How to Build a Candle Dipping Vat

Dip your own candles by making a dipping vat.

When you use a candle dipping vat to create handmade tapered candles, the finished candles will be straight and evenly dipped. However, if you do not have a dipping vat, you may not know how to dip candles properly. One solution is to create your own dipping vat using a few basic supplies that you may have around the house. This enables you to make sleek-looking tapered candles without needing to purchase expensive equipment.

Things You'll Need

• Large can of coffee
• Gallon freezer bag
• Saucepan
• Two pounds of beeswax

Instructions

1. Empty a large can of coffee into a large freezer bag. Seal the bag and store the coffee in your freezer until use.

2. Rinse out the can to remove any remaining coffee grounds, and then place the coffee can into a saucepan with the opening facing up.

3. Fill the saucepan halfway full of water. This will lift the coffee can up slightly.

4. Place two pounds pure beeswax into the coffee can.

5. Heat the saucepan over medium-high heat. The water will slowly boil, which will melt the beeswax without scorching it. Once the beeswax melts, use the can as a candle dipping vat.

Tips & Warnings

• Add essential oils into the melted beeswax to create scented candles.

• Keep hot beeswax out of the reach of children.

• Hot beeswax can cause serious burns on skin upon contact.

References

• Candle Tech; Wax Melting Instructions; Alan Wallace; 2009
• Candle Tech; How to Make Container Candles; Alan Wallace; 2009