Genuine Craft - Simple Column Candle

Simple Column Candle

Home » Candle Making

Supplies:

Cylindrical mould 100mm tall and 60 mm diameter
200g paraffin wax
20g stearin
Wax dye
40mm wick
Mould seal
Double boiler
Thermometer
Wicking needle
Pouring jug
Craft knife or scissors
Iron or saucepan

Instructions:

Step 1.: Add the stearin to the double boiler and melt it over a low heat.
Step 2.: When it has melted, add one eighth of a dye disc and wait until it has dissolved.
Step 3.: Carefully add the paraffin wax. Heat it gently until it reaches 71'C ( 160'F), then switch off the heat.
Step 4.: Cut a wick 50mm longer than the mould . Dip it into the molten wax for one minute to prime it. Straighten it between your fingers then hangs it up for a least one minute.
Step 5.: Thread the coated end of the primed wick through the small hole at the top of the mould.
Step 6.: Place the wicking needle across the base of the mould. Pull the wick tightly back through the top, and secure it witha lump of mould seal. Check that the seal is watertight by holding it under water.
Step 7.: Heat the wax to 93'C (200'F) . Transfer it to a pouring jug; check the temperature to ensure the wax is retaining its heat. Carefully pour the wax into the centre of the inverted mould and fill up to about 12mm from the top. Allow the wax to cool for 2 minutes, then give the mould a sharp tap with a spoon handle to dislodge any air bubbles. Leave to cool either at room temperature, or in water bath.
Step 8.: As the wax starts to set, below the skin the wax continues to cool and to shrink, forming a cavity below the surface. Break the skin with a wicking needle to gain access to the cavity beneath the surface.
Step 9.: Reheat the wax to 93'C ( 200'F) . Top up the cavity with hot wax. Do not fill the well beyond the the original level, or the candle will be difficult to extrat. Wiggle the wick to allow trapped air to escape, pour more wax if needed. Allow to cool at room temperature.
Step 10.: To remove the mould, carefully peel away the mould seal. Turn the mould the right way up, and the candle will slide out easily.
Step 11.: Remove the wicking needle. Trim the wick flush to the base with a knife. Flatten the base of the candle on the sole plate of a warm iron.