Jessie Taylor
Taper candles are a classic decorative element that can be used in a variety of ways. They are tall, thin candles that taper from a wider base to a narrower top and come in various lengths, ranging from 6 inches to upwards of 39 inches. Taper candles are often used for special occasions such as weddings, dinner parties, and religious celebrations. They can be made from different types of wax, including beeswax, soy wax, and paraffin wax, and can be scented or unscented. The type of wax and the quality of the candle affect its burning time and tendency to drip. To avoid dripping, it is important to keep taper candles straight and level in their holders and away from drafts.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Materials | Beeswax, Soy Wax, Paraffin Wax |
| Shape | Tall, slender, tapered |
| Length | 6 inches to 39 inches |
| Burn Time | Depends on length, quality, and construction |
| Colour | Various |
| Scent | Various, including unscented |
| Wick | Natural fibres |
| Holder | Brass candelabras, wooden bases, ceramic holders, etc. |
| Use | Decorative, celebratory, religious, etc. |
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What You'll Learn
Beeswax taper candles
To make your own beeswax taper candles at home, you will need a tapered candle mold, wicks, a double boiler or wax melter, and beeswax pellets or blocks. Melt the beeswax completely, ensuring it reaches the correct temperature with a candy thermometer if needed. Oil a paper towel with olive oil and lubricate the mold, although some plastic molds may not require this step. You can also add essential oils to your wax, but it is important to ensure the wax is not too hot, or the scent will evaporate.
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Soy wax taper candles
To make your own soy wax taper candles, you will need a few basic supplies: soy wax, candle wicks, a melting pot or double boiler, a thermometer, candle moulds, and any desired additives such as essential oils or fragrance oils. It is important to note that soy wax has a lower melting point than other waxes like beeswax, so it is crucial to monitor the temperature during the candle-making process.
When melting the soy wax, aim for a temperature of around 140°F. At this temperature, you can add your desired amount of essential oils or fragrances without worrying about them burning off or evaporating. You can also experiment with different combinations of waxes, such as using a blend of beeswax and soy wax, to find the ratio that works best for your needs.
Once your wax is melted and customised with any desired additives, carefully pour it into your chosen moulds. Allow the candles to cool and harden, and then pop them out of the moulds. With just a few natural ingredients and some creativity, you can make elegant and charming soy wax taper candles that are not only beautiful but also kind to the environment.
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Combining beeswax and soy wax
Taper candles are tall, slender candles that taper from a wider base to a narrower top. They are used for decorative purposes, adding elegance to a room or dinner table.
Candle makers often combine different types of wax to achieve specific results that may not be possible with a single wax type. For instance, beeswax and soy wax are often blended to create high-quality, eco-friendly candles with desirable properties.
Beeswax has a higher melting point than soy wax, providing a natural honey scent and a longer burn time. It also has a natural sheen and acts as a natural "vybar", improving scent throw by stabilising the fragrance in the wax. However, beeswax can harden the overall blend, and too much can reduce flexibility and make the candles prone to cracking.
Soy wax, on the other hand, has a lower melting point and is softer, making it easier to work with. It provides a smooth texture and clean-burning qualities, ensuring a steady flame and better adhesion to glass jars.
When blending beeswax and soy wax, candle makers can experiment with different ratios to achieve the desired characteristics. For example, a higher proportion of beeswax may be used for pillar candles to provide more rigidity, while a higher proportion of soy wax may be used for container candles to improve softness and adhesion.
To create taper candles with a combination of beeswax and soy wax, candle makers should follow these general steps:
- Heat the waxes separately to ensure they reach the proper temperature, reducing the risk of overheating. Beeswax should be melted at a higher temperature than soy wax.
- Weigh out the desired amount of each wax using a scale to ensure accuracy, as beeswax is heavier than soy wax.
- Combine the melted waxes together, being careful to maintain the proper temperature to achieve a uniform blend.
- Prepare the moulds by lightly oiling them with a paper towel lubricated with olive oil, especially if using plastic moulds.
- Add essential oils or fragrances when the wax cools to around 140°F to prevent them from burning off and evaporating.
- Slowly pour the wax into the moulds around the wick and allow it to cool completely at room temperature for at least 24 hours.
- Trim the wick to 1/4" before burning the candle.
By blending beeswax and soy wax, candle makers can create taper candles with enhanced burn quality, improved texture, and aesthetic appeal, while also benefiting from the eco-friendly and natural qualities of both waxes.
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Using taper candle moulds
Taper candles can be made using candle moulds, which are available in materials such as plastic and silicone. These moulds are easy to use and can create beautiful, uniform candles. Some moulds come with a wick and a centering device, so you don't need to purchase those separately.
To make taper candles using a mould, start by melting your wax in a double boiler or wax melter. Beeswax has a higher melting point than soy wax, so make sure both waxes are completely melted before proceeding to the next step. You can use a combination of beeswax and soy wax or opt for 100% beeswax. If you want to monitor the temperature, use a candy thermometer attached to the side of your melting pot.
While the wax is melting, lightly oil a paper towel with olive oil and lubricate the mould. This step may not be necessary, depending on the type of mould you are using, but it can sometimes make removing the candle from the mould easier.
Once the wax is melted, you can add your desired fragrance or essential oils. Allow the wax to cool to the recommended temperature before adding the fragrance. If using essential oils, cool the wax to 140°F to avoid burning off the oils, resulting in candles with little to no scent.
After adding your fragrance or essential oils, carefully pour the wax into your prepared mould. Allow the wax to cool and harden before removing the candle from the mould. With plastic moulds, the candles should pop out easily.
You can create colourful tapered candles by adding liquid dye to the wax. Silicone moulds are recommended for pillar candles as the flexible material makes it easier to remove the candle.
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Adding essential oils
Firstly, it is important to carefully select the essential oils you wish to use. Choose scents that appeal to you and that you think will complement each other well. You can also create themed candles by selecting essential oils with specific fragrances. For example, you could make a calming candle with lavender and chamomile oils or a refreshing candle with citrus oils.
Next, prepare your workspace by gathering all the necessary equipment and ingredients. You will need a double boiler or wax melter, a thermometer, your chosen essential oils, and any other candle-making supplies such as wicks, moulds, and pouring pots. Before you begin, ensure your workspace is clean and clutter-free to make the process as smooth as possible.
Now, it's time to melt your wax. As mentioned earlier, beeswax has a higher melting point than soy wax, so if you're using a combination of both, make sure they are completely melted before proceeding. Use a double boiler or wax melter for this step, and always exercise caution when working with hot wax to avoid any accidents.
Once your wax has melted, it's crucial to let it cool down to the optimal temperature for adding essential oils. Aim for a temperature of around 140°F (60°C). This is important because if the wax is too hot, the essential oils will burn off and evaporate, resulting in candles with little to no scent.
When your wax has cooled to the right temperature, it's time to add your essential oils. The general recommendation is to use approximately 25 drops of essential oil per 10 ounces of wax. However, you can adjust this ratio slightly depending on how strong you want the fragrance to be. Carefully measure out your essential oils and blend them into the melted wax, stirring gently to ensure even distribution.
Finally, carefully pour the scented wax into your prepared candle moulds and allow them to cool and harden. Remember to place your wicks before the wax sets, and ensure they are properly centred using a centring device or other creative methods. Once your candles have hardened, you can remove them from the moulds and admire your beautifully scented taper candles!
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Frequently asked questions
Taper candles are often made from beeswax, which has a higher melting point than soy wax. Beeswax taper candles are popular because they have a higher burn point, so the candle lasts longer, and they are natural and smell great.
Another common material used to make taper candles is soy wax, which is made from soybean oil and is renewable and sustainable.
Yes, you can make your own taper candles at home. You can use a combination of beeswax and soy wax, or just use 100% beeswax. You will also need a tapered candle mold, wicks, a double boiler or wax melter, and olive oil.
