Chloe Adams
Henna candles are a beautiful and inexpensive way to add a touch of India to your decor. To seal your henna candle, you must first allow your henna artwork to dry thoroughly, preferably overnight. If the henna is wet, the design will smear. Once dry, you can use either decoupage medium or spray sealant to seal the design. If using decoupage medium, place your candle upright on a protected surface and use a soft-bristled paintbrush to stipple a thick coat of the medium all over the surface of the candle, making very light, short strokes and dipping the brush frequently. If you encounter excessive crumbling, switch to dabbing the decoupage glue onto the candle with the tip of your brush. Allow the decoupage medium to dry completely, then add another coat. If using spray sealant, take the candle outdoors for proper ventilation. Shake the can for 30 seconds, then hold it 6 inches from the candle and spray in a continuous motion, working around the entire surface. Allow the sealant to dry, then apply a second coat. Allow the second coat to dry before burning the candle.
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What You'll Learn
Using decoupage medium
To seal henna candles using decoupage medium, you will need a decoupage medium (store-bought or homemade), a soft-bristle paintbrush, a bowl, newspaper, and gloves. First, ensure your henna artwork is completely dry. This may take between 30 minutes and three hours, or preferably overnight. If the henna is wet, the design will smear when you apply the decoupage medium. Next, prepare your workspace by lining it with newspaper to protect the surface from the decoupage medium. Set the candle upright on the paper. Then, pour the decoupage medium into a bowl and stir it well with your paintbrush.
Now, you are ready to apply the decoupage medium to the candle. Use light, short strokes with your paintbrush, dipping it frequently in the decoupage medium. Apply a thick coat all over the surface of the candle. If you encounter excessive crumbling, use the tip of your brush to dab and stipple the decoupage glue onto the candle, instead of painting with long strokes. Allow the decoupage medium to dry completely, which may take 24 to 48 hours. Once dry, you may add another coat if desired. Ensure the layers are dry by checking that the decoupage medium is clear and the surface of the candle is no longer tacky to the touch.
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Using spray sealant
Sealing henna candles is important to protect the henna design from dust and smudging. There are two main ways to seal henna-decorated candles: using melted wax or a non-flammable spray sealant.
If you want to use a spray sealant, first ensure your henna artwork is completely dry. This may take between 30 minutes and three hours, depending on the thickness of your design and the specific product used. It is also important to allow your henna candle to dry thoroughly before applying sealant. If the henna is wet, the design will smear.
Once your henna design is dry, take your spray sealant outdoors to ensure proper ventilation. Shake the can of spray sealant for 30 seconds to mix it. Hold the can about 6 inches from the candle and spray in a continuous motion, working around the entire surface of the candle. Ensure you exclude the wick when applying the sealant.
Allow the spray sealant to dry and then apply a second coat. You'll know the sealant is dry when it is no longer tacky to the touch. Allow the second coat to dry before burning the candle. This may take 24 to 48 hours.
You can also make your own lemon-sugar sealant by mixing lemon juice and sugar. This traditional sealant creates a sugary coating that keeps the henna paste slightly moist and well adhered.
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Using melted wax
Sealing a henna candle with melted wax is a simple process. First, ensure your henna artwork is completely dry before applying any sealant. This may take between 30 minutes and 3 hours, depending on the thickness of your artwork and the specific product used.
Once your artwork is dry, it's time to melt your wax. You can use either beeswax or paraffin wax, heating it in a double boiler until it melts. Hold your candle by the wick and slowly lower it into the wax until it reaches the top of the candle. Bring it out of the wax and, if you wish, dip it a second time. Remember that each dip should only take a few seconds, as holding the candle in the wax for too long may melt or smudge your artwork.
After removing the candle from the wax, place it on a sheet of newspaper to dry. It's important to wait at least 24 to 48 hours before burning the candle to ensure the sealant is completely dry. You'll know the wax is dry when it is no longer tacky or sticky to the touch.
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Drying and layering times
The drying and layering times for sealing henna candles depend on the method used. If you are using a decoupage medium, you should allow the henna to dry thoroughly, preferably overnight. If the henna is wet, the design will smear. Once the henna is dry, you can apply the decoupage medium with a soft-bristled paintbrush, making light, short strokes and dipping the brush frequently. Allow the first coat to dry completely, then add a second coat. The layers are dry when the decoupage medium is clear and the surface of the candle is no longer tacky to the touch. Allow the second coat to dry before burning the candle.
If you are using a spray sealant, shake the can for 30 seconds to mix it, then hold it 6 inches from the candle and spray in a continuous motion, working around the entire surface. Allow the sealant to dry and apply a second coat. Again, let the second coat dry before burning the candle.
Another option is to seal the henna with melted wax. To do this, heat beeswax or paraffin wax in a double boiler until it melts. Hold the candle by its wick and slowly lower it into the wax, then bring it out. You can dip it a second time if you want, but be careful not to hold the candle in the wax for too long, as this may melt or smudge the artwork.
Regardless of the method used, it is important to allow the sealant to dry completely before burning the candle. This may take between 24 to 48 hours, depending on the thickness of the henna artwork and the specific product used.
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Ventilation and safety
Firstly, ensure you are working in a well-ventilated area. Whether you choose to use a spray sealant or melted wax, adequate ventilation is necessary to avoid inhaling any potentially harmful fumes. Take your candle outdoors or to a well-ventilated space before beginning the sealing process.
When using a spray sealant, always follow the instructions on the product. Shake the can for the recommended amount of time, usually around 30 seconds, to ensure the contents are thoroughly mixed. Hold the can at the recommended distance from the candle, typically about 6 inches, and spray in a continuous, steady motion. Work your way around the entire surface of the candle, ensuring even coverage. Allow the sealant to dry completely before applying a second coat if needed.
If you prefer to use melted wax, such as beeswax or paraffin wax, use a double boiler to melt the wax safely. Avoid overheating or exposing the wax to direct flames, as this could pose a fire hazard. Once the wax is melted, carefully hold the candle by its wick and slowly lower it into the wax. Take your time with this step to avoid any accidents or spills. Bring the candle out of the wax and allow any excess to drip off. If desired, you can dip the candle a second time for a thicker coating.
Regardless of the sealing method chosen, it is crucial to allow the sealant or wax to dry completely before burning the candle. This typically takes between 24 to 48 hours, but it may vary depending on the thickness of the henna design and the specific products used. Touch the surface of the candle gently to check if it is dry; if it feels tacky or sticky, give it more time to dry. Burning a candle before the sealant is fully dry can be unsafe and may produce unwanted fumes.
Additionally, be cautious when using henna with oils and sugar, as these ingredients may burn. Always heat such candles carefully and ensure the sealant is suitable for use with flammable materials. When in doubt, opt for non-flammable sealants and always burn candles with henna decorations in a well-ventilated area to mitigate any potential risks.
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Frequently asked questions
You can seal henna candles with melted wax, a non-flammable spray sealant, decoupage medium, or clear varnish.
First, take the candle outdoors for proper ventilation. Shake the can of spray sealant for 30 seconds to mix it. Hold the can 6 inches from the candle and spray in a continuous motion, working around the entire surface of the candle. Allow the spray sealant to dry and apply a second coat.
Pour the decoupage medium into a bowl and stir it well with a soft-bristle paintbrush. Line your work surface with newspaper to protect it and set the candle upright on the paper. Stipple a thick coat of decoupage medium all over the surface of the candle, making very light, short strokes and dipping the brush frequently. Allow the decoupage medium to dry completely, then add another coat.
Allow your henna artwork to dry thoroughly before applying sealant. This may take between 30 minutes and 3 hours, depending on the thickness of your henna artwork and the specific product you are using. Wait 24 to 48 hours before burning the candle to make sure the sealant dries completely.
