How to Paint Candles

If you love candles, but can't seem to find the perfect candle at the right price, you can design and paint your own. Save money and custom design your own candles to fit the décor of your home or have fun creating home made gifts for your family and friends by following these steps.

Things You'll Need

• Smooth white or off white candles
• Household rubbing alcohol
• Lint-free cloth
• Painters tape and/or rubber bands
• Acrylic paint
• Candle painting medium
• Small container
• Paint brushes
• Candle varnish
• Cosmetic sponge

Instructions

1. Choose candles that you would like to decorate. You can choose any size or shape for this project. White or off white candles work best because the paint shows up better on these colors.

2. Wipe down the candle with rubbing alcohol using a lint free cloth. This will remove the oils on the candle and prepare the surface to be painted, allowing the paint to adhere properly to the candle.

3. Use painter's tape to tape off areas that you would like to remain unpainted. You can create a striped pattern on your candle with rubber bands or by taping the candle in equal spaces.

4. Mix acrylic paint in the color of your choice with candle painting medium in a one to one ratio in a small container. Candle painting medium helps the paint to adhere better to the candle and can be purchased in most hobby stores.

5. Paint the candles with the acrylic paint mixture. If you would like to overlap colors or make a plaid patterned candle, let the first color dry thoroughly before applying another color. Remove the painter's tape while the paint is just a little damp.

6. Let your candle dry overnight. If you are doing multiple coats of paint, leave the tape on overnight and wait until the following day to apply your second coat.

7. Pat a coat of candle varnish over the entire candle as evenly as possible with a cosmetic sponge if you would like the candle to have a shiny surface. If not, skip this step.

Tips & Warnings

• You can also purchase stencils at a hobby store to create different designs on your candles.

• Make sure your candles have a smooth surface. Candles with a textured surface do not work well with this project.

Resources

• Acrylic paints, mediums and varnishes