Instructions on Making Glow-in-the-Dark Candles
Glow-in-the-dark candles are an eerie, science fiction-style take on a very traditional, romantic lighting element. If you can make a basic microwave wax candle, you can make a glow-in-the-dark version just as easily. Create a batch to use as indoor Halloween decor, for a sci-fi fan's birthday party or use the project to teach young helpers about what scientific properties cause your candles' flameless glow. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Candle molds or clear glass or plastic candle containers
- Vegetable oil cooking spray
- Spray adhesive
- Newspaper
- Glow pigment dust
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Microwaveable soy wax flakes, 2-lb. bag
- Liquid measuring cup
- Stirring stick
- Assembled, tabbed wicks
Instructions
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1
Spread newspaper over your work area. Set out candle molds or holders on the newspaper. Spray the interior of each candle mold with a light coat of vegetable oil cooking spray; spray a generous coating of adhesive spray on the inside of tea light holders.
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2
Sprinkle glow pigment dust into each container, covering all sprayed interior surfaces evenly. Use 1/4 cup of dust for each medium-sized candle mold; add 1 teaspoon of glow pigment dust to small holders, like tea lights.
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3
Insert wicks into your candle containers or molds, centering the metal end of the wicks at the bottom of the vessels. Fill your measuring cup with wax flakes until it's about 3/4 full. Microwave the flake-filled container in 20- to 30-second increments. After each increment passes, check the wax. Once the wax begins to soften, stir between each heating session. Remove the measuring cup when the wax is completely melted.
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4
Pour the melted wax into each prepared holder or mold, around the wicks. Wait for the wax to harden. If a depressed section forms in the center of your candle, melt more wax and add it into the dipped section until the surface is smooth.
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5
Cool the candles for three hours.
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Tips & Warnings
Customize prefab pillar or tapered candles with glow-in-the-dark glitter. Spray the exterior of your candle with adhesive, and generously sprinkle a clean surface with glitter. Roll your candle in the glitter until the candle's surface is covered evenly. Turn off the light to admire your unlit, but still luminescent, candle.
Use white or a very light-colored wax to get the most impressive glow.
If you don't have any candle molds, use a cylindrical container like a coffee tin or stacked potato chip can. With the latter, after the candle is cool, simply peel away the cardboard mold.
Only use wax flakes meant for use in the microwave. If the package doesn't mention melting the flakes in the microwave, using the microwave method may result in splattering or even fire. Check your melting candle wax at frequently regular intervals during the melting process. Handle hot containers with oven mitts.
