Maddie James
Decorating candles with napkins is a fun, easy, and affordable way to create beautiful, customised pieces for any occasion. With just a paper napkin, a blow dryer or heating tool, and a plain wax candle, you can transform your candle and make it look like it came from an upscale boutique. The wax from the candle will melt and be absorbed by the napkin, creating a unique design. This DIY project is perfect for those looking to make custom candles for a special occasion or to simply spruce up their living space.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Napkin type | Paper napkin |
| Napkin layers | Only the top ply |
| Candle type | Wax candle |
| Tools | Blow dryer, heat gun, curling iron, hairdryer |
| Process | Wrap the napkin around the candle, melt the wax, and absorb it into the napkin |
| Safety | Keep your hand on the backside of the candle to avoid burns |
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What You'll Learn
Use a blow dryer to melt the wax
Using a Blow Dryer to Melt the Wax
To decorate a candle with a napkin, you will need a plain wax pillar candle, a blow dryer, and a decorative paper napkin. The base colour of the napkin should be the same as the candle. Napkins are usually 3-ply, so you will need to remove the extra layers and cut out the images you want to use.
Once you have prepared your napkin, wrap it around the candle to ensure it will fit. Line up the top edge where you want it, leaving about 1 inch at the bottom of the candle. You can use a small amount of non-toxic glue to hold the napkin in place.
Now, take your blow dryer and turn it to the lowest heat setting. Aim the hot air at the candle, moving the dryer back and forth so you don't scorch the paper. Keep blowing hot air until you see the wax melt and darken the tissue paper. Continue moving around the candle until it is almost completely covered. Be very careful not to burn yourself!
Once the wax has soaked through the napkin and it looks waxy, you can move on to the next area. Work your way around the candle as evenly as possible so that it doesn't become lumpy. When you have finished, leave the napkin to harden.
Finally, remove the sticker from the bottom of the candle. Fold the edges of the napkin over and melt the napkin into the bottom of the candle.
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Peel napkin layers for a single ply
To peel napkin layers for a single ply, start by carefully unfolding and separating the napkin layers. Most paper napkins are 3-ply, with a printed layer and two solid-coloured layers underneath, so you will need to remove the extra layers until you are left with just the design on a single ply. You can use a small amount of non-toxic glue to secure the single ply in place if needed.
To separate the layers, you can try rubbing a corner of the napkin together to help peel them apart. Be careful not to tear the top layer, as this is the one with the design printed on it. If you are struggling to separate the layers, try cutting out the design first and then using a paintbrush to 'paint' water onto the negative space. You can then use your fingers to pull the layers away from each other more easily.
Once you have your single ply, you can wrap it around your candle, cut off any excess, and continue with the rest of the candle decoration process.
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Wrap the napkin around the candle
To get started, you will need a plain wax candle, a blow dryer or heating tool, and a decorative paper napkin.
First, peel away the layers of the napkin so that you are left with only the top ply. You will then wrap this around your candle, ensuring that the pattern is facing outwards. Cut off any excess napkin, leaving about a 1/4" overlap.
Next, you will need to apply heat to the candle. Using a blow dryer or heating tool, aim the heat at the candle, moving it back and forth so as not to scorch the paper. You will see the wax begin to melt and darken the tissue paper. Continue moving around the candle until the napkin is almost completely covered.
Once the napkin is coated in wax, set it aside to harden. You can use a small amount of non-toxic glue to hold the napkin in place if you are having any trouble. Be sure to exercise caution when using any heat tools, as the air from the blow dryer can be very hot and cause burns.
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Trim excess napkin from the candle
To trim excess napkin from a candle, first remove the sticker from the bottom of the napkin. Then, fold the edges over and melt the napkin into the bottom of the candle. You can do this by using a blow dryer or heating tool to apply heat to the excess napkin. Be careful not to burn yourself, as the air from the blow dryer can be very hot. Use a washcloth or oven mitt to protect your hand if needed.
Once the excess napkin is melted, you can trim it so that it overlaps by about 1/4" on the sides, and leave about 1 inch at the bottom of the candle. This will ensure that the napkin is securely adhered to the candle and will not come loose.
If you are using a napkin with a pattern or design, make sure that the design is centred and aligned properly before trimming. You may need to cut away some of the excess napkin to achieve the desired placement of the design.
It is important to note that you should only trim the excess napkin after you have adhered the napkin to the sides of the candle. This will ensure that the napkin is securely in place and does not shift during the trimming process.
Additionally, if you are using a scented candle, be aware that the heat from the blow dryer or heating tool may affect the scent. It is recommended to work in a well-ventilated area to minimise this effect.
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Use wax paper to avoid direct contact with heat
When melting a napkin onto a candle, it is important to avoid direct contact with heat to prevent burning yourself or the napkin. One way to do this is by using wax paper.
Wax paper, also known as waxed paper or paraffin paper, is a thin paper coated on both sides with wax, typically made from polyethylene or paraffin. It is a versatile kitchen staple that can be used for various purposes, including baking, cooking, and food storage. When it comes to melting a napkin onto a candle, wax paper can be a useful tool to protect the napkin from direct heat and ensure a smooth and even finish.
To use wax paper effectively in this process, follow these steps:
- Prepare your workspace: Gather your materials, including the candle, napkin, blow dryer or heat gun, and wax paper. Ensure your workspace is well-ventilated and clear of any flammable materials.
- Cut the wax paper: Cut a piece of wax paper that is slightly larger than the surface of the candle you wish to cover. This will help catch any excess wax and protect your surrounding work area from heat damage.
- Wrap the napkin: Carefully wrap the napkin around the candle, ensuring it fits snugly. You can use a small amount of non-toxic glue to secure any loose edges and ensure the napkin stays in place.
- Place the wax paper: Position the wax paper underneath the candle, ensuring it covers the entire surface area that will be exposed to heat. This will create a protective barrier between the heat source and the napkin.
- Apply heat: Aim the blow dryer or heat gun at the candle, moving it back and forth to avoid scorching the napkin. Adjust the distance and heat intensity as needed to control the melting process effectively.
- Monitor the process: Keep a close eye on the napkin as the wax melts. You will notice the wax being absorbed into the napkin, creating a waxy appearance. Ensure the heat is distributed evenly to avoid any lumps or uneven coating.
- Remove the wax paper: Once the desired area is coated, carefully remove the wax paper from the candle. If any areas of the napkin are not properly adhered, reapply heat to those spots until the wax melts and the napkin attaches to the candle.
By using wax paper, you can minimize the risk of direct contact between the heat source and the napkin, resulting in a safer and more controlled melting process. Remember always to exercise caution when working with heat tools and melting wax, as there is a potential risk of burns and fire if not handled properly.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need a plain wax candle, a blow dryer or heating tool, and a paper napkin.
Carefully peel the napkin apart so that the pattern is only 1 ply.
Wrap the napkin around the candle and use your blow dryer or heating tool to apply heat to the candle. Keep applying heat until the wax melts and darkens the napkin.
Be careful not to burn yourself when applying heat to the candle. Do not use this technique on taper candles as they can easily catch fire.
