Candle Crafting : How to Pour Container Candles

Container candles are among the easiest candle crafting projects to do. Pouring container candles does not require the use of molds or tricky dipped candle techniques. Even a novice candle maker can produce many container candles with one melt and pour.

To get started pouring your own container candles, you will need jars or containers, a double boiler for melting, wax blended for making container candles, wicks, stickers, and your choice of dye and scent.

Nearly any fire-proof glass or metal container can be used to make attractive and unique container candles. Mason jars, tin cans, small, decorative metal pails, glass votive cups, kitchen bowls, pie tins, ice cream sundae glasses and so many other everyday items are fun and decorative options.

For safe burning and optimal candle performance, wicks should be matched to individual containers according to size. Larger containers will have more wax and more room between the wick and sides of the container, and so can (and should) support larger diameter wicks for even burning. Too small of a wick might cause flames to sputter and drown in melted wax. Smaller diameter containers require smaller diameter wicks to avoid overheating glass containers and causing them to break or burst. To determine the appropriate size of the wicks you will need, measure the diameter (distance across) the opening of the container you intend to pour. Consult your candle supplier for the right wick size. Wicks will usually be sold in sizes of small, medium, and large and will list the size container or candle the wick will make. Choose a wick size that matches the diameter of the container you will pour. Shop more for the diameter than the length of the candle, as long wicks can always be trimmed, but too large a diameter of wick can cause unsafe container burning.

When purchasing wax to make your container candles, it is best to buy wax that is blended and labeled for container candles. The difference between waxes blended for use in container candles and in molds is in the added ingredients. Container candles are made from softer wax blends for even melting and burning. Using a hard wax blended for molded candles may create wells when burned, choking the wick and causing it to sputter and burn out. What is added (or left out) from a given blend by the manufacturer determines how hard or soft the wax is. Candle craft suppliers willthe wax blends per intended use, and their provided instructions will direct you regarding additional additive use.

The fragrances and colors used in candle crafting are the same whether you are crafting molded candles or container candles. Choose any favorite color or scent labeled for candle crafting.

To melt the wax, you will need a double boiler system. A double boiler is a set of two pans. A smaller pan sits inside a larger pan which is filled with water. This allows the product (wax) to melt evenly without burning. If you do not have a double boiler, use a clean coffee can set inside a pan of water (preferably atop a small wire rack to elevate). Clean-up is less tasking with a coffee can, as it can simply be tossed away when you are through.

Following is a set of general directions for melting and pouring container wax. For optimal results, consult directions provided by your wax retailer, as they will be tailored to your specific wax.

Before you begin melting the wax, apply wick stickers to the bottoms of the wicks. Center and stick the wick to the bottom of the containers.

Chop the wax into small chunks and place inside the empty inner pan or can. Stir occasionally to promote even melting, but not excessively, as this will introduce air bubbles into the wax and finished candle. When the wax is almost completely melted, add color chips or liquid. Add scent last after all the wax is melted so that it does not cook away.

Pour the melted wax mixture into the containers. It is often recommended to first pour the wax into a spouted measuring cup or pouring pot for accurate pouring and to avoid burns and unsafe spillage. Pour containers until they are about 90% full. Save enough wax aside to top off the candles after they are hardened.

To keep the wick straight as the wax cools and contracts, poke three or four holes around the wick with a skewer or sharp pencil. This will also allow trapped air to escape, and may need to be repeated once or twice as the wax hardens.

As the wax cools, a well is likely to form around the wick in the middle of the candle. After the candle has set, re-melt the reserved wax and use it to top off the candle. Refill the well left from the cooling process, pouring wax only to the top of the well. Try to avoid pouring any higher, as a line will set in the candle. This will not affect the burning function of the candle, but is somewhat unsightly. Depending on your wax and the amount it contracts as it hardens, you may need to repeat the topping-off process again.
When the candle is cooled completely, trim the wick to one-quarter of an inch and you are done.

Some candle crafting books and suppliers (but not all) will recommend heating containers in a warm (200 degree) oven prior to pouring. They might also direct you to re-warm the candle before topping off. This is meant to even out the temperature difference between the hot wax and cold containers, preventing “jump lines” in the finished candle. Unless your containers are very cool or you pour the wax in a jerky, uneven, motion, jump lines are not much of a problem and this step is somewhat unnecessary. Additionally, reheating the poured candles is fairly tricky to a first time candle crafter and may cause more problems than it solves. Furthermore, some people prefer a cold-poured, rustic look in their candle crafts. Instructions to achieve this look can be found online, in candle crafting how-to books and through some candle craft suppliers.

These are all the basics you need to know to create great looking, fabulous smelling hand poured container candles at home. Craft container candles for your own enjoyment as a less expensive alternative to commercial candles, or for a way to fully control colors and strength of scent. Hand-poured container candles make great gifts and party favors, too, and can be decorated and embellished easily with ribbons and more.

Reference:

• www.cierracandle.com – shop for kits, supplies & find instructions