Brooke Martin
Melting and repouring candles is a great way to recycle your candle scraps and make new candles. It is a cost-effective and customisable process that can be done at home. The process involves melting the wax, preparing a container and wick, and then repouring the wax into the new mould. The wax can be melted in a variety of ways, including using a saucepan, an oven, or a microwave. The melted wax can then be poured into a container of your choice, such as a vintage teacup or a crystal votive holder, and allowed to cool and harden. The process of repouring candles is typically done for aesthetic purposes, to smooth out divots or fill sinkholes, but it can also be used to create an entirely new candle from scratch.
How to Melt and Repour Candles
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Why melt and repour candles? | To recycle candle scraps and create new candles |
| To remove wax from candle jars for reuse | |
| To smooth out divots or fill sinkholes | |
| Types of wax | Paraffin wax, synthetic wax, soy wax, coconut wax, palm wax, beeswax, stearic acid, gelled mineral oil |
| Tools | Saucepan, can, stove, oven mitt, double boiler, pot, bowl, spatula, tongs, mould, freezer, knife, spoon, candle warmer, essential oil, flowers, pencil, toothpick, popsicle stick, straw, tape, heat gun |
| Steps | Place wax scraps in a pot or bowl, fill the saucepan halfway with water, and set to medium heat |
| Allow wax to melt, stirring occasionally | |
| Strain the wax to remove impurities | |
| Prepare the container for the new candle, placing the wick in the centre | |
| Pour the melted wax into the container and let it cool | |
| Pop the candle out of the container once it has hardened | |
| Tips | Avoid pouring wax that is too hot or too cold |
| Ensure no metal bits are in the wax before putting it in the microwave | |
| Place the jar in the freezer to remove wax without scratching or weakening the glass |
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What You'll Learn
Melting wax in the oven
Next, place the container of wax scraps inside the oven. If you're reusing a glass jar from an old candle, make sure to remove any labels or stickers, and be aware that there may be metal discs at the bottom of the jar, which are used to attach the wick. Never put a jarred candle in the microwave, as these metal discs can cause sparks and pose a fire hazard.
Allow your wax to melt. Depending on the amount of wax and its composition, this should take anywhere from five to ten minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating. Once the wax is melted, carefully remove the container from the oven using oven mitts and pour the wax into your chosen mould.
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Preparing your candle vessels
Firstly, select an appropriate container for your new candle. You can reuse old candle jars or opt for vintage teacups, crystal cups, small vases, or mason jars. It's recommended to avoid reusing jar candles due to the potential risk of breakage. If you're reusing old candle jars, ensure they are thoroughly cleaned with boiling water to remove any residue or labels.
Next, prepare your wicks by cutting them to the appropriate length. The wick should be about 2 inches taller than your chosen container. You can find wicks at craft stores. Knot one end of the wick and thread it through a wick tab, which can also be purchased from craft stores. Secure the wick in place by sticking the wick tab to the bottom centre of your container. If your wick doesn't stand upright, you may need to brace it with a pencil, straw, or similar object.
Now, it's time to melt your wax. Place your wax scraps in a pot or bowl, which will serve as the top half of a double boiler. Fill your saucepan or the bottom of your double boiler halfway with water, ensuring the water doesn't touch the bowl. Place the container with wax scraps inside and heat it over medium heat. Stir occasionally with a wooden spoon to ensure even melting. You can also use an oven to melt the wax by placing the jar in a preheated oven at the lowest temperature setting.
Once your wax is completely melted, carefully pour it into your prepared container. Leave about half an inch of space at the top. Allow the wax to cool and harden, which can take anywhere from 30 minutes to a few hours depending on the amount of wax and the shape of your container.
Finally, inspect the surface of your candle. If there are any divots or sinkholes, you may need to repour a second layer of wax to create a smooth finish. Additionally, you can use a heat gun to smooth out minor surface imperfections. Remember to always exercise caution when handling hot wax and containers.
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Straining and reusing wax
Harvesting the Wax
To begin, you need to separate the wax from its container. This can be done by placing the candle in the freezer, which causes the wax to shrink and makes it easier to pop out. Alternatively, you can melt the wax to soften it and then scoop it out. Be cautious when handling hot wax and always protect your hands with oven mitts.
Melting the Wax
Place the harvested wax scraps into a pot or bowl, which will serve as the top half of a double boiler. Fill the bottom half of the double boiler or a saucepan with water, ensuring it doesn't touch the bowl. Set the heat to medium and allow the wax to melt, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon.
Straining the Wax
The melted wax may contain impurities such as bits of wick, metal wick holders, or ash. To strain the wax, carefully pour it through a strainer or cheesecloth to remove these contaminants. This step will improve the appearance and burning quality of your final candle.
Reusing the Wax
Once strained, your wax is ready to be reused. You can pour it into moulds or containers of your choice, such as vintage teacups or old candle jars. Prepare your wicks by centering them in the containers and securing them with double-sided stickers or by tying them to a pencil or skewer placed across the top. Finally, pour the melted wax into your prepared containers and let them cool.
Additional Tips
- When combining wax from multiple candles, ensure they are all the same type of wax for the best results.
- If your wax starts to harden, pop it in the microwave for short intervals to loosen it up again, but be cautious of any metal bits that may pose a fire hazard.
- Repouring candles typically refers to adding a top layer of wax to smooth out divots or fill sinkholes, but you can also repour a candle from scratch if needed.
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Repouring candles for aesthetics
Step 1: Harvesting the Wax
Firstly, you will need to separate the wax from your old candles. This can be done by placing the candle jars in the freezer for a few hours, which will make it easier to pop out the wax. Alternatively, you can place the jars in a shallow pan of boiling water, which will melt the wax and allow you to pour it out easily. Make sure to remove any labels or stickers from the jars before beginning this process.
Step 2: Melting the Wax
Once you have harvested your wax, it's time to melt it down. This can be done using a double boiler or a saucepan. Place the wax scraps in a pot or bowl and fill the saucepan or the bottom of the double boiler halfway with water. Set it on the stove and place the container of wax inside, heating it over medium heat. Stir occasionally with a wooden spoon to ensure even melting. You can also add essential oils or combine different types of wax, such as soy and beeswax, for a unique blend.
Step 3: Preparing the Wick
While your wax is melting, prepare your new candle container with a wick. Most wicks come with double-sided stickers. Place the sticker in the centre of your chosen container and stick the metal base of the wick on top. If your wick is too short, you can cut a piece of wicking from a craft store, making sure it is 2 inches taller than your container. Knot one end and thread it through a wick tab before tying the other end around a wooden skewer.
Step 4: Repouring the Wax
Now it's time to repour your wax into the new container. Hold the hot container with tongs and pour the melted wax inside, filling it to just below the rim. Allow the wax to cool and harden, which can take anywhere from 30 minutes to a few hours depending on the size of your container. You can even add dried flowers or herbs to the wax before it hardens for a decorative touch.
Step 5: Finishing Touches
Once your wax has hardened, you can trim the wick to the desired length. If your candle has an uneven surface or indentations, you may need to repour a thin layer of melted wax on top to smooth it out. This is known as the second pour. Allow this layer to cool and harden, and your candle is ready to burn!
Repouring candles is a creative way to reuse old wax and customise your home decor. With endless container options and the ability to blend scents and wax types, the possibilities for aesthetic candles are endless!
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Choosing a container
Choosing the right container is an important step in repouring candles. The container you choose will depend on your personal preference, but there are a few things to keep in mind.
Firstly, consider the size and shape of the container. You'll want to choose something that is slightly larger than the original candle, as this will give you room to work with. The shape of the container will also impact the overall look of your new candle, so choose something that is aesthetically pleasing to you.
Next, think about the material of the container. Glass, crystal, or ceramic containers can be used, but be cautious as they can be more delicate and prone to breakage. Metal containers, such as tins, are also an option and can be found in candle-making kits. If you're using a jar, look for one with a wide mouth and a smooth surface, as this will make it easier to remove the candle once it's finished.
Additionally, consider the colour and design of the container. Choose a colour that complements the colour of the wax, and look for a design that fits your style or the theme of the candle. You can find containers at antique stores, thrift stores, or even in your own kitchen. Teacups, miniature vases, ramekins, and short mason jars can all make unique and beautiful containers for your new candle.
Finally, don't forget to prepare your container before pouring the wax. Clean the container thoroughly, especially if it's been used before, to remove any residue or impurities. Place the wick in the centre of the container and secure it with a pencil, toothpick, or popsicle stick laid across the top, with the wick draped over it. You can also use tape to hold the wick in place.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need a heat source, such as an oven, saucepan, or double boiler, and a container for your new candle, such as a jar or teacup. You will also need a wick and something to secure it, like a pencil or skewer.
Place wax scraps in a pot or bowl and fill a saucepan halfway with water to create a double boiler. Set the heat to medium and allow the wax to melt, stirring occasionally. Alternatively, place the wax in an oven preheated to its lowest setting.
You can strain the melted wax to remove any impurities and ensure your new candle burns cleaner.
Clean your container with boiling water, then place the wick in the centre, securing it with double-sided tape or by tying it to a pencil or skewer across the top of the container.
Carefully pour the melted wax into your prepared container, stopping about half an inch below the rim. Allow the wax to cool and harden, which can take from 30 minutes to a few hours depending on the shape and size of your container.
