Are you looking for a natural and eco-friendly way to light up your home? Making beeswax pillar candles is a great option! In this blog post, we'll cover everything you need to know about making beeswax pillar candles, including the different types of moulds you can use, the best wicks to use, and common mistakes to avoid.
Molded Beeswax Pillar Candles
Molded beeswax candles offer an exciting canvas for your creativity, allowing you to craft intricate and captivating designs.
Downsides/Advantages
Pillar candles made from beeswax offer unique advantages and considerations. On the upside, they allow you to create detailed and unique shapes. However, working with molds can be a bit more intricate compared to other candle-making methods, requiring attention to detail and patience.
Types of Molds
There is a diverse range of molds available for creating beeswax candles. Silicone molds, plastic molds, and metal molds each offer their own benefits.
Silicone molds are preferred due its flexibility and ease of releasing the finished candle.
Plastic molds are affordable and come in various shapes but are a little tricky when releasing the candle. You will also need to widen the wick hole on plastic molds using a drill in order to accommodate the correct wick for beeswax which is usually thicker than paraffin candle wicks.
Metal molds can withstand high temperatures and are suitable for larger projects, but are limited in shape.
Step by Step Guide
Creating molded beeswax candles involves several key steps:
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Prepare the Mold: Ensure your mold is clean and free from debris. If needed, apply a silicone spray to make it easier to remove the candle.
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Insert the Wick: Place the wick into the center of the mold. You may need to use a wick holder to keep the wick in place. Hair pins are a good and cheap option. In case of two-part silicone molds, use rubber bands to tighten it and avoid any leakage.
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Melt the Beeswax: Use your preferred method of melting beeswax, such as a double boiler. Beeswax should be melted to a liquid state. Fill the pouring jug: Use a ladle to fill your pouring jug.
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Pour the Wax: Carefully pour the melted beeswax into the mold, filling it to the desired level. The pouring temperature should be around 75C / 165F. Cool and Set: Allow the wax to cool and solidify. This may take several hours, depending on the size of the candle.
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Repouring: Beeswax can contract and create small air holes inside the candle, repour if necessary to fill those gaps.
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Demold the Candle: Beeswax can stick on the mold, give some taps until the candle is completely released from the mold internal walls and gently remove the candle, pulling by the wick. If necessary, you can place the mold in the freezer for a short period to help release the candle.
- Finishing and leveling: Remove any seam marks and even out any imperfections using the Exacto knife. With the nail plier, cut the excess wick from the bottom, creating a cavity. Use a hot surface (hot plate, slow cooker) to level the bottom of the candle. Polish the candle using a J-cloth or microfiber cloth.
Tips & Tricks
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Temperature Control: Maintaining the proper temperature while pouring the wax is essential for achieving a smooth and uniform finish.
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Don’t pour too fast: controlling the pouring speed helps to create a smoother candle surface.
- Heat the mold first: Consider heating the interior of the mold with a heat gun to create a perfect candle, that’s really helpful on silicone molds.
Common Issues
- Air Bubbles: Small air bubbles are released from the wick and can stick on the surface of your candle. To minimize bubbles, pour slowly. Alternatively, you can pre-wax your wicks to avoid air release, just dip them in melting wax and place on a baking paper sheet in order to cool.
- Pouring lines: If your candle came out with lines around it, you poured too cold. Try pouring hotter and heating the mold next time.
That's it! With these simple steps, you can make your own beautiful and natural beeswax pillar candles. Remember to always follow safety precautions when working with hot wax and never leave a burning candle unattended.
In conclusion, making beeswax pillar candles is a fun and easy way to add a natural touch to your home decor. By choosing the right mould, wick, and avoiding common mistakes, you can create beautiful and eco-friendly candles that you'll enjoy for hours on end.
