Brooke Martin
Votive candles are container candles, and they need to melt across the top to create a liquid melt pool. The size of the votive holder and the gap between the holder and the candle will determine when the candle will form a liquid melt pool. If you're looking to melt down your votive candles to create new ones, there are several methods you can use. One way is to boil water in a saucepan, place the old candle in a small pot, and then place the small pot inside the larger pot with boiling water. You can also place the candle in the freezer to shrink the wax and easily pop it out. Once the wax is melted, you can pour it into a new container with a wick and let it cool.
Characteristics and Values Table for Melting Votive Candles
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Container | Votive candles are container candles, so they need a glass holder to burn correctly. |
| Melt Pool | Votives melt across the top, creating a liquid melt pool. The size of the gap between the votive and the glass holder determines how quickly the pool forms. |
| Reusing Wax | Leftover wax can be melted and reused to make new candles or wax melts. |
| Melting Process | To melt wax, place the candle in a small pot inside a larger pot of simmering water. Different waxes have different melting points, so melting times vary. |
| Removal Techniques | Wax can be removed from the holder by placing it in the freezer or running hot water over it. |
| Safety | Never use sharp objects to remove wax as they can damage the glass. Always practice fire safety and have a fire extinguisher nearby. |
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What You'll Learn
Melting votive candles to make new candles
Melting down old candles is a great way to create new ones for free. It's a super cost-effective process and is incredibly easy and customisable. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to melt down votive candles to make new ones:
Firstly, gather all the items you will need. You will require a container for your new candle, such as a crystal votive holder, a teacup, a miniature vase, or a short mason jar. You will also need something to go across the top of the candle that you can tie the end of the wick to, such as a pencil, toothpick, or popsicle stick. You will also need a wax melter or double boiler, and a saucepan for boiling water. Cover your work area with butcher paper or newspaper to avoid any spills or drips.
Next, cut a piece of wicking that is 2 inches taller than your votive holder. You can buy wicking from craft stores. Knot one end and thread the other through a wick tab, which can also be purchased from craft stores. Tie the free end around a wooden skewer. Dip the wicking and tab into the melted wax to coat them. Remove, then press the tab to the bottom of the holder, and rest the skewer on the votive's rim.
Now, you can begin melting your wax. Place your leftover wax into a wax melter or double boiler. If using a double boiler, boil a few inches of water in a saucepan and place the boiler inside. Make sure the water will not spill over the top. Melt the wax to 175ºF (79.4°C) for the first pour, and 190ºF (87.8°C) for the second pour the following day.
Once your wax has melted, carefully pour it into your chosen container, stopping about 1/2 inch (1.3 cm) below the rim. Leave the wax to set for about an hour. To even the well at the centre, pour more wax until it's a 1/4 inch (0.6 cm) below the rim. You can add essential oils and pressed flowers to customise your candle.
Finally, leave your new candle to cool completely. If you try to remove it from the mould before it has set, wax may spill over the sides. Once it is completely cool, gently pull on the wick to release the candle from the mould. If you are having trouble removing it, put it in the freezer for 5 minutes to help release the wax.
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Removing wax from votive candle holders
Boiling Water Bath
This method involves using boiling water to melt and soften the wax, making it easier to remove. Here are the steps:
- Fill a pan or pot with enough water to cover the wax in the votive candle holder.
- Place the pan on the stove and bring the water to a boil.
- Carefully remove the pan from the heat and place it on a heat-resistant surface.
- Put on oven mitts or heat-resistant gloves to protect your hands from the hot water.
- Hold the votive candle holder with tongs or a pot holder and carefully place it in the boiling water, ensuring that the wax is fully submerged.
- Allow the wax to soften and melt for a few minutes.
- Remove the votive candle holder from the water and use a spoon or butter knife to gently lift and remove the softened wax.
- If needed, use a damp cloth to wipe away any remaining wax residue from the holder.
Freezer Method
This method takes advantage of the fact that wax hardens and shrinks when frozen, making it easier to remove. Here are the steps:
- Place your votive candle holder in the freezer, ensuring that it is level and stable.
- Leave it in the freezer for several hours or overnight.
- Remove the candle holder from the freezer.
- Use a butter knife or spoon to gently pry and scrape the frozen wax away from the glass.
- If needed, use a damp cloth to wipe away any remaining wax residue.
Microwave Technique
This method is quick and effective, but it requires caution to avoid any fire hazards. Here are the steps:
- Place the votive candle holder in the microwave, ensuring it is stable and upright.
- Fill the holder with water, leaving about 1-2 inches of space at the top.
- Microwave the candle for approximately 1-2 minutes. Keep an eye on it to avoid any potential fire hazards from the wick.
- Remove the holder from the microwave using oven mitts or heat-resistant gloves.
- Allow the wax to cool and solidify.
- Use a spoon or butter knife to gently lift and remove the wax from the holder.
Oven Method
This method is suitable for multiple candle holders at once. Here are the steps:
- Preheat your oven to 150-200 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Place the votive candle holders upside down on a sheet of aluminum foil on a baking pan.
- Put the pan in the oven and monitor the process to avoid any waxy mishaps.
- After about 15 minutes, the wax should melt and pool on the foil.
- Carefully remove the pan from the oven and take the holders off the pan using oven mitts.
- Once the wax has dried on the baking sheet, remove it from the foil and either reuse it for new candles or dispose of it accordingly.
Hairdryer Approach
For small amounts of wax, the hairdryer method is a good option. Here are the steps:
- Set your hairdryer to a low or medium setting.
- Hold the hairdryer about 30 cm away from the wax and turn it on for a few seconds to melt and loosen the wax.
- Use a damp cloth to wipe away the melted wax.
Remember, always exercise caution when handling hot items and using electrical appliances near water or wax.
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Using a candle warmer with votive candles
Prepare your workspace:
Cover your work area with butcher paper or newspaper to catch any spills or drips. This makes cleanup easier as you won't have to scrape wax off your work surface.
Prepare your votive candles:
Before melting the wax, ensure your votive candles are clean and free of debris. If you are using new candles, place them in the freezer for a few hours. This will make the wax pull away from the sides of the jar. Run a sharp knife around the inside of the jar to loosen the wax, and it should pop right out. If you are using leftover wax from burned candles, remove the old wicks with tongs and toss them out.
Melt the wax:
Place your candle warmer on a heat-resistant surface and set it to the desired temperature. If your warmer does not have temperature control, turn it on and allow it to heat up. Place the votive candles or leftover wax chunks into the warmer's reservoir. The wax will slowly melt, releasing its fragrance. You can also use a hair dryer or heat gun to melt the wax, but be careful not to overheat the wax as it can be a fire hazard. Keep a fire extinguisher nearby.
Pour the wax:
While the wax is melting, prepare your votive moulds. Clean the moulds with a paper towel and a small amount of mould cleaner or cooking spray. Ensure the moulds are arranged in a way that is easy for you to pour into. Once the wax has melted, slowly pour it into the moulds, filling them completely. Pouring too quickly can cause bubbles to form on top of the wax.
Allow the wax to cool:
Let the wax cool completely, which may take a few hours. If you are using wick pins, you can skip this step and move on to the next one. If you are not using wick pins, insert your wicks before the wax fully sets.
Remove the candles from the moulds:
Once the wax has completely cooled and set, you can remove the candles from the moulds. If they have been left to fully cool, they should easily remove from the mould by pulling on the wick pin or wick. If you have trouble removing them, place the moulds in the freezer for about 5 minutes to help release the wax.
Using a candle warmer is a safe and effective way to melt votive candles, allowing you to enjoy their fragrance or create new candles with the melted wax. Always exercise caution when working with hot wax and follow the safety guidelines provided by your candle warmer's manufacturer.
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How to prevent votive candles from overspill
To prevent votive candles from overspill, it is important to understand the science behind their design and the role of the container. Votive candles are not meant to be freestanding and are designed to burn like container candles. When placed in a container with a large gap, the votive will burn towards the edges, spill down the sides, and create a wax pool at the bottom.
To avoid this, use a container that provides a snug fit for your votive candle. The smaller the gap between the candle and the container, the quicker the candle will create a melt pool towards the top, reducing the chances of overspill. Ensure that the container is specifically designed for votive candles, as they require a particular type of glass holder to burn correctly.
Additionally, you can secure the candle to the base of the container by holding the bottom of the candle over a flame. This will melt the wax slightly, allowing you to stick it to the container and prevent it from tipping over.
When preparing your own votive candles, it is important to take extra care. Cover your work area with butcher paper or newspaper to catch any spills or drips. Always follow candle-burning safety rules and keep a fire extinguisher nearby.
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How to create a melt pool with votive candles
Votive candles are container candles, and they need to melt across the top to create a liquid melt pool. The melt pool is the liquefied wax that forms around the wick when a candle burns. It is integral to a candle's performance, enhancing the candle-burning experience, improving longevity, and aiding scent dispersion.
To create a melt pool with a votive candle, you must first ensure that you have the correct votive holder. Votive holders should be made of glass and provide as snug a fit as possible for the candle. The smaller the gap between the votive and the glass holder, the quicker the candle will form a melt pool.
Once you have the correct votive holder, simply light the wick of the candle and allow the wax to melt across the top, creating a liquid pool of wax. This process can be aided by holding a flame to the bottom of the candle to slightly melt the wax before sticking it to the holder. This will help stabilize the candle and prevent it from tipping over.
It is important to note that the size of the melt pool can impact the performance and longevity of your candle. An optimal melt pool will extend to the edges of the candle but will not be so deep as to drown the wick or cause the candle to burn too hotly. The size of the melt pool can be influenced by factors such as the type and size of the wick, the type of wax used, the presence of additives, and the temperature of the room.
Additionally, the Diameter Rule in candle-making suggests that a candle needs approximately one hour of burn time to form a melt pool for each inch of its diameter. For example, a candle with a 2-inch diameter should burn for about 2 hours to achieve a full melt pool.
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Frequently asked questions
Votive candles are container candles, so they need to melt across the top to create a liquid melt pool. The smaller the gap between the votive and the glass votive holder, the quicker the candle will melt.
First, remove leftover wax from your old candle. Then, place the wax bits into a can and put the can into a saucepan of barely boiling water. Once the wax is melted, pour it into your chosen container with a wick.
No, never put a jarred candle in the microwave. The discs that attach a wick to a holder are made of metal.
Always practice fire safety. Keep water or a fire extinguisher nearby and use a fireproof container.
Leftover wax can be removed from the jar and put into a wax melter. Add a few drops of essential oil and place pressed flowers in the wax.
