Jessie Taylor
Want to create a creepy scene with dripping wax candles but are worried about the fire hazard? PVC candles are a great alternative to real candles, and you can make them yourself! All you need are some PVC pipes, a hot glue gun, paint, and LED tea lights. In this tutorial, we will guide you through the process of making your own PVC candles, from cutting the PVC to the right size to creating the dripping wax effect and adding the lighting. We will also offer some tips and tricks to make your candles look more realistic and aged. So, get your materials ready, and let's get started on crafting these unique and safe PVC candles!
Characteristics and Values table for PVC candles
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| PVC pipe size | 1.5" x 2' (or larger) |
| Cutting PVC pipes | Cut at an angle, not always 90-degree straight cuts, to mimic natural melting |
| Removing printing on PVC | Use sandpaper, acetone, or paint over it with spray paint |
| Applying "wax" | Use hot glue, starting at the top and dripping down the sides in layers |
| Creating a shelf for LED lights | Use expanding foam, pipe insulation, or pool noodles |
| Painting | Spray paint white, then wash with brown/black acrylic paint and water for an aged look |
| LED lights | Use tea lights, flickering LEDs, or electric-powered flicker bulbs |
| Alternatives | Cardboard paper towel rolls, smooth-sided cans |
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What You'll Learn
Cutting PVC: cut at an angle for a more natural look
When making PVC candles, cutting the PVC pipe at an angle can add a nice effect for a more natural look. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to cut PVC at an angle:
- Choose the Right Tool: Select an appropriate cutting tool based on the diameter of the PVC pipe and the number of cuts you need to make. For a few cuts, a hacksaw or a fine-toothed handsaw is suitable. Scissor-type plastic cutters are suitable for small pipes with a diameter of 1 inch or less but require more manual effort. Ratchet-style cutters are more accurate and can handle larger-diameter pipes up to 1.5 inches. For larger projects involving many pipes, a power miter saw is the best option.
- Prepare the PVC Pipe: Before cutting, measure and mark the desired length on the PVC pipe with a tape measure and a pencil. This ensures you cut the pipe to the correct size for your candle.
- Cut at an Angle: If using a miter saw, you can easily cut the PVC pipe at an angle. Adjust the saw to the desired angle and slowly cut through the pipe. Alternatively, for manual angle cuts, you can use a miter box to guide your handsaw. Secure the PVC pipe in the miter box and carefully cut at the desired angle.
- Smooth the Edges: After cutting, use a deburring tool or utility knife to remove any burrs or rough edges. This step is crucial for achieving a smooth finish and ensuring a better connection when gluing the PVC pipes together.
- Sand the Ends: Lightly sand the cut ends of the PVC pipe with fine-grit sandpaper to refine the surface and create an even smoother finish. This step enhances the overall appearance of your PVC candle.
- Apply "Wax": To create the dripping wax effect, use a hot glue gun to carefully drip hot glue down the side of the PVC candle, starting from the top. Build up layers of "wax" until you achieve the desired look. Remember to alternate the dripping placement with each layer.
- Add the Tea Light: Create a shelf inside the PVC pipe for the LED tea light to sit on. You can use expanding foam or pipe insulation for this purpose. Cut a piece of insulation slightly shorter than the PVC pipe and slide it inside, or use the expanding foam and slice off the excess so it's flush with the edge.
- Finish and Decorate: Once the "wax" and tea light are in place, you can further enhance the appearance of your PVC candle. Consider painting it with white spray paint and then washing it with a mixture of brown and black acrylic paint diluted in water to give it an aged and antiqued look.
Remember to work carefully when cutting PVC at an angle, as it requires precision to achieve a natural-looking finish for your candles.
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Removing printing: use sandpaper, acetone or paint
When creating PVC candles, it is important to remove any printing on the PVC pipe. There are several methods to do this:
Sandpaper
Use fine-grit (200-300) sandpaper or a sanding pad to gently rub the printed areas with even strokes. This method physically removes the printing by sanding down the pipe's surface to reveal the plastic beneath. It may result in a patchy, dull, or matte finish. To ensure a smooth surface, use wet-or-dry sandpaper under water. After sanding, wipe down the pipe with a damp cloth to remove any residual PVC particles.
Acetone
Acetone can be used to break up and dilute the ink, allowing it to be wiped away. Apply a small amount of acetone to a steel wool pad or cloth by tipping the can. Work the PVC pipe's surface in a circular motion, focusing on lettering and barcodes. Acetone evaporates quickly, so work rapidly and wipe away the ink with a clean cloth. Wear gloves when handling acetone, as it can break down thinner latex or nitrile gloves. Additionally, acetone emits vapors that may be harmful and cause dizziness or headaches, so work in a well-ventilated area.
Paint
Painting over the printing is another option, but it may require multiple coats to cover effectively. Spray paint can be used, and aging techniques can be applied to enhance the look of the candle. However, painting may only be necessary if the candles will be placed in a lighted area.
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Applying wax: use hot glue and alternate dripping placement
To apply wax to your PVC candle, you will need a hot glue gun and a silicone baking sheet or a Silpat mat to work on. Place the pipes on your sheet or mat to avoid gluing them to your table.
Start by running the glue gun around the top edge of the pipe, using enough glue so that it spills down the outside in wide drips. This is your base layer. You need to let each layer dry before adding the next one, so work on a few candles at a time.
When you add a new layer, build up the top edge and alternate the dripping placement. Build over the last layer and also add glue to a new spot. You can also add a line of glue to the top edge, wait a moment for it to start drying, and then turn the candle upside down, letting gravity stretch the lip of wax into interesting shapes.
You can also start making drips on the inside of the candle, but be mindful of how thick you make them or else your LED won't fit. Try to avoid glue strings, which occur when the tip of your hot glue gun touches wet glue. If they do occur, most can be peeled off when dry, or melted with a heat gun.
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Painting: use ageing techniques for a realistic look
Painting PVC to look like a candle involves a few simple steps. First, you'll need to prepare the PVC surface by sanding it to remove the sheen and create some texture. You can then use acetone to further clean the surface. When it comes to painting, you can use a variety of techniques to create a realistic candle look.
One option is to use a sponge to create an ombre effect. Start at the base of the PVC and dab on the paint, working your way up. As you reach the halfway point, reduce the pressure on the sponge to let the paint gently fade. This will give the appearance of a candle that has been burning down. You can also use paintbrushes to create different effects, such as leaves and berries, or simple shapes like arcs and branches. Remember to work with thin brushes for more control on the small surface area.
To create an aged look, you can use a dark grey or black chalk paint mixed with water. Paint this on and then quickly wipe it off with a towel. You can repeat this process until you achieve the desired aged effect. To finish, seal the paint with a clear wax to preserve your work.
Another ageing technique involves using wax. Start by applying a coat of clear wax and then working in some dark wax to create an antique look. You can then use clear wax again to wipe back any areas that appear too dark, allowing you to control the level of ageing.
With these techniques, you can transform PVC into realistic-looking candles with a vintage flair.
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Using pipe insulation: cut to size and place inside the PVC
To make PVC candles using pipe insulation, start by cutting the PVC pipe to your desired candle size. You can use a miter saw to cut the PVC pipe at an angle to create a more natural candle-melting effect. Next, you'll want to create a shelf inside the PVC pipe for the LED candle light to sit on. This can be done by using pipe insulation.
Cut the pipe insulation to a length about an inch shorter than your PVC pipe. You can find inexpensive pipe insulation at hardware stores like Lowes and Home Depot; it typically comes in 4-5' lengths and in black. Make sure to get pipe insulation that is slightly bigger than the inside of your PVC pipe so that it fits snugly. Slide the pipe insulation into the PVC pipe, creating a shelf for your LED tea light to rest on. If you're using a tea light, avoid gluing the pipe insulation in place, as you may want to adjust the height later.
For electric-powered PVC candles, you can push the C7 fixture snugly inside the piece of pipe insulation and then use hot glue to permanently hold it in place inside the PVC candle. If you plan to spray paint your PVC candle, be sure to cover the pipe insulation, as spray paint will damage the foam.
Instead of pipe insulation, you can also use white styrofoam or a pool noodle cut to size to hold the LED tea light.
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Frequently asked questions
First, cut the PVC pipe into your desired candle size and shape. Use a saw to cut the PVC pipe and get creative with your cuts—cutting at an angle can add a nice effect.
Use sandpaper, acetone, paint thinner, brush cleaner, or another type of solvent to remove the printing.
Place the pipes on a silicone baking sheet to begin adding the wax. Use a hot glue gun to drip hot glue down the sides of the candle, creating the dripping wax effect. Allow each layer to dry before adding another.
You can paint the candle with white spray paint and then add a wash of brown or black acrylic paint mixed with water to create an aged look. Once the paint is dry, apply a coating of clear coat matte finish spray to fuse all the layers together.
