Tyler Brooks
Pillar candles are popular choices for those seeking a long-lasting and visually appealing candle experience. They are larger and more cylindrical than other candles and can stand independently without a container. These candles are made from denser wax, which results in a longer burn time. The height, diameter, wax quality, and number of wicks are all factors that influence how long a pillar candle will burn. To ensure the longevity of your pillar candle, it is important to trim the wick to around a quarter of an inch before and after each burn. Additionally, when burning your pillar candle for the first time, it is recommended to let it burn for a duration of time equivalent to its diameter in hours. For instance, a pillar candle with a diameter of 4 inches should be burned for at least 4 hours initially. This helps to create a 'memory' in the wax, preventing spillage and maximising the candle's lifespan. When burning your pillar candle, always place it on a heat-resistant surface, such as a stovetop or a fire-resistant wooden table, to ensure safety.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of wax | Pillar wax, soy pillar blends, paraffin, beeswax, palm wax |
| Shape | Cylindrical, sculptural |
| Add-ons | Fragrance, dyes, micas, multiple colours |
| Mould | Heat mould before pouring in wax, use flat supports to prevent expansion |
| Pouring | Avoid hitting the side of the mould, pour at the right temperature to avoid jump lines |
| First burn | Burn for a number of hours equal to the diameter of the candle |
| Location | Heat-resistant surface, away from flammable objects |
| Wick | Trim to 1/4 inch or 6mm, use a wick trimmer or sharp scissors |
| Maintenance | Push wax inward after extinguishing to prevent spillage, store in a cool place to maintain shape |
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What You'll Learn
Use the right wax
When making pillar candles, it is important to use the right wax to ensure the longevity of your candle. Pillar candles are typically larger and denser than other candles and use denser wax, which means you get a longer burn. The type of wax you use will determine the correct wick size for your candle, so it is important to choose the right wax for your candle-making needs.
The best waxes for making pillar candles include soy pillar blends, paraffin, beeswax, and palm wax. If you are concerned about your candle breaking during unmoulding, consider using a firmer wax like beeswax, palm wax, or a harder soy pillar wax.
Pillar wax is designed to shrink and contract as it cools, which causes candles to sink in. This may leave cracks or deep sinkholes in the centre of the candle. To prevent this, you can keep some leftover wax to fill in any cracks or holes so that the bottom of your candle is smooth once you unmould it.
To ensure a safe and efficient burn, it is important to trim your wick to the correct length. The correct length for a pillar candle wick is approximately 1/4 inch (about 6 mm). You can use a wick trimmer or a sharp pair of scissors to trim the wick.
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Prepare your mould
Preparing your mould is an important step in making pillar candles. Here are some detailed instructions to help you get started:
First, select a mould that suits the shape you desire for your pillar candle. Pillar candles are typically cylindrical, but you can also experiment with sculptural shapes like bubbles, dewdrops, and swirls. Choose a mould that is made from a material that can withstand heat, as you will be pouring hot wax into it.
Next, heat your mould before pouring in the wax. This can be done with a heat gun or by placing it in a warm oven. By warming up the mould, you prevent the formation of jump lines, which occur when the wax is poured into a cold mould and sets too quickly. Ensure your mould is secure and level on a flat surface to avoid spillage.
Now, it's time to prepare your wax. Pillar candles typically use denser waxes such as soy pillar blends, paraffin, beeswax, or palm wax. Melt your chosen wax to a pourable consistency. Add any fragrances, dyes, or micas at this stage to achieve unique designs. Remember to stir the wax gently to distribute the colour or fragrance evenly.
Before pouring, consider providing additional support to your mould to maintain its shape. Place flat supports, such as books or pavers, along the sides of the mould to prevent excessive expansion. This is especially important if you are using a softer wax blend.
Finally, carefully pour the melted wax into your prepared mould. Try to avoid spilling wax on the sides of the mould, as this can make it difficult to release the candle later. Pour slowly and steadily, taking your time to fill the mould evenly. Allow the wax to cool and set completely before removing it from the mould.
By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to creating beautiful and professionally-made pillar candles.
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Prevent wax from dripping down the mould
To prevent wax from dripping down the mould when making a pillar candle, it is important to choose the right type of wax. Harder waxes, such as beeswax, palm wax, or firmer soy pillar wax, can help minimise the occurrence of frosting and improve the overall appearance of your candle. Using a wax that is specifically designated for pillar candles will also help ensure your candle holds its shape.
Pillar wax is designed to shrink and contract as it cools, which can cause sinkholes in the centre of the candle. To prevent this, you can heat your mould with a heat gun before pouring in the wax. Increasing the pouring temperature will also help. Additionally, providing additional support to your mould during the pouring process can help prevent excessive expansion and ensure a more consistent shape. Place flat supports, such as books or pavers, along the sides of the mould.
Try not to hit the side of the mould with wax while pouring, as drips will set very fast and may be difficult to remove. If you are new to making pillar candles, it is recommended to put the sealed mould in a pan when you do your first pour.
Once your candle is complete, you can help maintain its shape and prevent wax from dripping by keeping the wick trimmed to 1/4 inch (about 6 mm). Trim the wick before and after each burn, and always allow the candle to cool before trimming. This will help ensure a safe and efficient burn, reducing the risk of soot buildup and air pollutants, as well as maximising the life of your candle.
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Avoid common issues
To avoid common issues when unpillaring a candle, there are several steps you can take. Firstly, it is important to understand the concept of a candle's "memory". Like people, candles "'remember' how long they burned the first time and will continue to burn in this shape every time after. Therefore, it is recommended that you let your candle burn for a number of hours equal to the diameter of the candle on its first burn. For example, a 4-inch diameter candle should burn for 4 hours. This will help prevent tunnelling, where the centre of the candle continues to burn down while the sides remain waxy. If you are unable to burn your candle for this long, 3 hours is generally sufficient for most pillar candles.
Another common issue is wax splatters, which can occur when you blow out a candle or when the wick is too long. To prevent this, ensure that you trim the wick to about 1/4 of an inch before lighting the candle. This will help control the size of the flame and reduce the chances of wax splattering. If wax does splatter, let it cool and harden before attempting to clean it up.
Additionally, putting a lid on a candle to extinguish it is not recommended as it can trap smoke, infuse back into the melted wax, and possibly change its fragrance. It can also cause the lid to suction to the vessel and break. Instead, it is best to use a wick dipper or a candle snuffer to extinguish your candle. These tools help preserve the quality of your candle wax and fragrance and minimise smoke and wax splatters.
Finally, be cautious when handling a candle that has just been lit or extinguished. Never try to move a candle or push the wax inward to create a small lip while the wax is liquified, as it could spill and cause burns or other damage. Always allow the wax to cool for a minute or two before handling.
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Trim the wick
Trimming the wick of a pillar candle is a crucial step in ensuring a safe and efficient burn. It may seem like a minor detail, but it can make a big difference in the overall experience of burning your candle.
Firstly, it is important to invest in the right tools for the job. A wick trimmer or a sharp pair of scissors designed for candle wicks are ideal. These tools make it easier to trim the wick cleanly and evenly. Using the correct tools will also help you avoid injury or damage to the candle.
The recommended length to trim the wick is 1/4 of an inch, or approximately 6mm. This is the ideal length for a safe and efficient burn. Trimming the wick to this length before lighting your candle for the first time is important, but it is also a step that should be repeated after each burn. Remember to remove any wick trimmings before lighting the candle again.
A properly trimmed wick produces a cleaner, more efficient burn. It reduces the risk of soot buildup and air pollutants. By maintaining a consistent wick length, you can achieve a stable flame that evenly consumes the wax. This prevents tunnelling, where the candle burns unevenly, creating a tunnel in the wax, and maximises the life of your pillar candle.
Personal testing is also recommended to ensure the right wick size for your candle. Factors such as the type of wax, amount of fragrance oil, and type of colour dye can impact the ideal wick size.
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