Can I Put A Candle In A Glass Jar?

Candles in glass jars have become a popular decorative item and gift. The appeal of candles in glass jars comes from their versatility, customizability, and aesthetic value. Glass jars allow you to see the candle wax and flame, creating a warm ambiance. They also provide a vessel for creative candle designs, colors, shapes, and scents. Glass jars protect the candle, contain the flame safely, and can be reused when the candle is finished. Their transparent nature also enables the use of attractive labels and decorations on the outside. Placing candles in glass jars allows for easy transport and gifting as well. Overall, the numerous possibilities for creativity, along with the functionality and style of glass jars, explain their common use for candles.

Safety Concerns

Placing a candle in a glass jar does come with some safety concerns that should be considered. The main risks are the jar overheating and shattering, which can lead to fires.

The glass jar focuses heat from the candle flame in a concentrated area at the base. This can cause the temperature to rise high enough that the glass cracks or shatters from the thermal stress. According to Keystone Candle, if the flame reaches the bottom of the jar, too much heat builds up which can cause the glass to break.

Additionally, the cracking or shattering of a hot glass jar can lead to wax spilling out. The spilled wax can then rapidly ignite on contact with the jar, oxygen, or other surroundings. Suffolk Candles warns that going to sleep with a lit candle in a glass jar is dangerous, as the container can quickly overheat and crack, potentially starting a fire.

To mitigate these risks, proper precautions should be taken, like using a heat-resistant glass specifically designed for candles. The glass composition and thickness are factors in its ability to withstand high temperatures. Testing the jar beforehand and monitoring lit candles are also advisable safety steps.

Choosing the Right Jar

When choosing a glass jar for candles, it’s important to select one made from heat-resistant glass that can withstand the heat of a burning candle. According to candle making experts, glass jars used for canning are a good option as they are designed to be used for high heat when canning (Source: https://villagecraftandcandle.com/blogs/news/what-type-of-jars-are-best-for-candles). Canning jars are made from tempered glass that is heat-treated to increase its strength. This makes them less prone to cracking or breaking under high temperatures.

The thickness of the glass is also an important factor. Thicker glass will be more resistant to heat stress. Standard canning jars tend to have thick walls that can withstand the heat of a candle flame. Thin glass could potentially crack or break when exposed to the concentrated heat inside a candle jar. When selecting a glass jar, examine the thickness and look for one with substantial heft to endure heating without issues. Avoid very thin or delicate glassware.

According to candle making experts, glass thickness of at least 1/8 inch or more is recommended for candle vessels (Source: https://www.lifenreflection.com/safe-candle-containers-for-candle-making/). The thicker the glass, the better it will contain the heat.

Preparing the Jar

Before putting a candle in a glass jar, it’s important to properly clean and prepare the jar. Here are some tips for getting your jar ready:

First, wash the jar thoroughly with soap and hot water to remove any dirt, dust or residue. Make sure to wash both the inside and outside of the jar.

Next, remove any labels or glue from the sides of the jar. An easy way to do this is to soak the jar in hot water to loosen the glue, then use a scraper or steel wool to gently scrub off the label. Go slow and take care not to scratch or damage the glass. You can also use Goo Gone or another adhesive remover if needed. Fully removing labels allows the beauty of the glass to shine through. (source)

Finally, make sure the jar is fully dry before adding a candle. Any water left inside can crack or break the glass when heated. Thoroughly dry the outside and inside with a towel.

Preparing jars properly ensures they are safe, clean vessels for candles. Taking these steps allows the jar’s beauty to enhance the candle design.

Choosing the Right Candle

When putting a candle in a glass jar, it’s important to choose the right candle diameter and melt temperature. The candle’s diameter should be about 1/2 to 1 inch less than the jar opening so there is enough space for the melted wax to pool. This helps prevent the candle from tunnelling, which is when wax only melts in the center of the candle leading to uneven burning. Sources advise against filling a jar over halfway with wax.

Look for candles made from wax with a melt point between 125°F to 145°F like paraffin or soy wax according to https://www.candlemakingsupplies.net/which-candle-jar-to-use-for-beginner-candle-makers. Candles with a low melt point, like beeswax at 144°F, are not recommended for jars as they get too hot. The ideal wax will melt slowly and evenly.

Pillar or taper candles work best as they are designed to burn in containers. Votive and tealight candles can be used in a pinch, but may not burn as evenly. Look for smooth, long burning pillar candles in the appropriate width when putting candles in glass jars.

Adding Decorations

Decorating a candle jar adds personality and transforms it into a piece of art. Some popular ways to decorate glass jar candles include adding dried flowers, glitter, and beads.

Dried flowers layered at the bottom of the jar create an elegant look. Popular dried flowers to use include lavender, rose buds, and baby’s breath. Make sure dried flowers are fully dried before adding to candle jars.

Glitter mixed in with the wax or sprinkled on the top adds a festive sparkle. Use fine glitter to avoid clogging the wick. Metallic glitters in gold, silver, or copper complement bold candle colors. For safety, make sure glitter is non-combustible.

Craft beads in various shapes, sizes, and colors allow for lots of creative flexibility. Layer beads at the bottom of the jar or affix them to the outside with hot glue. Good bead options include glass, wood, or plastic. Avoid beads made with flammable materials like paper or feathers.

Lighting the Candle

When lighting a candle in a jar, proper placement and lighting methods are key to stay safe. Start by placing the jar candle on a stable, heat-resistant surface away from anything flammable. Make sure the wick is centered and standing upright (you can straighten it with tweezers). Trim the wick to 1⁄4 inch before lighting to avoid excess smoking.

Use long matches or a long lighter to light jars with narrow openings where fingers can’t fit. Pinch the bottom of the lighter and flick with the top part for safe lighting [1]. With wide jars, regular matches or lighters work. Always keep fingers away from the flame when lighting. For reusable jars, it helps to pour wax only halfway so the wick is easy to reach.

Safety Tips

When burning candles in glass jars, it’s important to follow some basic safety tips to prevent fires or other accidents (Candles.org, 2022). First, always supervise candles when lit and never leave them unattended. Trim wicks to 1⁄4 inch before lighting to prevent excessive smoke and dripping. Allow pooled wax and jars to fully cool before moving to prevent spills. Ensure there is adequate ventilation in the room by opening windows or avoiding drafts. Avoid burning near flammable materials like curtains or furniture. Extinguish candles if the flame gets too close to the jar rim or you notice excessive dripping. Adhere to manufacturer burn time limits and extinguish candles before the wax fully liquefies. Follow these precautions to safely enjoy candles in glass jars.

Creative Uses

Glass candle jars can be repurposed in many creative ways once the candle has been used up. Some popular creative uses include:

• Centerpieces – Cleaned out and decorated candle jars make charming centerpieces. Fill them with flowers, seashells, marbles, or other decorations. Accent with ribbon or raffia. They can make a lovely tablescape or mantle decoration (source).
• Gifts – Personalize a candle jar by decorating it and filling it with homemade baked goods, bath salts, potpourri, or other presents to give as gifts to family and friends (source).
• Aromatherapy – Turn candle jars into fragrance diffusers. Place a few drops of essential oils into the jar, add water, and place bamboo skewers or natural sticks inside. The oils will scent the air as they diffuse in the water.

With a little creativity and embellishment, used candle jars can be given new life in many charming ways.

Conclusion

Putting a candle in a glass jar can be a fun DIY project with the right preparation and safety precautions. Clear glass jars allow the candlelight to shine through beautifully, and decorations can add a personal touch. While fire safety should always be the top priority, glass jars make lovely holders with proper care. Consider using jars of many shapes and sizes for unique home decor, gifting, or lighting during a power outage. With some creativity, you can turn simple glass jars into elegant candleholders that may become treasured keepsakes. This classic craft remains a timeless way to enjoy candlelight in a safe and stunning enclosure.