How to Hand-Dip Taper Candles
Hand-dipped taper candles have a classic, rustic look. Today, they are typically made from paraffin or beeswax, but candles were originally manufactured from tallow, a by-product of sheep and cattle. The Romans were the first to add a wick to the tallow, producing the kind of candle we know now. The candles of today burn more effectively and smell much better than the original tallow version. You can hand-dip your own tapers, bringing back the nostalgia of the days when candles were the only source of light.
Things You'll Need
- 140 melt point wax, 1 pound (extra depending on the number of candles you want to make)
- 5 tablespoons stearic acid per pound of wax
- Candle dye (optional)
- Dipping vat
- Double boiler
- Thermometer
- Spoon
- 18-ply flat braid wick
- Scissors
- Metal washer
- Craft knife
Instructions
-
-
1
Tie a washer to one end of the wick. Cut the wick to a length a bit taller than your dipping vat.
-
2
Pour some water into the bottom of the double boiler pot and heat until simmering. Place the wax, stearic acid and dye, if using, into the dipping vat in the double boiler and allow to melt, stirring to fully incorporate the dye.
-
-
3
Test the temperature with the thermometer. Dip the wick when the temperature reaches 150 to 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
-
4
Hold the wick at the top with the washer tied on the bottom and dip it into the wax. Keep it in the wax until no more air bubbles rise from the wick.
-
5
Pull the wick from the wax and allow the layer to cool slightly, then dip the wax into the dipping vat and pull it out. Dip to the same height on the wick each time. Allow the new layer to cool slightly, then repeat the dipping process until the taper reaches the desired size.
-
6
After the taper has cooled, cut the washer off the bottom with a craft knife. Cut the top wick with scissors to 3/8 inch.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
You can use a tall, clean metal van for the dipping vat.
The warmer the wax is when dipping, the smoother the candle will be.
Periodically stir the wax to ensure the temperature is even.
For a smooth, shiny finish on your candle, roll it on a flat surface after the last dip while it's still warm, then again after it cools.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit candle image by Valery Sibrikov from Fotolia.com
