How to Make Non-Flammable Candles

Make your own scented container candles.

If you love the look of candles but aren’t keen on burning them, then making a nonflammable candle in a container is probably right up your alley. For a more realistic effect, include a nonflammable wick. You can find standard, glass candle containers with lids at virtually any craft store, but don’t limit your choices. Look around your home and make a burning statement with candy jars, vases, wine goblets or margarita glasses.

Things You'll Need

• Pen
• 6- to 8-inch nonflammable candle wick
• Hot glue gun
• Wax heater (ideal) or double boiler
• Paraffin container wax (scented or unscented)
• Aluminum foil
• Thermometer
• Scissors

Instructions

A Wick for Realism

1. Disassemble a pen so that you are left with only the barrel.

2. Thread the wick through the barrel.

3. Apply hot glue to the bottom of the wick’s metal tab.

4. Secure the tab to the bottom of the container by holding the pen barrel.

5. Lift the barrel from the wick and drape the wick over the edge of the container.

6. 

   Use a double boiler if you don't have a thermostat-controlled wax heater.

   Secure the wick with a large snack clip to keep it from falling into the container when you pour the wax.

Form the Candle

1. Set up your double boiler and heat the water.

2. Preheat your oven to 225 degrees Fahrenheit.

3. Put the container in the oven for 15 minutes to warm it. Preheating the container removes any chill and helps to create a favorable medium for your candle so that the wax doesn’t bubble or buckle.

4. Heat the paraffin wax in the double boiler, mixing it frequently.

5. Test the wax temperature with a thermometer. When it reaches 160 degrees, it’s ready to pour into the container. Stir it again to ensure that it is thoroughly blended.

6. Pour all but 15 to 20 percent of the wax into the container. You will use the rest to fill in the container after the wax “falls” in the middle, just like a cake. Cover the remaining wax with aluminum foil.

7. Allow the candle to completely cool at room temperature, or for at least 8 hours. For best results, do not try to rush the process by putting the container in the refrigerator.

8. Reheat the remaining wax, this time until it reaches a temperature of 190 degrees. The higher temperature will help to ensure that this added layer of wax fully adheres to the one already inside the container.

9. Pour the remaining wax into the container, beginning with the sunken middle section and then filling in evenly around the circumference of the container.

10. Allow the container to cool completely.

11. 

    Make a colorful decorative statement with container candles.

    Trim the wick to the desired length, usually ½ inch, and enjoy your waxy work of art.

Tips & Warnings

• Take your container to the store to ensure that you purchase enough wax to fill it.

• Follow the same procedure to make flammable candles, but be sure to buy flammable wicks.

References

• Cajun Candles.com: How to Make Candles
• Let’s Make Candles.com: Candle Making Basics
• Candle Wic.com: Candle Making

Resources

• Candle Help.com: Candlemaking Tutorials