How Do You Make Taper Candles With Mold?
Taper candles are slender, cylindrical candles with a wick at one end that are often used decorative purposes. They create an elegant ambience and provide soft, flickering lighting. Making taper candles at home has become increasingly popular for several reasons:
First, it allows people to customize taper candles to match their home decor or theme for a special occasion. Homemade taper candles can be created in any color, scent, or size. This DIY approach enables full creative freedom.
Additionally, making taper candles is generally less expensive than purchasing pre-made ones. The basic supplies – wax, wicks, and dyes or scents – are affordable. With some simple equipment like a mold, pour pot, and thermometer, high quality taper candles can be produced at home.
Finally, candlemaking is an enjoyable hobby and creative outlet for many. Following a simple process, homemade taper candles can be crafted in a variety of stylish designs. The end result is beautiful handmade candles that make wonderful gifts or home accents.
Choosing Candle Wax
The type of wax you choose for your taper candles will affect their appearance, burn quality, fragrance throw, and more. The most common candle waxes are paraffin, soy, and beeswax.
Paraffin wax is derived from petroleum. It is an inexpensive option that is easy to work with since it has a low melting point. Paraffin candles burn long and bright. However, paraffin releases more soot and requires proper ventilation (www.marthastewart.com/8061950/candle-wax-type-guide/)
Soy wax is made from soybeans. It is a natural, renewable resource that is biodegradable. Soy candles burn clean and have excellent fragrance throw. However, soy wax is more prone to frosting and can be tricky for beginners to work with (www.shoparchipelago.com/blogs/blog/types-of-candle-wax/).
Beeswax is made from honeycomb. It has a lovely natural honey aroma and beautiful golden color. Beeswax candles burn slower and brighter than other waxes. However, beeswax is expensive and difficult to source.
Consider the pros and cons of each type of wax for your specific needs when choosing the right wax for your taper candles.
Candle Wicks
Candle wicks are an essential component for making taper candles with a mold. The wick draws wax up through capillary action and provides a flame source when the candle is burned. Proper wicking is important for safe, even burning and preventing issues like tunneling.
Wicks are usually made from braided cotton, but you can also find specialty wicks made from paper, wood, or zinc. Cotton wicks tend to be the best choice for most taper candles. Look for wicks specifically intended for the type of wax you are using.
Choose the right thickness of wick for the diameter of your candle. Wicks that are too thin can drown, while wicks too thick can get very hot and release more soot. For taper candles, you generally want a medium or larger wick size. Refer to manufacturer guidelines for recommendations.
Before using wicks, it helps to “prime” them to maximize capillary action. This involves dipping the wick into the melted wax so the strands absorb wax, then letting it dry completely. It creates a wax coating that will help draw melted wax up while the candle burns. Prepare wicks in advance so they are ready when it’s time to pour candles.
Candle Scents and Dyes
Adding scents and colors to your taper candles can make them more appealing and customized to your preferences. The two main options for scenting candles are fragrance oils and essential oils. Fragrance oils are synthetic scents made specifically for candle making. They come in a huge variety of fragrances from fruits to baked goods. Essential oils are natural aromatic compounds extracted from plants. Popular choices like lavender, eucalyptus, and citrus add lovely scents. Use 0.5-1 oz of fragrance or essential oil per pound of wax. Add at 185°F once the wax is melted.
For coloring taper candles, liquid dyes specifically made for candle making are best. They come in every color and are highly concentrated so only small amounts are needed. Start with 3-4 drops per pound of wax, adding more as needed for vibrant colors. Alternatively, use crayon shavings for softer pastel colors. Avoid food coloring as it fades when burned. Adding both scents and dyes brings your homemade tapers to life!
Safety Tips
When making candles at home, it’s important to follow key safety precautions. This ensures you avoid injury or damage. Here are some top tips:
Have proper equipment on hand like a thermometer, extinguisher, and eye protection. Ventilate your workspace area according to best practices.
Never leave a burning stove or wax unattended. Always have a fire extinguisher nearby in case of emergency. Follow critical fire safety rules like avoiding spillage near open flames.
Store wax, fragrance, and materials safely out of reach of children and pets. Work in a clean, uncluttered area to prevent slips or falls. Allow candles to fully cure and cool before burning to prevent defects.
Take proper precautionary measures and candle making can be an enjoyable, hazard-free hobby. But always keep safety the number one priority.
Choosing a Mold
When making taper candles, the mold is one of the most important elements. The mold determines the shape and size of the finished candle. Here are some tips for choosing a high quality candle mold:
Materials – Molds can be made from various materials like silicone, plastic, metal, glass, or wood. Silicone molds are flexible, durable, and easy to remove candles from. Plastic molds are affordable but may degrade over time. Metal and glass molds create a smooth finish but can be tricky for releasing candles. Wood molds are reusable but may absorb candle fragrances.
Sizes – Standard taper molds range from 4-12 inches tall and 0.5-1 inches wide. Consider what size tapers you need for your candle holders or decorative space. Taller and wider tapers can fit more elaborate designs.
Reused vs New – You can reuse old candle jars and containers as improvised molds. Make sure they are thoroughly cleaned. For best results, opt for molds designed specifically for candle making. New molds allow for more predictability and less defects.
Preparing the Mold
Before pouring wax into a candle mold, it’s important to properly prepare the mold. Here are some tips for getting your mold ready:
If using a silicone mold, coat the inside with a thin layer of vegetable oil or other mold release agent. This will help the finished candle slide out of the mold more easily. Use a pastry brush or paper towel to spread the oil over all surfaces.[1]
For plastic molds, spritz the inside with a mold release spray. Be sure to cover all sides and corners thoroughly.
Secure the wick in place before pouring wax. For silicone molds, thread the wick through the hole at the bottom using a wick barb or needle. Pull it taut so the wick stands straight up. For plastic molds without a hole, affix wick to the bottom with hot glue or tape.[2]
Place the mold on a level surface. You may want to put it on a baking sheet to catch any wax drips. Make sure the mold won’t shift or slide when pouring hot wax.
Some candle makers recommend pre-heating the mold before pouring by filling it with hot water. This helps prevent the wax from setting up too quickly.
Now the mold should be prepped and ready for melted wax to be poured in!
Melting and Pouring
To melt the wax for pouring into molds, use a double boiler or a makeshift double boiler with a pan and glass bowl. Heat the water in the pan until steaming but not boiling, then place wax in the bowl suspended over the water. Melt wax slowly to avoid overheating and burning. Pour melted wax at the ideal temperature for the wax type, usually between 150-165°F for paraffin or 125-135°F for soy.[1] These lower pouring temperatures help avoid sinkholes in the finished candle.
Make sure to frequently stir the wax as it melts to prevent hot spots. Once fully melted, remove the wax from the heat source. Allow the wax to cool slightly, checking with a thermometer until the temperature drops into the ideal range. Then carefully pour the wax into the prepared mold, leaving at least 1/4 inch of headspace. Allow candles to cool completely in the molds before removing. This cooling process can take 1-2 hours. Setting candles aside overnight results in the most seamless release from silicone molds.[2]
If adding scents or dyes, make sure to stir these in well before pouring wax into molds. Use caution when adding scents, as over-scenting can lead to issues like sweating or burning.
[1] https://www.savvyhomemade.com/how-to-use-silicon-candle-molds/
[2] https://www.hotpinkpineapples.com/blog/making-candles-with-candle-molds
Unmolding and Finishing
After pouring your candles and allowing them to fully cool and cure, it’s time to remove them from the molds. How long you need to wait depends on the type of wax and mold used. For example, soy wax candles in silicone molds may be ready in as little as 30 minutes to 1 hour. Paraffin candles in metal molds will likely need 6-12 hours. Always test gently to see if the candle releases easily before trying to unmold.
To remove the candle, turn the mold upside down and flex the sides gently if needed. If the candle doesn’t release right away, placing the mold in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes can help contraction. You can also try running a knife carefully along the edges to help loosen it. Go slowly and don’t force it.
Once unmolded, inspect the candle for any flaws or seams. You can smooth these by running a knife gently along the sides in a downward motion. Wipe away any excess wax shavings. Trim the wick to 1/4 inch length as recommended.
For finishing touches, you may choose to rub the outside with a cloth to buff it to a sheen, or decorate the outside by rolling in glitter or other embellishments. Some makers prefer to attach a product label for a professional look. Now your taper candle is complete and ready to use!
Displaying Candles
Taper candles make for beautiful and elegant home decor. When displaying taper candles, consider placing them in coordinating holders or arrangements for a cohesive look. For a simple, classic display, place matching taper candles in a candlestick holder on a mantel, entry table, or dining table. Stagger the heights for visual interest. For more whimsy, display an assortment of different colored and sized tapers in vintage glassware like bottles, jars, and tea cups. Metallic elements like candle rings, mercury glass votives, and gilded candlesticks pair nicely with tapers for a glamorous feel.
Tapers also make great gifts for any occasion. Package them up with a candle holder in seasonal paper and ribbons. For Christmas, nestle red and green tapers in a wooden box filled with pinecones. At fall weddings, pair ivory tapers with candle rings in autumnal colors. You can find inspiration for taper displays and gifting ideas at sites like https://www.pinterest.com/quickcandles/taper-candles/. With a little creativity, the presentation possibilities for taper candles are endless!
