F.
- If using essential oils, allow the wax to cool slightly. Aim for a temperature of around 140°F (60°C) before adding the essential oils to avoid burning them off, ensuring your candles have a pleasant scent.
- You can also add liquid dye to the melted wax to create colourful taper candles.
Remember to stir the wax well after adding any fragrances or dyes to ensure even distribution.
Pouring the Wax (For Mould-Based Candles)
Once the wax is melted and any additives are thoroughly incorporated, it's time to pour it into your chosen moulds.
- Silicone and hard plastic moulds are popular options for taper candles.
- Prepare your moulds by spraying them with canola oil and placing them in the freezer for a few minutes beforehand. This will make it easier to remove the candles once they have hardened.
- Pour the melted wax into the moulds carefully, filling them approximately one-third of the way up. Don't worry about being too precise, as slight variations give your candles character.
- Allow the wax to cool and harden completely before attempting to remove the candles from the moulds.
Dipping Method (For Dipped Candles)
If you are making dipped taper candles, the process is slightly different.
- Dip the wicks into the melted wax and remove them slowly and evenly.
- Set aside and allow the wax to cool and harden slightly.
- Repeat the dipping process as many times as needed to achieve the desired width and shape.
- Reheat the wax if it starts to harden during the dipping process.
Remember to work patiently and maintain the appropriate temperature for the wax to ensure the best results when making long, thin taper candles at home.
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Adding fragrance or dye
Adding Fragrance
When adding fragrance to your candles, it's important to consider the type of fragrance you want to use. Fragrance oils are a popular choice, as they are specially formulated to provide a longer-lasting scent. They offer many of the same relaxing and calming sensations associated with essential oils. Essential oils are more natural, but they evaporate easily when mixed with hot candle wax, which will affect the quality of your final product. If you do choose to use essential oils, allow the wax to cool to 140°F before adding them. Conventional fragrances can be added at 180°F, while standard fragrance oils can be added at 185°F.
The amount of fragrance you add is also important. 6% is the most common fragrance load, but some waxes can hold up to 12%. Adding too much fragrance can cause the candle to self-extinguish or not burn properly. It is important to calculate and measure the fragrance load correctly to avoid problems such as candle sweating.
Adding Dye
When adding dye to your candles, it's important to use the right type of dye. Avoid ordinary liquid dyes like food colouring, as the watery dye and oily wax will separate, producing an unsightly splotchy effect. Instead, use powder dye or crayons, as both are made of wax and will blend well. The amount of dye you use will depend on the desired colour intensity. A good rule of thumb is to multiply the total batch size by 0.05%. Constantly stir while pouring in the pigment to ensure even colour distribution. Allow the wax to cool to 135–140 °F (57–60 °C) before pouring it into the mould.
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Cooling and finishing
Once you have poured the wax into your mould, you need to let it cool completely before removing the candle. Do not put your mould in the fridge to speed up the hardening process, as this can cause air bubbles in the finished candle. Instead, allow the wax to cool at room temperature.
If you are making colour-block taper candles, you may notice a slight dip or hole in the wax at the top of the mould when the final wax colour has cooled. This is normal, so don't worry! Simply heat up a little more wax and pour it in to fill the gap. Then, let this cool completely before removing the candle from the mould.
If you are using a hard plastic mould, you can make it easier to remove the candle by spraying a little canola oil in the mould before pouring in the wax. Then, once the candle has hardened, place the mould in the freezer for a few minutes. This will make it much easier to pull the candle out.
If you are using a dipping method to create your taper candles, you will need to lay them out on a drying rack to cool. Use a small cardboard box and lay the sticks over this, with the candles dangling down. Make sure the candles do not touch the ground—they should be suspended in the air. The candles are ready when they are hard to the touch.
Finally, trim the wick at both ends of the candle. If you are making colour-block taper candles, stand the candle firmly upright in a candle holder before lighting it.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need wax, a wick, a mould, a weight, and any fragrances or dyes you may want to add.
You can use paraffin wax, but soy wax is a more environmentally friendly alternative that results in a cleaner burn and longer-lasting candle. You can buy a spool of taper candle wick or recycle existing items such as string.
First, pull the wick through a hole at the end of the mould and seal it with Blu Tack. Then, pour a small amount of wax into the mould and let it cool. Repeat this process until the mould is full, then let the wax completely cool before removing the candle from the mould.
