Ben Carter
Candles are delicate objects that can easily chip, crack, and break. Luckily, a broken taper candle can be mended, although it may not look as perfect as it did before. There are several methods to fix a broken candle, including melting wax in a double boiler and using a paintbrush to paint hot wax inside the crack, melting the broken ends of the candle in hot water, and using a lighter or matches to melt the wax.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Repairability | It is possible to repair a broken taper candle, but it will not look as perfect as it did pre-break. |
| Method 1: Tools | Wax, double boiler, paintbrush, old newspaper/wax paper/baking parchment paper |
| Method 1: Steps | Melt wax in a double boiler, dip paintbrush into wax, paint wax inside the crack of the candle |
| Method 2: Tools | Lighter or matches, hot water, small pot or pan, gloves |
| Method 2: Steps | Fill pot/pan with hot water, dip broken ends of the candle into the water, hold pieces together for 30 seconds, place on a table to air dry |
| Method 3: Tools | Toothpick, like-colored taper candle |
| Method 3: Steps | Push a toothpick into the centre of the broken piece, push the wax into the wax of the break site, drip wax from the like-colored taper into the crack to fill any gaps |
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What You'll Learn
Melt wax in a double boiler
To repair a broken taper candle, you will need to melt wax in a double boiler. This is an efficient and economical way to melt wax for candle-making and can be done using items you may already have at home.
First, fill a large saucepan about halfway with water and place it on the stove to heat. You can use a pouring pitcher, clean coffee can, or smaller saucepan as your wax container. The can must be at least as tall as the candle. Place your wax in the smaller container and put the container in the larger saucepan. Heat the wax over medium to medium-low heat until it is completely melted. You can add more water to the larger saucepan as needed to prevent the water from evaporating.
Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature of the wax. The ideal temperature depends on the type of wax you are using. For example, soy wax melts at a relatively low temperature of around 120°F to 140°F, while beeswax has a higher melting point of 145°F to 175°F. Most wax should be heated to 180°F to 185°F before adding fragrance. However, always check with your wax supplier for specific instructions.
Once the wax is melted, you can add colour if desired and mix thoroughly. If you are adding a fragrance, remove the wax from the heat and gently stir it in.
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Dip the broken ends of the candle into the wax
To fix a broken taper candle by dipping its ends into wax, you'll first need to melt some wax in a double boiler or a small saucepan or pan of hot water on a stove. The water should be heated to between 160 and 180 degrees Fahrenheit—when it starts to "dance", it's hot enough, as this is above the melting point of most wax candles. If you're using a heat gun, set it to 180 degrees Fahrenheit and check regularly with a thermometer to ensure it doesn't exceed 140 degrees.
Once your wax is melted, it's time to dip the broken ends of the candle into it. Be careful not to dip the candle too far into the pot, as only the outermost ends of the pieces need to be melted. For thin candles, a few seconds should be enough, but thicker, denser candles will need to be left in the wax for longer.
After dipping, immediately secure the two pieces together in their original form. Hold them firmly for at least 30 seconds, then set the candle down on a table to air dry. It should be secure enough to stand on its own after 30 seconds, but it may take a few minutes to dry completely, depending on its thickness.
If your taper candle is one half of a pair, dip the other one too so that they match. Always let the wax cool before using the candle again, and be sure to follow basic candle care guidelines, such as trimming the wick regularly, to prevent future breaks.
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Hold the pieces together for 30 seconds
Holding the pieces together is a crucial step in mending a broken taper candle. Once the wax has been melted, either through dipping the broken ends into hot wax or using a heat gun, it's important to act quickly. Bring the two pieces together, aligning them to their original form. Hold them firmly and securely for 30 seconds. This will ensure that the wax sets properly and the pieces adhere to each other.
While 30 seconds may not be enough time for the wax to dry completely, it will create a stable bond. The candle can then be gently placed upright on a table or flat surface to air dry. To facilitate this process, it's recommended to place some newspaper, wax paper, baking parchment, or an old cloth on the table before setting the candle down. This will prevent any unwanted wax from dripping onto the surface.
The drying time can vary depending on the thickness of the candle and the type of wax used. Most candles will only need a few minutes to dry completely. During this time, it's important to handle the candle with care and avoid any sudden movements that could cause the pieces to separate again.
If there are any noticeable gaps or cracks after the initial repair, additional wax can be dripped into these areas to create a smooth finish. This process should be done in layers, allowing each layer to harden before adding more wax. The colour and scent of the wax used for repairs do not need to match the original candle, but using similar wax can create a more seamless appearance.
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Fill in gaps with wax from a like-coloured taper
If your taper candle has a noticeable gap, you can fill it in with wax from a like-coloured taper. First, lay the broken candle on some old newspaper, wax paper, or baking parchment paper to protect your surfaces. Then, melt some wax in a double boiler. It is important to use a wax that is similar in colour to your taper candle. Dip a paintbrush into the hot wax and paint some wax inside the crack. Work quickly as the wax will cool as soon as it touches the air. Allow each layer to harden and then drip additional wax onto the layers until you have filled in the crack.
You can also use a similar method to fix a clean break. First, examine the broken candle and the piece that has broken off. If the candle has broken evenly and the pieces fit back together like a puzzle, blow or brush away any loose wax particles from the break site. Light a match and carefully hold the exposed wax of the broken piece in the flame until it begins to melt. You can then stick the two pieces together and hold them until the wax hardens.
Alternatively, you can warm the candle quickly with a heat gun and dip it in hot wax for three seconds. If the taper candle is one half of a pair, heat and dip the other so that they match. Always melt wax in a double boiler and be cautious when working with hot wax.
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Use a heat gun to warm the candle
To repair a broken taper candle with a heat gun, follow these steps:
Firstly, lay the broken candle on a safe surface, such as old newspaper, wax paper, or baking parchment paper. This will protect your work surface from any drips or spills. Next, prepare your heat gun. A heat gun is a tool used by many professional chandlers to control temperatures and manipulate the state of the wax. It works by using electricity or gas to heat up internally, with a fan directing the hot air outwards so you can aim it at your target. When using a heat gun, always exercise caution as the air temperature can reach extremely high temperatures—up to 1000 °F. For candle making, a temperature of 150 °F is usually sufficient, with slightly higher temperatures used rarely.
Now, use the heat gun to warm the broken candle quickly and evenly. You can also use a lighter to heat the wax, but a heat gun will give you more control over the temperature and direct the heat more precisely. Once the wax is softened, dip the broken end into melted wax for three seconds. If you have another candle that is one half of a pair, heat and dip it too so that they match. Alternatively, you can use a paintbrush to paint hot wax into the crack of the broken candle. Work quickly, as the wax will start to cool as soon as it comes into contact with the air. Keep painting wax into the crack and hold the two pieces together until you are satisfied with the sturdiness of the bond.
Finally, allow the candle to cool and dry. This should only take a few minutes, depending on the thickness of the candle. You can then use a small, sharp knife to gently scrape away any excess wax, and buff the candle with a soft, clean cloth to smooth out the finish. If you want to further smooth the finish, you can use the heat gun to blast the surface of the candle for a second or two.
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