How to Make Beewax Candles

Beeswax is an ideal candle-making material because of its high melting point. Unlike paraffin wax, beeswax doesn't become soft in hot weather and lasts longer when burned. Candles made from beeswax also give off a pleasantly sweet, honey-like odor when burned and produce very little smoke. There are two basic methods to make beeswax candles: by rolling sheets of beeswax around a wick, and by dipping the wicks into melted beeswax. Rolled candles don't require a heat source, but dipped candles can be made using unrefined beeswax.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Beeswax sheets or pellets
• Cotton wick
• Double boiler (for dipped candles)
• Dowel rod (for dipped candles)

Rolled Beeswax Candles

1. Cut a length of cotton wick about an inch longer than the beeswax sheets you are using. Most beeswax sheets are 8 inches by 16 inches. You can use either dimension for the length of the candle.

2. Place the wick on one edge of the beeswax sheet, allowing it to extend about 1/2 inch from each edge. This will help prevent the wick from slipping while you roll the candle.

3. Roll the beeswax sheet snugly around the wick, starting from the edge you've placed the wick along. Make the roll as tight as you can. You can roll the candle in another sheet of beeswax if you want it to be thicker.

4. Press the final edge of the beeswax sheet firmly against the candle to seal. If the edge doesn't stick, rub your hands together to warm them up and try again.

5. Trim the extra wick from the bottom of the candle, and trim the top wick to about 1/4 inch.

Dipped Beeswax Candles

6. Melt beeswax sheets or pellets in a stainless steel or non-stick double boiler over low heat. Don't use an aluminum or cast iron pan--these materials can cause the wax to become discolored. Keep the beeswax at 140 to 160 degrees F--higher temperatures can cause the wax to burn and discolor.

7. Cut the wicking to twice the length of the candles you want, plus 6 inches. For example, if you want to make 8-inch candles, cut 22-inch lengths of cotton wick.

8. Hold the wick at the center and dip both ends deeply into the wax. Keep it in the wax until no air bubbles rise from the wicks. Remove the wick, lay it flat on a clean surface and allow it to cool for several minutes. The wick is now "pre-dipped" and will hold wax more easily.

9. Hang the wick over a dowel rod, with an equal length of pre-dipped wick extending on either side of the rod.

10. Hold the dowel rod while you dip the wick deeply into the wax. Work quickly to prevent the wax that is already on the wick from melting off. Separate the two halves of the wick if they stick together, and allow the wax on the wick to solidify before dipping again.

11. Continue dipping the wick quickly into the wax each time it solidifies until your candles are about an inch thick at the base. This generally takes about an hour of frequent dipping.

12. Allow the candles to cool completely at room temperature. Cut the wick in the center to make two candles and trim the wick on each to about 1/4 inch. Trim the bottom of the candles to make a flat surface.

Tips & Warnings

• You can also use unrefined beeswax to make dipped candles using the same process, but keep in mind that solid blocks of beeswax may take hours to melt completely. If dipped candles curl, you can dip them again and straighten them while the beeswax is soft.
• Hot beeswax can adhere to the skin and cause painful burns. Wear a long-sleeved shirt to help prevent splash burns and consider wearing oven mitts while dipping the candles.

Resources

• Candle & Soap Making Techniques
• The Candle Cauldron