Ben Carter
Beer bottle candles are a fun and simple DIY project that can be made using recycled beer bottles, locally-sourced soy wax, and natural fragrances. With a few tools and precautions, you can turn your empty beer bottles into unique candles with a clean burn and your preferred fragrance. This involves cutting the bottle to size, sanding down sharp edges, melting and pouring in the wax, and adding a scent of your choice.
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Cutting the bottle
To get a clean score, stack books at a cutting level to maintain the scoring line. Clamp the glass-scoring tool in a vise and place the bottle on top of something to get the scoring tool to the desired height. Press the bottle against the scoring tool and, with constant pressure on the top of the bottle, rotate the bottle to score a line around it. You might have to place the bottle on top of something to get the scoring tool to the desired height. The cut should be made just below where the neck of the bottle starts to slope.
To split the glass, you will need to alternate between submerging the bottle in hot and icy water. The rapid change in temperature will cause the glass to break. You may have to do this several times, and it is best to do this over a sink as the glass may shatter. Alternatively, you can use a heat gun and cold water.
Once the bottle is broken, sand down any hard edges where the cut was made. This is important to avoid injury when using your new candle. You can use sandpaper or a glass sanding block to round and smooth all edges. Turn on a Dremel and keep it moving along the edge of the bottle. If you hold the Dremel in the same place for too long, it may start to spark. As you sand with the Dremel, try to round the edges as well as smooth them. When you have finished sanding, rinse off the inside and outside of your bottle to remove any fine glass particles. Clean up all other traces of broken glass or glass dust from your workspace.
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Sanding the edges
Protective Gear:
Before you begin, it is important to wear safety gloves, safety glasses, and a face mask. Glass dust and fine particles can be hazardous to your health, so it is crucial to take these precautions. Ensure that children and pets are not in the working area. If a mature teenager is assisting, make sure they are under direct adult supervision.
Selecting the Right Sanding Tool:
You can use a glass sanding block, sandpaper, or a Dremel tool for sanding the edges of the bottle. A Dremel tool is a small handheld rotary tool that can be used for sanding, grinding, and smoothing surfaces. It is important to keep the Dremel tool moving along the edge to avoid sparking.
Sanding Process:
Start by gently sanding the cut edge of the bottle neck. Move the sanding tool in a circular motion, applying light pressure. The goal is to smooth out any rough spots and create a uniform surface. Rinse the bottle neck occasionally with water to wash away any glass dust and to check the smoothness of the surface. Feel for any uneven spots or sharp edges.
Polishing:
Once the edge is smooth to the touch, you can polish it further to create an even finer finish. This step is important if you plan to drink from the bottle or use it for other purposes after candle-making. Continue sanding with a finer-grit sandpaper or a higher-grit Dremel bit until you achieve the desired smoothness. Rinse the bottle neck again to remove any remaining glass particles.
Clean-up:
After sanding, thoroughly clean the inside and outside of the bottle to remove any remaining glass dust or fine particles. Use a damp cloth or brush to wipe down all surfaces. It is important to ensure that your working area is also free of any glass debris. Use a vacuum cleaner or a damp cloth to collect all traces of glass dust and sharp fragments.
By following these steps, you will create a smooth and safe edge on your beer bottle, ready for the next steps in your candle-making process. Remember to take your time, wear protective gear, and work in a clean and supervised environment.
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Melting the wax
Choosing the Right Wax
Select a wax type that suits your preferences. Commonly used options include soy wax and wax from recycled old candles. Different types of wax have varying burning rates, colours, and scent absorption capacities. Soy wax, for instance, is a popular choice for its sustainable and locally sourced nature.
Preparing the Double Boiler
Set up a double boiler by filling a larger pot with water and placing a pouring container inside. This setup ensures even heat distribution and prevents direct heat exposure to the wax. Fill the pouring container with your chosen wax, aiming for around 8 ounces for a standard-sized candle.
Place the double boiler over low to medium heat. Continuously heat the wax until it reaches a completely melted state. Maintain the heat for an additional 7 minutes to ensure the wax is fully liquefied. Stir the wax occasionally to speed up the melting process and create a smooth consistency.
Achieving the Ideal Temperature
Using a thermometer, monitor the wax's temperature. You're aiming for a temperature range of 180°F to 190°F (82°C to 87°C). This temperature range is optimal for adding fragrances and ensuring a stable candle structure. Once the desired temperature is reached, remove the double boiler from the heat source.
Adding Fragrances (Optional)
If you wish to add a scent to your candle, this is the time to do so. Fragrances can be in the form of essential oils or scented candle additives. For a moderately scented candle, consider adding approximately 10 drops of essential oil per 16 fluid ounces of wax. You can also experiment with different oils and fragrances to create unique blends.
Pouring the Wax
Carefully pour the melted wax into your prepared beer bottle. Ensure the wick is centred and secured in place with a pencil or a wick-centring device resting across the bottle's top. Leave about a 1/2 to 3/4-inch space at the top of the bottle to allow for wax expansion and prevent overflow.
Remember to exercise caution throughout the process, especially when handling hot wax and sharp tools. Enjoy creating your beer bottle candle, and always prioritise safety!
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Adding scent
Once you have melted your wax, you can add your chosen scent. The amount of wax you use depends on the size of your beer bottle. For a 16oz can, you will need 13oz of liquid soy wax. You can use a double boiler to melt the wax, or melt it in a glass bowl in the microwave.
If you are using a microwave, heat the wax in one-minute intervals, monitoring the temperature with a thermometer. Do not let the wax exceed 175º F. When fully melted, remove the bowl and allow the wax to cool to 150º before adding your fragrance oil. Stir the wax for at least one minute to ensure the fragrance is evenly blended.
If you are using a double boiler, heat the wax over a low-medium heat until it is completely melted. After the wax is melted, continue to heat on low for seven minutes. Once the wax is at the ideal temperature (180°-190°F, 82°-87°C), add your candle scent.
You can use essential oils, fragrance oils, or scented wax melts to add your chosen scent. A moderately scented candle is achieved with about 10 drops of essential oil per 16 fl. oz of wax. You can add more or fewer drops depending on the strength of the scent that you prefer. Make sure you mix the scent in with the melted wax.
You can also add coffee grounds to your candle wax to make your house smell like coffee.
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Pouring the wax
Now that you've cut your bottle to the desired size and sanded the edges, it's time to pour the wax.
First, you'll need to decide on the type of wax you want to use. Different types of wax burn at different rates and take colour and scent differently. You can even use wax from old candles.
Next, melt your wax. Set up a double boiler by filling a large pot with water and placing a pouring container inside. Pour your wax into the container and heat over low to medium heat until it's completely melted. Continue heating the wax for another seven minutes after it has liquefied.
Once your wax has reached the ideal temperature of 180-190°F (82-87°C), it's time to add your fragrance. You can use essential oils or fragrance oils for this step. If you're using essential oils, wait until the wax is semi-opaque—this will ensure that the oil doesn't burn off. Add about 10 drops per 16 fl. oz for a moderately scented candle, but feel free to add more or less depending on your preference. You can also mix and match oils to create unique scents.
Now, it's time to pour the wax into your bottle. Place the wick in the centre of the bottle and secure it by placing a pencil, pen, or chopstick horizontally across the bottle's top. Slowly and carefully pour the wax into the bottle, leaving about 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch at the top.
After about 30 minutes, you may notice that your candle has sunk in the centre. This is normal. Allow your candle to cool and fully solidify, which may take several hours.
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Frequently asked questions
You can use a glass cutter or a glass scoring tool to cut the bottle. Clamp the scoring tool in a vise and place the bottle on top, then rotate the bottle with constant pressure on top to score a line around it. You can then use hot and cold water or a heat gun to break the bottle at the score line.
You can use sandpaper or a glass sanding block to smooth and round the edges of the bottle. It is important to do this to avoid injury when using your new candle.
You can use any type of wax, but soy wax is a popular option. Different types of wax burn at different rates and are coloured and scented more easily than others.
You can add essential oils or fragrance oils to the wax once it has reached the appropriate temperature. You can also use old scented candles and melt them down to use as wax.
