Maddie James
Creating plaster candle holders and pillars can be a fun and rewarding project, but it requires careful preparation and execution. Before beginning, it's essential to select the appropriate wax for your pillar candle, such as soy, paraffin, or beeswax, considering factors like scent, colour, and mould compatibility. When working with plaster, it's crucial to use at least two layers of sealant to prevent porosity issues. Additionally, pay close attention to the mould selection, ensuring it is sturdy, heat-resistant, and the right size for your candle. Silicone moulds, particularly those made with super silicone, are highly recommended for their flexibility and ease of use. The process of making plaster candle pillars involves mixing plaster slowly by hand, allowing it to set, and then carefully removing the mould to reveal your creation. With the right materials and techniques, you can craft unique and eye-catching candle displays.
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right wax for your plaster pillars
Pillar candles are self-supporting and do not require a container. The best waxes for creating pillar candles are paraffin, beeswax, and palm wax. Pillar wax is harder than container wax and is designed to pull away from the mould as it cools, allowing for easy release.
Paraffin wax, also known as straight wax, is the most commonly used and least expensive option. It can be used to make various candles, including pillars, containers, votives, and tealights. However, if you're looking for vibrant colours, you may want to consider blending it with soy or palm wax.
Beeswax is a 100% natural wax that can be used to make all types of candles, including pillars, tapers, votives, and containers. It is considered one of the best candle waxes on the market and is available in sheets, eliminating the need for melting.
Palm wax is another natural option that provides a unique crystalline pattern on pillars or containers. It is excellent for use with pillars, votives, and tarts, and it takes colour beautifully.
Other wax options include soy wax, which is derived from soybeans and offers a longer burn time and less black soot. It is often preferred by consumers who value natural products. Additionally, granulated wax is a convenient choice for crafting, as it does not require melting and can be simply poured into a container with a wick.
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Preparing your moulds
Firstly, select a suitable mould material. Silicone moulds are highly recommended due to their flexibility and ease of use. Super silicone, a type of silicone used by Makesy, is known for its softness and ability to create smooth surfaces with minimal imperfections. Alternatively, you can opt for aluminium or polycarbonate moulds, which are commonly used for standard shapes like rounds, squares, and ovals, or more intricate geometric designs, respectively.
Before using your mould, ensure it is the appropriate size for your desired candle. If it is too small, your candle will not fill it completely, and if it is too large, your candle will not stand straight. Additionally, check that your mould has a centred hole at the bottom to insert and secure your wick.
Next, pre-heat your mould. This step is essential to prevent surface chilling and ensure a smooth finish on your candle. Place your mould in an oven or use a heat gun to gently raise its temperature.
Once your mould is ready, it's time to mix your plaster. Combine plaster with water, slowly and by hand, until it mounds above the water's surface. Avoid using a mixer, as this can cause the plaster to set too quickly. If you accidentally mix too much plaster, simply discard the excess.
After mixing, gently brush the plaster with a soft-bristled brush to remove any trapped air bubbles. Then, pour the plaster into your chosen mould. If this is your first attempt, consider placing the mould in a pan to catch any potential leaks.
Allow the plaster to set and harden. Depending on the project, you may need to let it sit for several hours or even overnight. Once it has cured, carefully remove the mould by prying and wiggling it loose. If needed, use a rubber mallet to gently tap the mould and loosen any stubborn areas.
Finally, clean up any excess plaster and smooth out the surface of your mould with a soft cloth or brush. Your mould is now ready for the next steps in creating your plaster pillars with candles.
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Selecting the right wick
Types of Wicks:
- Flat-braided wicks: These wicks are commonly used for pillar candles. They are typically made of cotton or paper filaments and provide increased rigidity. Flat-braided wicks help achieve a consistent burning flame and reduce carbon buildup, also known as "mushrooming," which can cause excessive soot.
- Cored wicks: These wicks have a metal core, usually zinc or wire, that helps the wick remain straight while the candle is being poured and during burning. They are commonly used in paraffin wax candles and can also be used in soy wax candles.
- ECO wicks: These are coreless, cotton flat braid wicks designed for natural waxes like soy and palm wax. They are braided with thin paper filaments, which provide improved rigidity and controlled curling, resulting in reduced "afterglow," soot, and smoke.
- HTP wicks: These are coreless, cotton flat braid wicks with paper filaments throughout, providing increased rigidity. They work well with paraffin and soy waxes and are self-trimming, reducing carbon buildup.
Factors to Consider:
- Wax type: The type of wax you choose will influence the wick size and type. For example, single-pour paraffin wax, soy wax, and beeswax may require a larger wick size.
- Fragrances and dyes: The amount and type of fragrance oil, dye, or other additives can affect the burning characteristics of the candle, so you may need to adjust the wick size accordingly.
- Container size and shape: The diameter and shape of your plaster pillar container will impact the wick size. A larger container may require a larger wick to ensure proper burning.
- Testing: It is essential to test different wick sizes and types with your chosen wax, fragrance, and dye combinations. Burn testing will help you determine the optimal wick for your specific candle project, as it is the only way to truly know if a wick is suitable.
Remember, selecting the right wick may require some experimentation, and you can always refer to wick size charts and sampler kits for guidance. Always trim your wicks to the recommended length before burning, and ensure your plaster pillars have at least two layers of sealant to prevent heat damage.
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Adding colour and fragrance
When creating your plaster pillars, you can add colour and fragrance to your candles. Firstly, it is important to note that essential oils should not be used as they are highly flammable and will not mix well with the wax. Instead, opt for fragrance oils specifically formulated for candle use. Check the product description to ensure it is suitable for candles.
When adding colour and fragrance to your candles, the process is simple but precise. Firstly, pre-heat your moulds or containers to prevent surface chilling and achieve a smooth finish. Heat your wax to 190 °F and add your chosen colourant. Agitate the mixture for several minutes to ensure an even blend.
The amount of colourant to add depends on the type you are using. For liquid dye, one drop is enough to colour a whole pound of wax. If using candle fragrance oil, always add this first as it can affect the chemical makeup of the colourant. Incompatible products may result in discolouration. For a safe option, use a fragrance oil with a flashpoint between 130°-180°, as this can be compatible with any candle colourant.
If you wish to add colour to your plaster pillars, you can use poster paint, acrylic paint, or food colouring. Mix your chosen colour into the plaster once it has reached a smooth consistency and is free of lumps. Ensure you add the colour before pouring the mixture into your moulds.
Always do extensive research on the products you are using to achieve the best and safest results.
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Removing the candle from the mould
Once the wax has cooled, you can start by slowly loosening the mould from the wax. Gently pull the mould apart just enough to break the contact between the mould and the wax. If you are using a flexible silicone mould, you can turn it inside out or make a cut in the side and seal it with a rubber band. This will help you to peel the mould away from the wax more easily. Be cautious of any areas that feel particularly resistant, and take your time.
If your mould has a sealer, you will need to remove it before extracting the candle. Putty-type sealers can simply be peeled off, while magnetic sealers can be pulled off. For rubber mould plugs, simply grab the base and pull them out.
If your candle is stuck, there are a few tricks you can try. Start by lightly tapping on the bottom of the mould to shake the candle loose. If that doesn't work, try gently tugging on the wick. Be careful not to pull too hard, as you might break the wick or cause it to slip out of the candle. You can also try squeezing the sides of the mould or rolling it on a flat surface with gentle pressure.
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Frequently asked questions
To make a plaster candle holder, you will need to create a mould using clay and plaster. First, cover the bottom two-thirds of your desired shape with clay. Next, mix plaster with water and pour it on top of the clay. Allow the plaster to set and then remove the clay. You can then seal the plaster with a sealant to prevent leaks and wax from soaking through.
To make a pillar candle, you will need to select a mould and a wax. Preheat your mould and heat your wax until it is completely liquified. Pour the wax into your mould and allow it to cool. Remove the mould and trim the wick.
You can decorate your pillar candle by adding dyes, fragrances, or micas to your wax. You can also attach decorations to your candle using wax, glue, or a cooking torch to melt a small spot on the candle and the decoration.
