How Do You Use A Candle Pouring Pitcher?

A candle pouring pitcher is a container used to pour melted wax into candle jars, molds, or other vessels when making candles (https://northwoodcandlesupply.com/blogs/news/what-is-a-candle-pouring-pot). It allows candle makers to evenly distribute wax in a controlled manner. Using a pouring pitcher provides several benefits over trying to pour directly from a melting pot or microwaveable pitcher.

Candle pouring pitchers usually have a handle and spout for easy gripping and precise pouring. The pitcher is filled with melted wax then tilted to pour the desired amount into each candle vessel. Pouring pitchers help prevent spills and overfilling, allowing for clean and efficient candle making.

This guide will walk through the steps of using a candle pouring pitcher, from preparation to cleanup. Proper technique and safety precautions will also be covered. Following these tips will lead to professional-looking poured candles.

Selecting a Pouring Pitcher

The material, size, and design of the pouring pitcher are important factors to consider when selecting one for candle making:

Material Types – Metal, plastic, and glass are common materials used to make candle pouring pitchers. Aluminum is a popular metal option that conducts heat well. Plastic is affordable but can warp at high temperatures. Glass handles temperature changes well but is more fragile. Metal or high-heat plastic are recommended.

Size/Capacity – Pouring pitchers come in a range of sizes from 16 oz to 1 gallon capacity. Choose a size based on the number and size of candles you’ll be making. Smaller pitchers around 16-32 oz are good for beginners making 1-2 candles at a time. Larger 1 gallon pitchers allow pouring multiple candles in one session.[1]

Design – Key design features include the shape of the spout for controlled pouring, a curved handle for grip, and a lid to minimize spills and debris. Models with a removable spout allow for easy cleaning. Some pitchers have measurement markings to gauge wax capacity.

Preparing the Wax

Once you’ve chosen a melting pitcher, the next step is to properly prepare the wax for pouring. Start by cutting wax into smaller chunks if using wax flakes. This allows the wax to melt more evenly. Place wax into the metal pitcher and heat slowly over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally as it melts. Be careful not to overheat the wax, as doing so can ruin the scent and quality. Heat until the wax is fully melted and all remnants are dissolved.According to experts, the ideal temperature for pouring soy wax is between 150-170°F, while paraffin wax should be 180-200°F before pouring.

After the wax has fully melted, you can add fragrance oil and liquid dye if making scented or colored candles. A standard ratio is 1 oz of fragrance per 1 lb of wax. Thoroughly incorporate the scent and color into the wax, stirring constantly for 2-3 minutes. Allow the wax to cool slightly so it’s not too hot when pouring into containers. Recheck the temperature before pouring. Now the wax is fully prepared and ready to be poured!

Pouring the Wax

Proper pouring technique is crucial for avoiding spills and drips when filling candle vessels with wax. According to Candle Tech (https://www.candletech.com), the ideal wax temperature for pouring is between 135-165°F. The wax should be cooled down from the melting point of 185-200°F to avoid overflow and enable the wax to pool evenly at the bottom of the container.

When pouring, tilt the container at a slight angle and begin pouring the wax slowly along the side, recommends Coogar Products (https://coogarproducts.com/better-pouring-methods-for-better-soy-candles/). This helps control the flow and prevents splashing. Pour in a thin stream no more than 1/2 inch wide. As the container fills, straighten it to an upright position to allow wax to pool in the middle.

Maintain a pouring rate that is slow and steady. Pouring too quickly can cause air bubbles, while pouring too slowly can lead to an uneven surface. Adjust the pour speed as needed based on the viscosity of the wax. The entire pouring process should take 1-2 minutes per container.

Preventing Spills and Drips

When pouring wax from a pitcher, it’s easy for spills and drips to occur if you aren’t careful. Here are some tips to help prevent messes:

Rest the pitcher on a solid, level surface between pours. This will help keep it steady and avoid drips from an angled spout. Lay down some paper towels or wax paper to catch any potential spills or drips.

Maintain a firm, steady grip on the handle and spout with both hands when pouring. Pour slowly and focus on controlling the flow rather than speed. Adjusting your hand placement during pouring can help direct the wax precisely where you want it.

Take breaks between pouring batches to wipe drips from the spout with a paper towel. Allow spilled wax on the outside of the pitcher to re-harden before pouring again. This helps avoid further spreading the mess.

Consider using pouring aids like spout covers or drip-catchers that attach to the pitcher spout. These accessories can cut down on drips during pouring. They are removable and reusable between candle batches.

Cleaning Up

Cleaning the pouring pitcher after use is an important step to prevent buildup and maintain the pitcher properly. Here are some tips for cleaning the pitcher:

Wipe out any excess wax inside the pitcher as soon as you are done pouring candles. Use a paper towel or lint-free cloth. The wax will still be liquid at this point, making it easier to remove.

Once the wax has fully set, fill the pitcher with hot water to melt any remaining wax residue. Allow it to sit for 5-10 minutes. Dump out the hot water and wipe the inside with a paper towel to remove the melted wax.

For stubborn wax remnants, boil water in the pitcher to loosen the wax, then dump out the water and wipe clean. Avoid using soap or other cleaners, as this can leave residue.

Make sure the pouring spout is completely clear of any dried wax. Insert a pipe cleaner or cotton swab into the spout to remove any blockages.

Allow the pitcher to fully air dry upside down on a towel before storing. Storing wet can lead to mold growth.

Store the clean, dry pitcher in a cool, dry place like a cupboard. Keep the lid on to prevent dust buildup between uses. Avoid extreme heat or cold.

Deep clean the pitcher periodically by filling with a 50/50 solution of vinegar and hot water. Let soak 15 minutes, then scrub with a bottle brush and rinse clean.

With proper cleaning after each use and occasional deep cleaning, a candle pouring pitcher will last for many candle making projects.

Troubleshooting

Drips and bubbles can be some of the most frustrating issues when pouring candles. Here are some tips for troubleshooting common problems:

If you end up with drips down the sides of your container, you can carefully warm them with a heat gun and use a paper towel to wipe them away before the wax fully sets. Be gentle and work slowly to avoid damaging the surface of the candle. You can also use a knife heated in hot water to slice away drips (Source).

To prevent bubbles, avoid agitating or moving the wax too much as you pour. Let it sit undisturbed as it cools. If bubbles still form, you can pierce them gently with a skewer after the candle has fully set. This will release the air pocket and allow you to pour a thin layer of wax on top to smooth it over.

If your wicks end up off-center, re-center them while the wax is still warm and pliable. Use chopsticks or knitting needles on either side to nudge the wick into place. You can also use a hair dryer to gently warm and re-melt areas that need adjustment (Source).

While making repairs, take care not to overheat the wax or damage the container. Work methodically and patiently for the best results. Proper troubleshooting can salvage an otherwise flawed candle!

Safety Tips

When pouring hot wax, it’s crucial to take proper safety precautions to avoid burns or fires. Here are some key tips for staying safe:

Always wear protective clothing like long sleeves, pants, and closed-toe shoes when pouring wax to prevent burns from hot splatters (Source). Use potholders when handling anything containing hot wax. Work slowly and carefully to avoid spills.

Ensure there is proper ventilation in your pouring area to prevent buildup of flammable wax vapors. Open windows, use fans, or pour wax in a well-ventilated outdoor area. Avoid all open flames, sparks, or other heat sources nearby that could ignite the vapors (Source).

Have a fire extinguisher and baking soda on hand to quickly extinguish any small wax fires. Never leave burning candles or cooling wax unattended.

Allow all equipment and wax to fully cool before handling or cleaning to prevent burns. Follow all usage and safety instructions for your specific pouring pitcher and wax type.

Finalizing the Candles

After pouring the candles and allowing them to cool completely, there are still some final steps to finalize the candles before use. Proper cooling and curing is crucial for achieving the best look and burn quality. According to The Candle Bar, poured candles should sit undisturbed for at least 24 hours to fully cool and cure. This allows time for the wax to fully solidify and shrink slightly as it cools.

Once cooled, trim the wicks to 1⁄4 inch length using scissors or wick trimmers. Trimming the wicks helps prevent excess smoking and promotes an even burn. Wicks can be trimmed again just before lighting to remove any black residue. According to How to Make Candles, you may also wish to heat the candle surface with a heat gun to smooth over any imperfections like sinkholes or frosting. Work slowly and remelt just the top layer before pouring a thin coat of melted wax over the surface. Then let the candle cure again before burning.

Conclusion

Using a candle pouring pitcher is a relatively straightforward process, but it does require some care to get right. The key steps include selecting an appropriate pouring pitcher, preparing the wax to the proper temperature, carefully pouring the wax into containers, letting the candles fully set up, and then finishing them off. Taking precautions like avoiding spills and drips, cleaning the pitcher thoroughly afterwards, and following safety tips will help ensure success.

For those new to candle making, it can take some trial and error to master the pouring process. Having the right supplies like a thermometer and wick stickers on hand is useful. Referencing guides on troubleshooting common candle issues can also help diagnose and fix any problems. With practice, using a pouring pitcher to make beautiful, high-quality candles can become a satisfying hobby.

There are many online resources available for further learning about candle making:
– Candle making websites like CandleScience.com that cover supplies, techniques, and beginner tutorials
– Video tutorials on platforms like YouTube demonstrating the pouring process
– Forums and communities of candle makers to ask questions and get advice
– Local candle making classes in many areas
– Books focused on the candle craft with in-depth instructions and tips
– Pinterest boards with candle making ideas and inspiration
– Facebook groups for sharing experiences and troubleshooting
– Craft store classes on candle making and working with wax
With the right information and some persistence, candle makers can master using a pouring pitcher to make professional-looking, long-lasting, and fragrant candles.