Jessie Taylor
Candles are a great way to set the mood or create an atmosphere, but it can be frustrating when there's wax left over that you can't use. Luckily, there are several ways to reform a candle and give it a new lease of life. Whether you're an eco-warrior looking to reduce waste, or simply want to save money, candle reformation is a fun and easy way to get creative. You can melt down old wax and reform it into a new candle, or even use a candle warmer to release a delicate fragrance. With just a few simple steps, you can transform those leftover candle pieces into something beautiful and useful.
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What You'll Learn
How to melt wax safely
Reforming candles is a great way to recycle old wax and reduce waste. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to melt wax safely:
Firstly, separate the wax from its container. If the wax is stuck, try placing the candle jar in a shallow pan of boiling water for about an hour. You can then use a popsicle stick or chopstick to gently loosen the wax.
Now you have your wax scraps, you can begin melting them safely. The most popular method is the double boiler, which reduces the risk of burning or overheating. To do this, fill a large pan with water and place it on a hob or hotplate. Then, put your wax in a smaller heat-resistant pan or bowl and place this inside the larger pan. Heat over medium heat until the wax has melted.
There are other methods to melt wax safely. You can use a microwave, but be sure to use a microwave-safe container, such as ceramic or heatproof glass. Heat the wax in short intervals, stirring in between, and monitor the temperature with a thermometer. You can also purchase a wax melter, which is a special appliance for melting wax. Simply plug it in, set the temperature, and place your wax in the pot.
When handling hot wax, always take precautions. Never let the temperature of the wax exceed 250° F, and never melt wax over direct heat. Keep melted wax away from children and pets, and always use oven mitts when handling hot items. It is also recommended to wear safety goggles to protect your eyes from splashes and have a fire extinguisher nearby.
Now you have safely melted your wax, you can begin to create your new candle!
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Removing wax from jars
Freezing Method:
This method is suitable for thick glass jars. Thin glass jars are at risk of shattering.
- Place the jar in the freezer for several hours or overnight.
- Remove the jar from the freezer.
- Gently tap the bottom of the jar on a surface. If that doesn't work, turn the jar upside down and gently tap the bottom.
- The frozen wax should pop loose and slide out.
- If there is still wax stuck to the jar, use a butter knife or a wooden stick to gently chip away at the wax.
- Wash the jar with warm water and dish soap to remove any remaining wax flakes or residue.
Boiling Water Method:
- Boil a couple of cups of water.
- Place the jar, open-side-up, in a shallow pan or baking sheet. The pan should be placed on a surface that won't be damaged by heat, such as a stovetop or wooden cutting board.
- Pour the boiling water into the pan, surrounding the jar, and fill the jar halfway. The wax will rise to the surface.
- Leave the setup for about an hour.
- Remove the jar from the pan and wash it with warm water and dish soap to remove any remaining wax.
Oven Method:
This method is suitable for metal or glass jars.
- Preheat the oven to a low temperature, around 170 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Place the jar upside down on a baking sheet in the oven.
- The wax will melt and drip onto the baking sheet.
- Carefully remove the jar and the baking sheet from the oven after 10-15 minutes.
- Use a paper towel to wipe away any soft wax from the edge of the jar and its walls before it cools completely.
Hair Dryer Method:
- Place the jar on a flat, heat-resistant surface, such as a wooden cutting board. Avoid plastic or heat-sensitive surfaces.
- Turn on the hair dryer to the lowest setting and direct the hot air towards the sides and bottom of the jar.
- When the wax softens, use a butter knife or a sponge to scrape or wipe it off.
Additional Tips:
- If you want to remove wax from the outside of a jar, you can hold the jar over a saucepan of simmering water for 1-2 minutes. Wear oven mitts to protect your hands from the steam.
- To remove wax residue, use dish soap and a sponge to wash the jar.
- Always be careful when handling hot water, ovens, and hair dryers to avoid burns.
- If reusing the jar, ensure it is completely free of wax and residue before using it for a new purpose.
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Choosing the right wick
There are several types of wicks to choose from, each with its unique characteristics and compatibility with different wax types. For instance, the CD series of wicks are a popular choice among seasoned candlemakers. These wicks are flat braided with a special paper filament woven around them, promoting a maximum and consistent burn. They are especially compatible with harder-to-melt viscous waxes, such as paraffin and vegetable base (soy). On the other hand, the ECO series wicks are flat, coreless cotton wicks braided with thin paper filaments, providing improved rigidity and burn stability. These wicks are designed to reduce the "afterglow" and smoke often associated with paper-cored wicks and are primed with vegetable wax, making them suitable for soy wax candles.
Another option is the Premier 700 Series Wicks, which are flat braid cotton core wicks made from textile-grade cotton. They are known for their clean burning properties and come in various sizes, allowing for better wick precision. These wicks are versatile and can be used for tealights, votives, pillars, and container candles. Similarly, the Zinc Core Series Wicks are cotton braids with an inner zinc core, providing maximum rigidity to remain straight in melted wax. They typically work best with paraffin waxes but can also be used with soy waxes.
When choosing a wick, it's important to consider factors such as wax type, fragrance load, dye type, and container diameter. These variables can impact the burning characteristics of the candle. It is recommended to experiment with different wick sizes and styles to find the perfect match for your candle. Additionally, performing burn tests is essential to ensure the proper selection of a wick. By following these guidelines and utilising the available wick guides and size charts, you can make informed decisions about choosing the right wick for your candle-making endeavours.
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Combining wax colours and scents
When making candles, you can add colour and scent to the wax to create a unique and captivating fragrance experience. Here are some tips and tricks for combining wax colours and scents:
Combining Wax Colours
To add colour to your candle wax, you can use candle dyes, which are synthetic chemicals specifically designed for use in candle wax. These dyes are water-soluble and come in various forms, including liquid, powdered, and block. When using candle dyes, it is important to note that they are UV light-sensitive, so they should be stored in a shady spot away from direct sunlight. The typical food colouring can also be used, but it is important to use the powdered form as liquid and gel food colourants contain complex chemicals that will not adhere to the wax.
If you are combining multiple colours, you can create unique hues by mixing different dyes. Liquid candle dye is particularly useful for combining colours and creating high colour saturation. You can also use a pipette to mix colours and create unique blends. It is important to note that natural mica should not be used as it can clog the wick when burning.
Combining Wax Scents
When adding fragrance to your candle wax, you are creating a "solution" or "homogenous mixture". Fragrance oils, also known as aroma oils or aromatic oils, are typically used to add scent to the wax. These oils are usually a blend of synthetic aroma compounds or essential oils that are diluted with a carrier, such as vegetable oil. It is important to use candle-safe fragrance oils to ensure safety and quality.
To combine different wax scents, you can start by understanding the relationships between different scent families using a fragrance wheel. Experiment with different ratios, starting with a common mixture of one part of each fragrance. Stir the mixture thoroughly yet gently for 90-120 seconds to ensure proper binding of the wax and fragrance. Avoid adding too much fragrance oil as this can cause problems with the mixture and result in syneresis (bleed), where liquid drops form on top of the candle.
For a three-candle setup, you can add a top note after the first two scents have blended. This final scent should be the lightest and most delicate, adding a finishing touch to the overall aroma. You can also consider the season when combining scents, as fragrance preferences tend to change with the temperatures. For example, fresh and floral scents are popular in spring, while warm and spicy notes are favoured in autumn.
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Shaping and moulding the candle
Shaping and moulding a candle involves several steps. First, you need to gather your candle remnants, which can include half-used, broken, or small stub candles. Ensure that you remove as much dirt and old wicks as possible.
Next, separate the wax from its container so that it can be melted and reshaped. This process varies depending on the candle's condition and shape. For instance, if your candle has turned into fragile candlesticks, place them in the freezer for several hours before gently prying the wax out with a chopstick. Alternatively, if you are dealing with candle jars, place them open-side-up in a shallow pan or baking sheet, surrounded by water. Leave the setup for about an hour, allowing the wax to loosen and separate from the jar.
Once you have harvested the used wax, you can begin shaping and moulding your new candle. Prepare your candle vessels by cleaning old candle jars with boiling water or using fresh tins from a candle-making kit. Place the wicks in the centre of your chosen moulds, ensuring they are upright and centred. If you are reusing a jar, you can light the candle directly in the container or remove the new candle by placing the jar in the freezer for a few minutes to help the candle slide out.
After preparing your moulds, melt the wax evenly and safely using a double boiler or a similar setup. Fill a pan with water and bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Place a heat-resistant bowl containing the old candle remnants on top of the pan, allowing the steam to slowly melt the wax. Stir occasionally to ensure even melting, and add colour dyes or fragrance oils if desired.
Once the wax is completely melted, carefully pour it into your prepared moulds, ensuring the wick remains centred. Allow the wax to cool and harden completely, which may take several hours depending on the candle size. Finally, trim the wicks to an appropriate length, leaving about half a centimetre above the candle's surface for an even burn.
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Frequently asked questions
Place the jar open-side-up in a shallow pan or baking sheet. Boil a couple of cups of water and pour some into the pan so that it surrounds the jars. Leave for about an hour.
Use a double boiler. Fill a pan with water and bring it to a boil. Place a heat-resistant bowl with the old candle remnants on the pan. The steam will slowly melt the wax.
You can buy a pack of wicks and bases, or reuse old candle jars. Melt your wax and add any desired colour or fragrance. Carefully pour the wax into your chosen mould and let it cool and harden.
The first time you light your candle, make sure it burns for long enough that the top melts to the edge. The general rule is one hour per inch of diameter.
Avoid petroleum-based paraffins and opt for beeswax or soy wax, which have lower carbon footprints.
