Tyler Brooks
Pillar candles are the most popular type of candle and are relatively easy to make. They don't require a lot of equipment and allow for creativity in their shape, size, and appearance. To make a pillar candle, you need to gather all the necessary items, including wax, a mold, a wick, and fragrance oil (optional). The process involves melting the wax, adding fragrance, pouring it into a mold, and then allowing it to cool. To smooth pillar candles, it is important to ensure that the wax is poured into a clean mold and that the temperature of the wax is carefully monitored. Additionally, creating a seal with putty or sticky tack at the bottom of the mold can help achieve a smooth finish.
Characteristics and Values for Smoothing Pillar Candles
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wax Type | Pillar wax, paraffin wax, soy wax, or mottling wax |
| Wax Weight | 15.75 oz. (447 g) of pillar wax or soy wax |
| Fragrance Oil | 1 oz. (28 g) of Black Amber and Plum fragrance oil or oil of choice |
| Fragrance Load | 6% |
| Wax Temperature | 185°F (85°C) when adding fragrance oil |
| Pouring Temperature | 170°F (76.7°C) |
| Mold Type | Pillar mold, 3x4.5 inches |
| Mold Preparation | Clean with mold cleaner or cooking spray, place wick, seal with putty |
| Cooling Time | About 1 hour for sink hole to appear |
| Air Pocket Prevention | Pierce 5 vertical holes 0.5 inches from wick |
| Smoothing Technique | Melt wax bumps on base with aluminum foil on low heat |
| Storage | In a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and drafts |
| Wick Length | Trimmed to 1/4 inch (6 mm) |
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What You'll Learn
Avoid over-wicking
When making pillar candles, it's important to avoid over-wicking to ensure a smooth finish. Over-wicking can cause excess wax to build up around the wick, leading to an uneven burn and an unsightly appearance. Here are some tips to avoid over-wicking:
Firstly, choose the right type and size of wick for your candle. The wick you use should be suitable for the type of wax you are using. For example, HTP wicks are versatile and can be used with both paraffin and soy waxes, while ECO wicks typically work better with soy wax but can also be used with paraffin wax with a lower melting point. Wooden wicks are a unique option that creates a distinct crackling or sizzling sound when burning and are compatible with paraffin, soy, and palm wax. Premier 700 Series Wicks offer better precision in terms of size, allowing you to achieve optimal burning characteristics. Always refer to a wick size chart to guide your decision.
Once you've selected the appropriate wick, prepare your pillar mold correctly. Place the wick through the hole in the mold, ensuring the tabbed end is sticking out beyond where the candle will end. If using a spooled wick, cut it to length, leaving excess wick at both ends of the mold. Twist and roll the end of the wick between your fingers to create a tight ball, then press it onto the mold to seal the hole and prevent wax leakage. Secure the wick with a wick bar, ensuring it is straight.
Additionally, be mindful of the amount of wax you use. Overfilling the mold can lead to excess wax buildup around the wick. Leave some wax aside when pouring, as you may need it later to fill in any sinkholes that may form during the cooling process. This is common with paraffin wax, which contracts as it cools. By remelting the leftover wax and pouring it into the sinkhole, you can achieve a smooth, level surface.
Finally, trim the wick to the appropriate length before lighting your candle. A wick that is too long can lead to excessive melting of the wax, causing it to overflow and create an uneven surface. A trimmed wick, approximately 1/4 inch (6 mm) in length, will help ensure a controlled burn and a smoother appearance.
By following these steps and paying close attention to the type of wick, the preparation of the mold, the amount of wax used, and the wick length, you can effectively avoid over-wicking and create beautiful, smooth pillar candles.
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Prevent wax from spilling
To prevent wax from spilling, it is important to choose the right type of wax for your pillar candles. Pillar candles require a specific type of wax known as pillar wax, which is different from the wax used in container candles. Pillar wax is stronger, with a higher melting point, and it easily contracts and releases from moulds. Some recommended waxes for pillar candles include paraffin, beeswax, soy wax blends, and palm wax. Paraffin wax is a classic choice for its affordability, ease of use, and excellent scent retention. Soy wax blends are also popular for their eco-friendliness, smooth texture, and good fragrance retention.
When making pillar candles, it is important to measure the appropriate amount of wax based on the size of your moulds and desired dimensions. Heat the wax slowly and evenly in a double boiler or dedicated wax melting pot until it reaches the recommended melting temperature. You can add colour and fragrance to the melted wax according to manufacturer guidelines, stirring thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
To prevent spilling, you should also pay attention to the size of the wick. Pillar candles should have a 5 to 10 mm ridge of wall around the candle, with the candle burning down through the centre. If the wick is too large, the exterior of the candle can get overheated, causing the wax to spill. Therefore, it is important to trim the wicks to the appropriate length, typically leaving about 1/4 to 1/2 inch protruding from the top of the candle.
Additionally, proper preparation of your moulds is crucial. Clean your moulds with soap and water to remove any residue, and inspect them for any cracks or imperfections. Preheating your moulds before pouring the wax can also help to ensure a smoother and more even pour. When pouring the wax, do so slowly and carefully to avoid spills and ensure the moulds are filled evenly.
Finally, when burning your pillar candles, always place them on a non-flammable surface such as a ceramic or glass plate. Avoid burning on uneven surfaces to prevent wax from spilling outside the candle. Additionally, ensure there is sufficient clearance above the candle to avoid any smoke marks on surfaces.
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Smooth the base
Smoothing the base of a pillar candle is a crucial step in ensuring its stability and aesthetic appeal. Here are some detailed instructions to achieve a smooth and level base:
Firstly, it is important to understand that the base of your candle may not always be perfectly flat and level, and that's okay! You can fix this by placing a piece of aluminium foil in a small frying pan on your cooker. Turn on the heat to a very low setting and allow the aluminium foil to get hot. Once heated, press the base of your candle against the foil, moving it gently to ensure it remains level. This technique will help melt any bumps or pits in the wax, resulting in a smooth and even base.
Another method to smooth the base involves addressing the sinkhole phenomenon. After your first pour, about an hour later, you'll notice a cavity forming between the sides of the mould and the wick, known as the sinkhole. This is a common occurrence due to the contraction of paraffin wax during cooling. To smooth out the base, use a needle to pierce multiple vertical holes all the way down the candle, about half an inch away from the wick. This will help eliminate air pockets that can cause the candle's flame to go out prematurely.
Additionally, if your candle gets stuck in the mould, there are a few tricks to try. Gently squeeze the sides of the mould or roll it on a flat surface with gentle pressure to help release the candle. Alternatively, placing the mould in the fridge (not the freezer) for about 5 minutes can also aid in releasing the candle without damaging it.
Finally, trimming the wick is essential for a smooth and stable candle-burning experience. Use wick trimmers, scissors, or nail clippers to trim the wick to a length of ¼ inch (6 mm). Be careful not to trim it too short, as this will impact the candle's ability to burn properly.
By following these steps, you can effectively smooth the base of your pillar candle, ensuring both functionality and visual appeal.
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Remove air bubbles
Air bubbles in pillar candles are caused by the wax being poured too quickly, at the wrong temperature, or with too much vigour. To ensure a smooth finish, the wax should be heated to the right temperature and poured slowly and steadily. A thermometer should be used to maintain a consistent temperature when heating the wax, and the wax should be stirred gently to avoid trapping air. Holding the vessel near the candle mold might also help to reduce air bubbles.
If air bubbles do occur, they can be removed by reheating and repouring the wax. The mold should be removed from its vessel and the wax gently and smoothly melted. The mold should then be heated again, and the wax slowly and gradually poured. The candle mold should then be allowed to cool at room temperature.
Another method for removing air bubbles is to use a needle or toothpick to poke and release the air bubbles trapped inside the mold. A heat gun can also be used to reheat the base of the candle gently and softly, helping to smooth out surface imperfections and release trapped air.
To prevent air bubbles from forming in the first place, it is important to use high-quality candle-making wax and pour it at the right temperature. Pollutants or impurities in the wax can also cause air bubbles, so it is important to use pure wax.
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Avoid tunnelling
Candle tunnelling is a common issue, where the wick burns down the middle, leaving a hard ring of wax around the edges. This shortens the candle's life and affects its appearance. Tunnelling occurs when the candle doesn't burn long enough, especially during its first burn, creating a memory ring. To prevent tunnelling, it is recommended to burn the candle long enough for the wax to melt to the edges. For the initial burn, the average burn time should be between one to four hours, depending on the candle's size. For subsequent burns, smaller candles should be burned for 1-2 hours, while larger ones should be burned for 2-3 hours.
Another way to prevent tunnelling is to ensure proper wick care. Before each burn, the wick should be trimmed to 1/4 inch to prevent debris from falling or creating a 'mushroom' shape, which can cause excessive smoke and soot. Additionally, the type of wax used is important. Some wax blends are harder, with higher melting points, making them suitable for warmer climates and pillar candles. Softer wax blends are more appropriate for container candles and cooler climates.
If tunnelling has already occurred, there are a few methods to correct it. One popular method is the aluminium foil trick, where foil is wrapped around the top of the candle with a small hole for the flame. This traps heat and helps melt the hard wax ring. Another method involves using a hair dryer on low speed and high heat to gently melt the unmelted wax. This process may take some time, depending on the heat of the hair dryer.
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Frequently asked questions
If your candle is stuck, gently squeeze the sides of the mould or roll it on a flat surface with gentle pressure. You can also put the mould in the fridge for 5 minutes and try again.
To get a smooth and shiny finish, keep the wax temperature above 140°F when you pour it into the mould. If you want a rustic look, let the temperature drop to almost the point of solidification before pouring.
On the first burn, don't extinguish the candle until it has burned the entire top layer. Make sure the candle is stored in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and drafts.
