Maddie James
Upcycling old candles is a fun, sustainable, and creative DIY project that can be done at home. With a few simple steps and supplies, you can transform old candle stubs and remnants into beautiful new candles. This guide will teach you how to give your old candles a second life by melting and remoulding the wax, choosing the right wick, and adding your desired colours and fragrances.
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What You'll Learn
Melting wax with a double boiler
To melt wax with a double boiler, you will need a large saucepan, a smaller saucepan or heat-safe container, and water. First, fill the larger saucepan about halfway with water and place it on the stove to heat. The amount of water you use is important: it should be enough to create steam, but not so much that it touches the bowl or container holding the wax. If you are using a glass bowl, be aware that the steam will escape around the sides, so be careful when removing the bowl from the saucepan.
Next, place your wax in a pouring pitcher, clean coffee can, or smaller saucepan. If you are using a heat-safe container, place it on top of the saucepan, ensuring that it rests comfortably and does not touch the water. Pour your wax into the container. You can use any type of wax, such as soy wax, beeswax, or paraffin wax, but be aware that each type of wax melts at a different temperature, so it is important to know the correct temperature for your specific wax. You can use a thermometer to monitor the temperature of the wax.
As the wax begins to melt, occasionally stir the unmelted components with a wooden or heat-safe spatula to encourage even melting. Do not stir too aggressively, as this can introduce air into the blend, affecting the final candle quality. Once the wax is completely melted, you can add colour if desired and mix thoroughly. If you are adding fragrance, remove the wax from the heat first and then gently stir it in. Most wax should be heated to 185 degrees Fahrenheit before adding fragrance, but always check with your wax supplier for instructions.
Finally, carefully pour your wax blend into a container at a steady rate. Try to avoid introducing too much air into the blend. If you are making multiple candles, pour about 75% of the wax into each container and then top them off in the same order.
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Choosing the right wick
There are many different types of wicks, each with its own unique properties. The most common type of wick is cotton, but wicks can also be made from wood, fiberglass, or "natural fibres". Cotton wicks are often braided, and some are treated with specific processes to enhance their performance. Cotton Braid wicks, for example, are designed to curl while burning, minimising carbon build-up. They are ideal for waxes with a highly viscous molten state, such as beeswax.
Another type of cotton wick is the HTP wick, which is coreless and has a paper filament throughout, providing increased rigidity. HTP wicks are versatile and can be used in both paraffin and soy waxes. They are designed to work well in viscous waxes and are self-trimming with a slight curl, reducing carbon buildup.
Wooden wicks are a relatively new addition to the candle-making industry. They are typically made from softwood or hardwood, with softwood wicks offering a unique crackling and popping sound as they burn. Wooden wicks are ideal for natural waxes such as soy and can be used in paraffin wax as well.
The type of wax you are using will largely determine the type of wick you should choose. Different waxes have different densities, melting points, and viscosities, requiring different levels of heat from the wick for optimal burning. For example, zinc core wicks are excellent for paraffin wax candles but tend to drown when used in soy wax.
It is important to note that the size of the wick also matters. A wick that is too small will cause the candle to burn down the middle, a phenomenon known as "tunnelling". Conversely, a wick that is too large will produce excess carbon, leading to "mushrooming" at the end of the wick and increased soot. The taller neck design found on some wicks helps to prevent the bottom portion of the candle from burning, enhancing safety.
To ensure you choose the right wick, it is recommended to test burn your candles with different wick sizes. By observing the flame size, melt pool depth, and carbon buildup, you can determine if the wick is the correct size for your candle.
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Removing wax from jars
One of the easiest ways to remove wax from a jar is to freeze it. Place the jar in the freezer for several hours or overnight. The wax will freeze and shrink, making it easier to remove. Once it's frozen, remove the jar from the freezer and use a butter knife, wooden popsicle stick, or similar tool to gently chip away at the wax. Large pieces may easily separate from the bottom or sides of the jar, while smaller pieces can be loosened with a butter knife if necessary.
Alternatively, you can melt the wax out of the jar. This can be done by placing the jar in the oven or using a hairdryer or heat gun. To use the oven method, preheat the oven to a low temperature of around 150-200°F (65-93°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper and place the jar upside down on the baking sheet. Put the baking sheet into the oven for about 15 minutes, during which time the wax will melt and drip onto the foil or paper. Remove the jar and baking sheet from the oven and use a paper towel to wipe away any remaining soft wax from the edges and walls of the jar.
If you prefer to use a hairdryer or heat gun, place the jar on a flat, heat-resistant surface and direct the hot air onto the sides and bottom of the jar. When the wax has softened, use a butter knife to scrape it off.
Another option is to boil the wax out of the jar. This method involves placing the candle inside a pot or large metal bowl on a heat-safe surface. Pour boiling water into the pot around the candle, ensuring that the water does not get into the jar. Let the jar sit in the hot water until the wax has softened, then remove it from the water and pop out the wax. Finally, wash the jar with soap and water to remove any remaining wax or residue.
For small bits of wax that remain in the jar after using any of these methods, you can try using a microwave. Place the jar in the microwave for about 30 seconds, then wipe away the wax with a paper towel.
With any of these methods, patience is key, especially when working with larger vessels, as they will take longer to process.
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Adding colour and scent
If you're looking to add some colour and scent to your candles, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, consider the underlying smell of the recycled wax. Different scent profiles may not blend well together—for example, a pumpkin pie candle and a floral candle might smell confusing and over-perfumed when combined. On the other hand, a pumpkin pie candle and a smoky leathery whiskey candle might smell great together.
Next, if you're combining different colours of wax, think about how the tones will blend. Colours that are close to each other tend to work well, while those that are opposite may not create an attractive finish. You can experiment with layers of different colours for a rainbow effect, allowing each layer to dry a bit before adding the next.
When adding colour and scent to your candles, it's important to use small amounts and build up the quantities as needed. Too much dye or essential oil can affect how well the candle burns. You can use essential oils or fragrance oils to add scent, and colour dyes to add colour. Stir the wax well to evenly distribute the colour and scent.
You can also add dried flowers to your candles for a natural and decorative touch. If you're using scented wax from multiple sources, consider how the fragrances will blend. If you're using unscented wax, you can add essential oils, but be mindful of how the scents will combine to create a certain mood or ambiance. For example, wax infused with citrus oils may not mix well with wax infused with lavender oil.
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Preparing candle moulds
Choosing the Right Materials
The first step in preparing candle moulds is gathering the necessary materials. You can use a variety of household items as moulds, such as glass jars, cardboard, plastic bottles, tin cans, silicone, or even sand. For silicone moulds, you will need a silicone rubber kit, which typically comes in two parts that need to be mixed in a 1:1 ratio. If using cardboard, select a sturdy option such as a cereal or shoe box, or repurpose empty toilet paper rolls. For tin cans, choose options like soup, coffee, or tuna cans.
Preparing the Container
Ensure your container is clean and dry. If there are any seams, use glue to seal them shut to prevent liquid rubber from leaking once poured in. This step is crucial, especially when working with silicone moulds.
Preparing the Model
Place the model inside the container, considering the desired final outcome. The side of the model that touches the bottom of the container will be the open part of the candle mould. For example, if you want to create a candle in the shape of a pine cone, place the pine cone upside down in the container so that the bottom of the candle mould will be flat.
Pouring the Silicone Rubber
Once you have prepared your silicone rubber by mixing it thoroughly, carefully pour it into the mould container. Pour slowly and from the side to prevent bubble formation. This technique ensures a smooth and even surface for your candle mould.
Inserting the Wick
Before pouring the wax, it is crucial to insert the wick correctly. For silicone moulds, use a wicking needle to thread the wick through the centre of the mould. If there is no pre-made hole, create one at the centre. Ensure the wick is straight and secure, using a wick holder or tape. Adjust the length of the wick according to the height of the mould.
Lubricating the Mould
Lightly coat the interior surface of your mould with a thin layer of oil. This step ensures that your candle can be easily removed without damage. You can use spray oil or a soft brush to evenly apply the oil, covering all areas.
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Frequently asked questions
Store candles in a cool, dark place that doesn't receive direct sunlight and has a consistent temperature. Basements, linen closets, and under-the-stairs closets are good options.
The ideal temperature range for storing candles is between 50 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit, ideally erring on the cooler side.
No, avoid storing candles in areas prone to leakage, such as under the kitchen or bathroom sink. Also, keep them away from sources of direct heat, such as kitchen appliances.
Keep your candles away from heat sources and direct sunlight, as these can cause the fragrance to degrade faster. Cover your candles when not in use to preserve the scent and keep dust out.
Always store candles out of the reach of children and pets, and away from flammable items.
