Candle making can be as simple or as elaborate as you want. With a little simple equipment it is a great hobby to get into so here is what you will need.
Instructions
Moulds - plastic - The rigid plastic moulds are either clear or coloured. They come as one-part moulds or two part moulds and tend to be simple shapes.
Moulds - rubber - The rubber mould offers a larger number of shapes ranging from fruit to animals to fantasy. They are easy to use but often need to be supported (see tips, techniques and terms in this section).
Moulds - making your own - It is possible to ‘find’ your own moulds. Generally as long as the container you use is water tight and can withstand heat then it should allow you to create a fun candle. However even if the item is not water tight (as mini flower pot) if it can be sealed then it can still be used.
Wax - Wax is sold as small flakes or beads in its natural colour, white opaque. It can also be purchased in a powder form or already coloured in blocks or pellets. The melting point for waxes depends on how they were refined. The melting points are referred to as low (52c-58c/126ºF-132ºF), medium (60c–64c/135ºF-145ºF) or high (64c-67c/145ºF-150ºF). The bags sold in craft shops that are unmarked will generally be the mid range melting point.
Stearin - Vybar – Clear wax crystals - Stearin is an additive that is used to aid release, but should be used for rigid moulds only. When using rubber moulds use the substitute Vybar and when you are embedding objects in your candles used translucent crystals. For all of these normally you would work out weight of wax needed for mould then use 10% of this weight to work out how much additive to use.
Wicks - Come as plaited or paper/metal core wicks. The size of wick used is dependant on the diameter of canlde you are making. If you use a wick that is too thick you will lessen the burning life of the candle. Whereas if you use a wick that is too thin then a well of wax will be created and the flame may drown. The plaited wick is suitable for most candle making whilst the paper/metal core wick is ideal for container or floating candles. However if you only have the plaited form then simply double dip the wick (see tips, techniques and terms in this section).
When making novelty candles care has to be taken to choose the correct width of wick. When buying from dedicated candle maker suppliers they will often suggest a suitable wick size for the mould you are using.
Mould seal - This is used to 'plug' the hole at the base of the mould where the wick comes out, so stopping any wax from coming out. It looks like a soft putty and can be reused many times.
Melting pans - To melt your wax (which generally should never be melted over a direct flame) you will need two pans one that sits inside the other. The lower pan has water in and it is the heat from the water that melts the wax, which is placed in the second pan.
Tricks of the Trade
There are currently no tricks of the trade associated with this project
