Tricks of the Trade
Candle making - smoothing edges
If once you have popped your candles out of the mould you find rough edges use an old stocking wrapped over the tip of your finger to remove and neaten.
Candle making - smoothing edges
If once you have popped your candles out of the mould you find rough edges use an old stocking wrapped over the tip of your finger to remove and neaten.
Candle making - supporting wick
If you find the wick will not support itself then balance a cocktail stick or lolly stick across the top of the mould, which will in turn support the wick as the wax cools.
Candle making - melting wax
You should never melt wax (unless an advanced candle maker) over a direct heat. So either invest in a double burner or simply finds two pans, one slightly larger than the other. Place the water in the larger pan, the smaller pan inside this then the wax in the small pan.
Candle making - dipping wick
When making rolled or floating candles it is easier to used a pre-dipped wick. Simple cut a lenght of wick and place in the molten wax whilst in the pan. Watch as the bubbles escape from the wick, once no more bubble escape remove the wick. Hold over the pan to allow wax to drip off then place to one side ready for use.
Candle making - working out how much wax
Although there is a complicated formula to work out how much wax you will need for a mould a simpler way is to fill the mould one and a half times with the wax granules.
Candle making - wick size
Wicks come in many widths and to ensure a good burning candle it is important to use the right size wick. The wick size is dictated by the width of the finished candle. When buying wick it will be labelled with the size, this relates to the size of the candle. So simply match sizes to pick the correct wick.
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