There are many kinds of candles, each with its unique properties and methods of manufacture. Some popular candles include beeswax, soy wax, paraffin, and gel. Each type has its advantages and disadvantages, so it’s essential to know which type is right for you before making your candles.
Candles are beautiful, natural objects used for centuries to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. They come in many shapes and sizes and can be made from various materials. But all candles share one common property: they produce light.
This article will discuss the three most popular types of candles: votives, pillars, containers, taper and sculpture candles. We will look at the different materials used to make them and the benefits and drawbacks of each type. So if you’re thinking about making your candles, read on!
Votives
Votives are small; self-contained candles are meant to be burned in a holder. They are usually made of paraffin or beeswax and have a wick extending to the bottom of the candle. Votives are often used in religious ceremonies or as part of a decorative display.
Ingredients for Votives
To make a votive candle, you will need:
- 1 pound of paraffin or beeswax
- A double boiler
- A glass jar
- A wick
- A pencil or chopstick
Instructions to make Votives
- Melt the wax on the top of the double boiler.
- Cut the wick to the desired length and tie one end around the pencil or chopstick.
- Suspend the wick in the jar so that the weighted end is touching the bottom of the jar.
- Pour the melted wax into the jar, careful not to disturb the wick.
- Allow the wax to cool and harden.
- Trim the wick to 1/4 inch before lighting.
Pillars
Pillar candles are taller and broader than votives and are meant to stand independently. They can be made of beeswax, paraffin, or soy wax, and they usually have a wick that extends only partway up the candle. Pillar candles are often used as decoration or as part of centrepieces.
Ingredients for Pillars
- 2 pounds of beeswax, paraffin, or soy wax
- A double boiler
- A mould (you can use a clean, empty soup can)
- A wick
- A pencil or chopstick
If you want to learn the difference between pillar candles and container candles we have a the perfect article for you. We have reviewed the differences and how you can make the most out of the candle making process.
Instructions to make Pillars
- Melt the wax on the top of the double boiler.
- Cut the wick to the desired length and tie one end around the pencil or chopstick.
- Suspend the wick in the mould so that the weighted end touches the bottom of the mould.
- Pour the melted wax into the mould, careful not to disturb the wick.
- Allow the wax to cool and harden.
- Trim the wick to 1/4 inch before lighting.
Containers
Container candles are made in, well, containers! They can be made of any wax, and the wick can extend to the bottom of the candle or only partway up. Container candles are often used as decoration or as part of centrepieces.
Ingredients Container Candles
- 2 pounds of beeswax, paraffin, or soy wax
- A double boiler
- A container (any jar or cup will work)
- A wick
- A pencil or chopstick
Instructions to make Container Candles
- Melt the wax on the top of the double boiler.
- Cut the wick to the desired length and tie one end around the pencil or chopstick.
- Suspend the wick in the container so that the weighted end is touching the bottom of the container.
- Pour the melted wax into the container, careful not to disturb the wick.
- Allow the wax to cool and harden.
- Trim the wick to 1/4 inch before lighting.
Sculpture Candles
Sculpture candles are a type of container candle made in the shape of a sculpture. They can be made of any wax and usually have a wick that extends only partway up the candle. Sculpture candles are often used as decoration or as part of centrepieces.
Ingredients Sculpture Candles
- 2 pounds of beeswax, paraffin, or soy wax
- A double boiler
- A mould (you can use a clean, empty soup can)
- A wick
- A pencil or chopstick
Instructions to make Sculpture Candles
- Melt the wax on the top of the double boiler.
- Cut the wick to the desired length and tie one end around the pencil or chopstick.
- Suspend the wick in the mould so that the weighted end touches the bottom of the mould.
- Pour the melted wax into the mould, careful not to disturb the wick.
- Allow the wax to cool and harden.
- Trim the wick to 1/4 inch before lighting.
Taper Candles
Taper candles (Hand-dripped candles) are made by dripping melted wax onto a wick. They can be made of any wax and usually have a wick that extends only partway up the candle. Hand-dripped candles are often used as decoration or as part of centrepieces.
Ingredients Taper Candles
- 1 pound of beeswax, paraffin, or soy wax
- A double boiler
- A wick
- A pencil or chopstick
Instructions to make Taper Candles
- Melt the wax on the top of the double boiler.
- Cut the wick to the desired length of the complete candle and tie one end around the pencil or chopstick.
- Dip the wick into the melted wax and allow the wax to cool and harden.
- Repeat number three until you have reached the desired thickness.
- Trim the wick to 1/4 inch of exposed wick.
- Allow the candle to cure for 24 hours before lighting
Frequently Asked Questions: Candle Types
Q: How much wax do I put on a taper candle?
A: For a hand-dripped candle, you will need 1 pound of beeswax, paraffin, or soy wax.
Q: What wax is best for taper candles?
A: Paraffin wax is the best type of wax to use for taper candles because it has a lower melting point and is, therefore, less likely to extinguish itself.
Q: What kind of wax is used for carved candles?
A: For carved candles, you can use any type of wax. However, paraffin wax is a great wax to provide a strong hot throw and will not melt easily to extreme surrounding temperatures.
Q: What is the best wick size for a taper candle?
A: The best wick size for a taper candle is 1/4 inch.
Q: What is the difference between a pillar candle and a container candle?
A: The main difference between pillar and container candles is that pillar candles are made in molds, while container candles can be made in any container. Both types of candles can be made of wax and usually have a wick that extends only partway up the candle.
Q: What is the difference between hand-dripped and taper candles?
A: The main difference between hand-dripped and taper candles is that taper candles are made by dripping melted wax onto a wick, while hand-dripped candles can be made in any container. Two kinds of candles can be made of wax and usually have a wick that extends only partway up the candle.
Q: What is the difference between a sculpture candle and a hand-dripped candle?
A: The main difference between sculpture and hand-dripped candles is that sculpture candles are made in the shape of a sculpture, while hand-dripped candles can be made in any container. Both types of candles can be made of wax and usually have a wick that extends only partway up the candle.
Final Thoughts
Making different types of candles is a fun and easy way to add personalization to your home décor. With just a few supplies and time, you can create unique candles in any shape or size you want!
Now that you know the basics of candle making, it’s time to get creative! Try experimenting with different waxes, wicks, and container sizes to see what you can come up with. And don’t forget to have fun!
