Things You'll Need:
- Double boiler
- Paraffin wax
- Stearic acid
- Candy thermometer
- Asparagus steamer pan
- 12- or 15-ply flat braided wick, 16 inches long
- Pliers
- Large metal spoon
- Wax dyes, two or three bottles
- Wax paper
- Small jug or container
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Step 1
Fill the double boiler with at least three inches of water, and heat it on the stove.
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Step 2
Place the paraffin wax and stearic acid into the asparagus steamer pot. According to How to make Candles.info, the mixture should be about 90 percent paraffin wax and 10 percent stearic acid. Once you have mixed the wax and acid, place the steamer pot into the water bath of the double boiler.
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Step 3
Insert the candy thermometer into the wax pot to monitor the temperature of the melted wax. The wax should remain close to 160°F.
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Step 4
Once the melted wax has reached 160°, you may begin to dip the wick into the wax. Using the pliers to hold the wick, dip it into the wax in a slow movement that allows the wax to absorb into the wick. Hold the wick in the melted wax for at least 30 seconds, and lift it out slowly.
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Step 5
Allow the wick to dry for one minute before dipping it into the wax again. Each time you dip the wick into the wax, it will solidify with more layers of wax.
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Step 6
Continue to dip the candle until it forms a thin taper. When you wish to add color, set the candle aside and begin the next steps.
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Step 1
Take the candle-making dye of your choice, and add a few drops to the wax pot. This should start to color the wax.
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Step 2
Once you have stirred the wax a few times and the color is consistent, dip the candle into the wax. Allow it to dry fully before moving on to a different color.
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Step 3
Allow the candle to cool for four or five minutes. Roll the candle gently onto some waxed paper to smooth out any imperfections.
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Step 4
Place the candle in the opening of a jug or wine bottle for an authentic restaurant feel.
