How to Make Hand Dipped Candles

Hand-dipping candles is the way that candles were made in colonial times, so while the equipment has been modernized substantially, when hand-dipping candles you’re essentially creating something that your ancestors did years before. What’s great about hand-dipped candles is there authentic and romantic look. Hand-dipped candles can be burned like modern candles or they can be hung on hooks as decorative pieces. Whether you’re a seasoned candle maker looking to add a new technique to your candle crafting regimen or just a novice getting your feet wax in the craft, hand-dipped candles are a great way to go.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• 1/2 lb paraffin wax (plain)
• Double boiler
• Wooden spoon
• Assorted mixing bowls
• Candy thermometer
• Wick
• Fragrance oil
• Serrated knife
• Color chips or candle dye
• Scissors
• Hanger

1. Cut the wax. Use a serrated knife to chop your wax into small chunks. This will help it to melt quicker and more evenly.

2. In a double boiler, bring the water to a rolling, steady boil on medium heat.

3. Place the wax pieces in the double boiler and melt. The temperature of the wax should be about 180 degrees and should never exceed 200 degrees. Monitor the temperature with a candy thermometer. Stir the wax with a wooden spoon until it is smooth and there are no wax chunks.

4. Add your color. If you’re using color chips, melt them in the wax, keeping the temperature at your steady 180 to 200 degree mark. If you’re using wax dye, gently stir it in with the wooden spoon.

5. Add the scent. The more oil you use, the stronger the scent will be, but do not use too much or it will effect the way the candle burns. Continue to monitor the temperature of the wax.

6. Cut your wick. You will be making two candles at a time, so adjust your wicks according to this. If you want two 6-inch candles, cut 16 inches (the four extra inches for the wick needed for burning.

7. Dip your candles. You wax temperature should be cooled down to between 160 to 170 degrees when you begin dipping. Double the wick over your finger, so that there is an even length of wick on either side. You may also use a pencil or other long rod for the dipping. Dip the wick in the wax for a few seconds then lift back out. Allow the wax to cool for one minute and then dip again.

8. Continue dipping and cooling, repeating this step until the candles are the desired thickness and length.

9. Once you’ve reached the desired thickness, finish the dipping process by increasing the wax temperature to 182 degrees. Dip the candles in one last time and lift them to cool.

10. Dry candles. Let the candles dry hanging. You can do this by hanging them over a hanger. Do not let the wet candles touch each other while they're drying.

11. Trim and use. Once the candles are dry, you can separate the candles by cutting the top with that joins them together. Trim the base using a serrated knife or by melting them down in a hot pan.

Tips & Warnings

• Dried wax is a shade lighter than it is when wet. You can test the color by allowing a spoonful to dry on a plate.

• After a few layers of dipping the candles, you can speed up the cooling process by dipping the candles in cool water between each dip.

• Don't pour wax down the drain. Wax is similar to oil and it will block your drains the same way.

• Don't use high heat, it may cause the wax to catch on fire. Wax flashes from liquid to flame at 375° F.