How To Make A Votive Candle

Choosing the Right Materials

When it comes to making your own votive candles, selecting the right materials is essential in ensuring a successful and long-lasting result. Here are the key components you’ll need:

Wax: Opt for a high-quality and heat-resistant wax specifically designed for candle making, such as soy wax or paraffin wax. Avoid using regular household waxes, as they may not provide the desired results.
Mold: Select a heat-resistant votive candle mold that is suited for your chosen wax type. You can choose from a range of materials, such as metal, glass, or silicone molds.
Wick: Choose a wick that is appropriate for the size of your votive candle mold. Cotton wicks are commonly used for votive candles and are available in different thicknesses.
Fragrance and Color: Consider adding fragrance oils or essential oils to give your votive candles a pleasant aroma. Additionally, you can use liquid or solid candle dyes to add color to your candles.
Heat-resistant Container: If you plan to burn your votive candles in a container, make sure to choose a glass or ceramic container that can withstand the heat generated by the candle flame.
Double Boiler or Wax Melter: Use a double boiler or a specialized wax melter to safely melt your wax. Avoid directly heating the wax on a stovetop, as it can be dangerous.
Thermometer: Having a thermometer is crucial for monitoring the temperature of the wax. This will help you achieve the correct pouring consistency and prevent overheating.
Stirring Utensil: Use a heat-resistant spoon or a dedicated candle-making stirrer to mix the fragrance, color, and wax.
Scissors or Wick Trimmer: You’ll need a pair of scissors or a wick trimmer to cut the wick to the desired length after the candle has cooled.

By carefully selecting the right materials, you’ll be on your way to creating beautiful and fragrant votive candles that will bring a warm and cozy ambiance to any space.

Preparing the Mold

Before you start pouring the wax, it is vital to properly prepare your votive candle mold. Follow these steps to ensure that the mold is clean and ready for use:

Clean the Mold: Thoroughly clean the mold with warm soapy water to remove any dust or residue. This will help prevent any imperfections on the surface of your finished candle.
Apply Mold Release: If you’re using a metal or glass mold, applying a mold release agent can make it easier to remove the dried candle. You can use a non-stick cooking spray or a specialized mold release spray, following the instructions provided.
Secure the Wick: Place the wick in the center of the mold. You can use a wick tab at the base of the mold to hold the wick in place or wrap the excess wick around a pencil or chopstick placed horizontally across the top of the mold.
Level the Wick: Ensure that the wick is straight and centered in the mold. You can use a wick holder or a small piece of tape to keep it in position.

By taking the time to properly prepare your mold, you’ll have a smooth and hassle-free experience when pouring the wax. This step is crucial in achieving a professionally finished votive candle.

Preparing the Wax

Once your mold is ready, it’s time to prepare the wax for pouring into the votive candle mold. Follow these steps to ensure that your wax is melted and prepared correctly:

Measure the Wax: Determine the amount of wax needed based on the size of your votive candle mold. Use a kitchen scale to measure the appropriate weight of wax, ensuring accuracy.
Melt the Wax: Using a double boiler or a wax melter, melt the wax over low to medium heat. Be sure to monitor the temperature using a thermometer and keep it within the recommended temperature range for your specific wax type.
Stir Occasionally: As the wax melts, gently stir it occasionally to ensure even heat distribution and prevent any potential scorching or overheating.
Add Fragrance and Color: Once the wax is melted, you can add fragrance oils or essential oils to give your votive candles a pleasant scent. If desired, add liquid or solid candle dyes to achieve your desired color. Stir them into the wax thoroughly.
Remove from Heat: Once the fragrance and color are mixed in, remove the melted wax from the heat source. Allow it to cool slightly while stirring gently to prevent the fragrance and color from settling at the bottom.

By following these steps, you’ll have properly prepared and scented wax ready to be poured into your votive candle mold. This will ensure that your candles not only look beautiful but also emit a delightful fragrance when lit.

Adding Fragrance and Color

Adding fragrance and color to your votive candles can elevate their aesthetic appeal and create a pleasant ambiance in any setting. Follow these steps to ensure that your candles are beautifully scented and visually captivating:

Select Your Fragrance: Choose a fragrance oil or essential oil that appeals to you. Consider scents that complement the intended use of your votive candles, such as calming lavender or festive cinnamon. Be mindful of the recommended fragrance load for your wax type and follow the manufacturer’s guidelines.
Measure the Fragrance: Using a fragrance oil calculator or a reliable guide, determine the appropriate amount of fragrance oil to add to your melted wax. Overadding fragrance can negatively impact the candle’s burning performance, so it’s crucial to follow the recommended usage rate.
Add the Fragrance: Once you’ve calculated the right amount, slowly pour the fragrance oil into the melted wax. Stir gently but thoroughly to ensure that the fragrance is evenly distributed throughout the wax.
Select Your Color: Decide on the color or colors you want for your votive candles. Liquid or solid candle dyes are available in a wide variety of shades, allowing you to get creative with your color combinations.
Measure the Color: Determine the appropriate amount of color dye to add to your wax based on the manufacturer’s instructions. Start with a small amount and gradually add more until you achieve your desired color intensity.
Add the Color: Slowly add the color dye to the melted wax while stirring continuously. Be sure to mix thoroughly to avoid any streaks or uneven color distribution.

Remember, the key to adding fragrance and color to your votive candles is to work with precision and accuracy. By following these steps, you’ll create visually appealing and wonderfully scented candles that are sure to delight the senses.

Setting the Wick

Setting the wick properly is crucial for ensuring that your votive candle burns evenly and efficiently. Follow these steps to set the wick securely in the mold:

Measure and Cut the Wick: Measure the length of wick needed by placing it next to the mold and allowing for a few extra inches. Use scissors to cut the wick to the desired length.
Attach the Wick to a Tab: If your mold has a wick tab, thread one end of the wick through the hole in the tab and pull it tightly. Use pliers to crimp the tab securely, holding the wick in place.
Center the Wick in the Mold: Carefully place the wick in the center of the votive candle mold, ensuring that it is straight and well-positioned. Press the wick tab firmly against the bottom of the mold to hold it in place.
Use Wick Holders, if Necessary: For larger votive candle molds, you may need to use wick holders to keep the wick centered and straight during the pouring process. Gently place the holders on either side of the wick, securing it in place.
Secure the Wick with a Wick Holder: If you don’t have wick holders, you can create a makeshift holder by attaching the excess wick to a pencil or chopstick placed horizontally across the top of the mold. This will keep the wick centered and taut.

By following these steps, your wick will be securely positioned in the mold, ensuring a consistent and steady burn when the votive candle is lit. Taking the time to set the wick correctly will result in a more enjoyable candle burning experience.

Pouring the Wax

Now that the preparation steps are complete, it’s time to pour the melted wax into the votive candle mold. Follow these steps to ensure a smooth and successful pouring process:

Prepare the Work Surface: Place a newspaper or wax paper on your work surface to catch any spills or drips. This will make cleanup easier.
Pour the Wax Slowly: Slowly pour the melted wax into the votive candle mold, taking care not to overfill. Leave a small gap at the top to allow for any possible shrinkage during cooling.
Avoid Disturbing the Wick: Be careful not to disturb the wick while pouring the wax. Hold it steady or use a wick holder to ensure it remains centered.
Avoid Air Bubbles: To prevent air bubbles from forming, gently tap the mold on the work surface after pouring the wax. You can also use a toothpick or skewer to gently stir the wax, which will help release any trapped air.
Allow the Wax to Cool: Let the candle sit undisturbed until the wax is completely cooled and solidified. This process may take a few hours, depending on the size of the votive candle mold and the type of wax used.

By following these steps, you’ll achieve a clean and seamless pour, resulting in beautifully formed votive candles. Take your time during this step to ensure a professional-looking finish.

Cooling and Removing the Candle

After pouring the wax into the votive candle mold, the next step is to allow it to cool and solidify. Follow these steps to ensure proper cooling and easy removal of the candle:

Let the Candle Cool: Place the filled votive candle mold in a cool and undisturbed area. Allow the wax to cool completely. This may take several hours, depending on the size of the candle and the ambient temperature.
Avoid Disturbing the Candle: During the cooling process, avoid touching or moving the votive candle mold. Disturbing the candle while it is still in the solidification process can result in uneven surfaces or misshapen candles.
Check for Complete Cooling: To ensure that the candle has cooled completely, gently touch the surface of the wax. If it feels solid and firm to the touch, it is ready for removal.
Release the Candle: If you used a metal or glass mold, carefully tap the top edges of the mold to loosen the cooled wax. Invert the mold and gently slide the candle out. If necessary, apply slight pressure to the bottom of the mold to aid in releasing the candle.
Silicone Molds: For silicone molds, gently flex the sides of the mold to release the candle. Push the bottom of the mold upwards to release the candle completely.

By allowing the candle to cool thoroughly and following the appropriate method for your specific mold type, you can ensure a clean and hassle-free removal process. Taking the time to ensure proper cooling will help maintain the shape and integrity of your votive candles.

Trimming the Wick

Once the votive candle has been removed from the mold, it’s important to trim the wick to the proper length before lighting it. Follow these steps to ensure a clean and even burn:

Examine the Wick Length: Inspect the length of the wick and determine if it needs to be trimmed. The ideal wick length is typically around ¼ inch (6mm).
Use Scissors or Wick Trimmer: With a pair of scissors or a dedicated wick trimmer, carefully trim the wick to the desired length. Avoid cutting the wick too short, as it may make the candle challenging to light or cause it to burn too quickly.
Remove the Trimmed Wick: After trimming, gently remove the trimmed portion of the wick from the candle, keeping the candle surface free from any debris.

Trimming the wick is essential in promoting a clean burn and preventing excessive smoking or flickering. A properly trimmed wick will help your votive candle burn evenly and efficiently, providing a longer-lasting and more enjoyable candle experience.

Storing and Using the Votive Candle

Once you have successfully made your votive candles, it’s important to store them properly and use them safely to get the most out of your creations. Here are some guidelines to follow:

Store in a Cool, Dry Place: After making your votive candles, store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Excessive heat or sunlight can cause the wax to melt or discolor.
Avoid Extreme Temperatures: Extreme temperatures, both high and low, can affect the quality and integrity of your votive candles. Keep them away from heaters, air conditioners, or windows where they may be exposed to temperature fluctuations.
Handle with Care: When handling votive candles, avoid touching the surface of the candle with your fingers, as it may result in uneven coloring or smudging. Hold the candles by the base or use a small plate or holder when burning them.
Use a Heat-Resistant Candle Holder: When burning your votive candles, place them in a heat-resistant candle holder. This will protect surfaces from heat damage and catch any drips or spills during burning.
Never Leave Unattended: Never leave a burning votive candle unattended. Always extinguish the candle before leaving the room to ensure safety and prevent potential accidents.
Keep Away from Flammable Objects: Maintain a safe distance between lit votive candles and any flammable objects or materials. This includes curtains, papers, and other easily combustible items.
Enjoy the Fragrance: Light your votive candles in a well-ventilated area to fully enjoy the scent. Allow the candle to burn long enough for the top layer of wax to melt completely and to avoid tunneling.
Extinguish Properly: To extinguish your votive candle, use a candle snuffer or gently blow out the flame. Avoid smothering the flame with a lid or using water, as it may cause splattering or cracking of the container.

By following these guidelines, you can safely use and store your votive candles, ensuring that they provide a beautiful and fragrant experience every time you light them.