Tyler Brooks
Candles are a popular way to create a cosy atmosphere, but they can be wasteful when they come to the end of their lives. Recycling old candles into new pillars is a fun, easy, and chilled-out project that can save you money and help the environment. You can recycle candle wax by melting it down and pouring it into a mould, reusing old candle jars, or making your own votives with reused wax.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| First Step | Find all your old candles to get an idea of how much wax you have and how many new candles you can make. |
| Second Step | Sort the wax bits by colour and type of wax. |
| Third Step | Melt the wax using a double boiler, melting pot, or saucepan. |
| Fourth Step | Prepare the wicks by cutting them to size and threading them through a wick sustainer. |
| Fifth Step | Pour the melted wax into a mould or jar and let it cool. |
| Sixth Step | Trim the wick, and your new candle is ready to use! |
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What You'll Learn
Sort old candle wax by colour and type
Before recycling old candles into new pillars, it is important to sort the old candle wax by colour and type. This is because the colour of the wax will determine the colour of the new pillar candle, and different types of wax have different properties, such as melt point and brittleness, that will impact the final product.
Firstly, collect all your old candles and sort them by colour. If you want to make a single-colour pillar candle, you will need to ensure you have enough wax of the same colour. If you are happy to make a multi-coloured pillar candle, you can mix and match different coloured waxes to create a unique design.
Secondly, identify the type of wax used in each candle. The most common types of wax used in candles include paraffin, soy, beeswax, and coconut wax. Paraffin wax is the most commonly used and least expensive option, and it can be used to make pillars, containers, votives, and tealights. Soy wax is a natural alternative made from hydrogenated soybean oil, but it has a low melting point and is quite brittle, so it may not be suitable for all projects. Beeswax is another natural option that works well for pillar candles, and coconut wax is becoming increasingly popular for container candles.
Finally, decide on the type of pillar candle you want to make and select the appropriate wax. Pillar candles are self-supporting and do not require a container, so you will need to use a harder wax that can hold its shape, such as pillar wax, which is specifically formulated for this purpose. If you are making a scented pillar candle, you will also need to choose a wax with a high maximum fragrance allowance.
By sorting your old candle wax by colour and type, you can ensure you have the right materials for your recycled pillar candle project and create a final product that meets your desired specifications.
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Melt wax in a double boiler
Melting wax in a double boiler is a preferred method for many candle crafters. To start, you will need a melting jug or pot large enough to hold all the candle bits you want to process. Pour in about half an inch of water, which will allow any dirt to sink to the bottom and not contaminate the wax.
Next, add your wax pieces to the melting jug. Ensure they are as clean as possible, and similar in scent or colour to avoid an unpleasant mix. Place the melting jug in the bottom pan of the double boiler, which should be filled halfway with water. Heat the boiler on your stove, and wait for the wax to melt completely.
Once the wax is liquefied, inspect the bottom of the jug for any debris, such as burnt and unburnt wicks, or soot. Use a wicking needle to fish out the larger pieces of debris and discard them. If there is a lot of dirt, you may need to filter the wax.
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Prepare a mould and wick
Preparing a mould and wick is a crucial step in making a pillar candle. It ensures your candle burns evenly and beautifully. Here is a step-by-step guide:
Choose the Right Wick
Select a wick suited for the type of wax and the diameter of your candle. Wicks for free-standing candles differ from those in container candles due to the harder wax and higher melting points.
Measure the Wick
Measure the wick so that it touches the bottom of the mould and stays straight. You want the wick to be about 2 cm taller than the mould or jar. This ensures that it is long enough and stays straight.
Secure the Wick
If using a pillar mould, cut the end of the wick at an angle for easier insertion. Secure the wick with a wick bar, making sure it is nice and straight. For silicone moulds, use a wicking needle to thread the wick through the mould. If there is no pre-made hole, create one at the mould's centre. Ensure the wick is placed straight and taut. For PVC moulds, cut the wick at an angle and secure it with duct tape. Place the tape across the mould, ensuring no air pockets, and smooth it from the centre outwards.
Prepare the Mould
Before pouring wax into your mould, lubricate it by lightly coating the interior surface with a thin layer of oil. This ensures your finished candle can be easily removed without damage. For moulds with a removable base, remove it before oiling.
Final Checks
Check that the wick is secure and straight, and the mould is well-lubricated. Now your pillar mould is ready for wax!
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Pour wax into mould and let it cool
Once you've gathered your old candles and separated them by colour and scent, you can begin melting the wax. This can be done by placing the wax chunks into a melting device, such as a double boiler, a bain-marie, or a saucepan within a larger saucepan filled with water. Make sure to avoid adding water to the wax, as this will cause your candles to crackle when they burn.
When the wax has completely melted, you can begin pouring it into your chosen mould. You can use a variety of containers, such as an ice cube tray, a milk tetrapack container, or a vintage teacup. Be sure to have a wick in place before pouring in the wax. The wick should be about 2 cm taller than the mould and threaded through a wick sustainer, which can be squeezed shut with pliers.
After pouring the wax into your mould, let it cool completely. The cooling process may take about an hour. Once the wax has set, you can trim the wick to about 1/4 inch for a cleaner burn and to reduce soot marks.
Now, your recycled candle is ready to be lit and enjoyed!
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Trim the wick
Trimming the wick of a candle is a crucial yet simple task that can significantly enhance the candle's lifespan and performance. It is important to trim the wick to a quarter of an inch (0.6 cm) before lighting the candle each time. This ensures a cleaner and longer-lasting burn by preventing the flame from becoming too large and causing excess soot or smoke. It also helps to prevent "mushrooming", which can lead to an uneven burn and poor scent distribution.
Trimming the wick is easy and only requires a few tools, such as a pair of scissors, wick trimmers, or nail clippers. Here is a step-by-step guide:
- Extinguish the candle by blowing it out or using a candle snuffer.
- Allow the candle to cool down and for the wax to solidify.
- Locate the wick and use your chosen tool to trim it to the recommended length of about a quarter of an inch.
- Remove any trimmed pieces from the top of the candle to prevent them from catching fire the next time you light it.
- Light the candle and enjoy!
It is important to trim the wick every time before relighting the candle and to avoid trimming it while the candle is burning, as the trimmed wick could fall into the melted wax and create a fire hazard. Additionally, always remove the trimmed wick from the candle's surface to prevent it from affecting the candle's performance and causing a fire hazard.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need a sufficient amount of old wax or candle pieces, a melting device such as a double boiler or two old saucepans, and pre-waxed wicks. You can purchase wicks from most craft and hobby stores.
Fill a saucepan with water and place the old candles in their glass jars into the pan. Slowly bring the water to a boil so that the wax gradually melts. Make sure you don't add water to the jars, as this will cause your candles to crackle when they burn.
Once the wax has melted, pour it into your mold and let it cool. Then, trim the wick, light it, and watch your new candle glow!
