Chloe Adams
Taper candles are tall, thin candles that can stand on their own or be placed in holders. They are fun and easy to make, and they make great gifts. One of the oldest ways to make taper candles is by hand-dipping, which involves building up layers of wax on a wick. This process can be time-consuming and use a lot of wax. An alternative method is to use a mould, which is faster and creates less waste. To make taper candles, you will need wax, wicks, a melting pot, and optional ingredients such as colours, scents, or essential oils.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Process | Building up layers of wax on a wick by dipping or moulding |
| Time | 20-30 minutes per candle |
| Ingredients | Wax, wicks, colours, scents, essential oils, water |
| Wax Type | Beeswax, soy wax, paraffin wax |
| Wax State | Melted wax, solidified wax |
| Wax Temperature | 150 degrees Fahrenheit, 185 degrees Fahrenheit |
| Wick Length | 2.5 times the length of the finished candle |
| Mould | Tapered candle mould, silicone mould |
| Diameter | 7/8 inches |
| Colour | Dye blocks, liquid dye |
| Scent | Candle fragrances |
| Use | Emergency lighting, gifts, birthdays, holidays |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right wax
When choosing the right wax for taper candles, there are several factors to consider, including cost, ease of use, and the candle's intended design.
Paraffin wax is the most commonly used and least expensive candle wax. It is made from the byproduct of petroleum and can be used to make many types of candles, including tapers. Paraffin wax holds colour and fragrance well, allowing you to create candles with a strong personality and fragrance. It also has a relatively low melting point, which helps it burn consistently and evenly. However, paraffin wax releases soot when it burns, which has raised concerns about its environmental impact.
Soy wax is a popular eco-friendly alternative to paraffin wax. It is made from hydrogenated soybean oil and is available in several forms, including flakes. Soy wax is non-toxic, biodegradable, and non-carcinogenic. It burns slower and cooler than paraffin wax, resulting in a longer-lasting candle. Soy wax is also generally more budget-friendly than paraffin wax. However, it has a lower melting point, which can be an issue for taper candles, and it does not hold fragrance as well as paraffin.
Beeswax is another popular option for taper candles. It is a natural, eco-friendly wax that has been used for centuries. Beeswax has a subtle honey scent and a signature golden colour. It produces a warm-toned flame that doesn't give off any smoke, making it ideal for candle holders and wreaths. Beeswax also has the longest burn time of any candle wax, with one hour of burn time for each inch of candle width. However, beeswax is more expensive than other options.
Other types of wax, such as palm wax and coconut wax, can also be used for taper candles, but they are less commonly used. Palm wax allows for unique textures due to its crystallizing or feathering patterns. Coconut wax has become popular due to its ability to retain fragrance well and burn clean.
When choosing the right wax for taper candles, it is important to consider the desired characteristics of the candle, such as colour, fragrance, burn time, and eco-friendliness. Additionally, combining different types of wax, such as soy and beeswax, can help improve the melting point and overall performance of the candle.
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Preparing the wick
Cotton wicks are a good choice for taper candles, and you can find wicks that are specifically sized for taper candles. It's important to make sure that your wick is the proper size, as this will affect the burn time of your candle.
If you're making hand-dipped taper candles, you'll want to build up layers of wax on the wick by repeatedly dipping it in hot wax and then into cold water to speed up the hardening process. This process will help create the characteristic slender shape of taper candles. Repeat this dipping process about 10 times, or until you've reached the desired thickness.
If you're using a mould, you can simply pour the melted wax into the mould around the wick. This method is faster and creates less waste than the dipping method. However, it's important to lubricate the mould first to make sure the candle can be easily removed once it's hardened.
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Melting the wax
To make the melting process easier, opt for soy and beeswax pellets instead of block wax. Place the wax pellets in a heat-safe container, such as a wide-mouth mason jar or a tall metal tin. The container should be narrow and deep. Add a folded towel or trivet to the bottom of a medium or large stock pot, and fill it with about 3-4 inches of water. Then, place the container with the wax pellets inside the pot.
If you plan to make multiple candles, you may need to replenish the wax in your melting pot as you continue dipping. Simply add more pieces of wax and wait for it to melt to 150°F. You can also add a bit more colouring or scent if desired.
When melting the wax, it is important to consider the type of wax being used. Beeswax, for example, has a higher burn point than other waxes, resulting in a longer-lasting candle. Soy wax, on the other hand, is made from soybean oil and is a renewable and sustainable option. Paraffin wax, which is commonly used in commercial candles due to its low cost, has a softer consistency and a lower melting point.
In addition to the wax, you will also need a wick to create your taper candle. Cut a length of wick that is 2.5 times longer than the desired length of your finished candle. Drape the wick over a pencil and dip it into the melted wax. Allow it to solidify by hanging it or placing it on wax paper. Repeat this process, building up layers of wax until you achieve the desired thickness.
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Dipping the wick
To begin, cut a length of wick 2.5 times longer than the desired length of your finished candle. You can use cotton wicks for this process. Heat your wax in a melting pot, preferably using a double boiler setup. If you want coloured taper candles, add candle dye to your wax as it melts. For dye blocks, use shavings sparingly; for liquid dye, use one drop for every 5 lbs. of wax. Add both while the wax is at 185°F (or 150°F, according to another source) to get the best results.
Once your wax is melted, drape the wick over a pencil and dip it into the wax. Hang the wick to allow the wax to solidify. Repeat this process, building up layers of wax until you reach your desired thickness. Remember to replenish the wax in your melting pot if you are making multiple candles.
To speed up the hardening process, dip the candle into a jar of cold water after each dip in the wax. This step is important, as it will take a long time for the wax to harden sufficiently without it. You can also use a bucket of cold water for this purpose.
Finally, trim the wicks before burning your taper candles.
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Shaping and finishing
Shaping:
To shape your taper candles, you can use either the dipping method or a mould. The dipping method is an ancient technique that involves repeatedly dipping the wick into hot wax and then into cold water to speed up the hardening process. This process is repeated about 10 times to build up layers of wax and achieve the desired thickness. After dipping, trim the weights at the bottom of the candle and cut the wicks to the appropriate length.
Alternatively, you can use a mould to shape your taper candles, which is a faster method. First, melt your wax in a double boiler or wax melter. Beeswax has a higher melting point than soy wax, so ensure both waxes are completely melted. Next, lightly oil a paper towel with olive oil and lubricate the mould. This step is optional but can make removing the candle from the mould easier. Carefully pour the melted wax into the prepared mould and allow it to cool and harden completely at room temperature before removing it from the mould.
Finishing:
To finish your taper candles, you can add colour and scent to create visually appealing and fragrant candles. To add colour, use candle dye in the form of dye blocks or liquid dye. For dye blocks, use shavings sparingly, and for liquid dye, use one drop for every 5 pounds of wax. Add the dye when the wax is at 185°F (or 150°F if adding scent) to achieve the best results. You can also add essential oils or fragrances to the melted wax to create scented candles. Additionally, ensure your candles are the correct size for your candle holders. Standard taper candles have a base diameter of 7/8 inches, but you can shave down thicker candles or add waxed paper to thinner ones to ensure a snug fit.
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Frequently asked questions
Taper candles are tall, thin candles that can stand on their own or be placed in holders. They have a larger diameter at the base and narrow towards the top.
You will need wax, wicks, a melting pot to melt your wax, colours, scents or essential oils, and a mould.
Beeswax is a popular choice as it has a higher burn point than other waxes, so the candle lasts longer. Soy wax is another good option as it is made from soybean oil and is renewable and sustainable. Paraffin wax is also an option as it is less expensive, but it is made from a petroleum byproduct.
First, cut a length of wick 2.5 times longer than you want your finished candle. Heat your wax, preferably in a double boiler, and add colour. Drape the wick over a pencil, dip it in the wax, and hang it to solidify. Repeat this process, building up layers of wax until you reach your desired thickness. Allow the candle to harden by hanging it or placing it on wax paper for a few hours. Finally, trim the wick before burning.
Making taper candles typically takes around 20-30 minutes per candle, including dipping and allowing the wax to cool and harden.
