Learn by Camping: Classes for All

Basic Candle Making Instructions

Description: These basic candle making instructions allow you to use this project in various other
candle making projects.

Goals: To learn the basic principles of making candles using paraffin wax, dyes, candlewick and molds.

Objectives:
1. Participants will learn how to melt wax.
2. Participants will learn how to select molds or use household items
as molds.
3. Participants will learn how to dye candle wax.
4. Participants will learn how to insert candlewicks.
5.
Materials:
Paraffin candle wax
Candle Dyes (optional)
Candlewick
Heavy Pot (to melt wax)
Suitable Molds: Purchased Molds specifically for candle making or household items that are
flexible and will release the hardened candle, some of these such as light weight bowls or cups,
0r Polystyrene cups where it can be torn away from the hardened candle wax or milk or drink
cartons.

Procedure:
1. How to melt the Wax: Place your required wax amount into the heavy pan and place it on the heat.
Slowly heat the pan till all the wax in your pot melts. Don't allow the wax to get too hot. If you do
not have a heavy pot such as a cast iron pot then we recommend using a double boiler method for
safety.

2. Adding the Dye: Once you have melted your wax you can add your dye. Add a small amount at a
time as it is very strong. Note: When dried, the color is much lighter.

3. Getting the Wick Ready: Dip your wick several times into the melted wax to give it a wax coating
to insure it burns evenly.

4. Getting the Mold Ready: Start by cutting down your milk carton so that your candle mold is of
appropriate height for the candle or use other mold suitable mold.

5. Attaching the Wick: Calculate the length of the wick to tie a pencil or length of wood that will sit
across the top of your candle mold (top is the open end). + the height of the mold + add an inch. Tie
the wick to the pencil. Then make a small hole in the bottom of the carton to thread your wick
through. Pull it tight so that the wick from the pencil to outside of the carton is firm. A loose wick
Alice K. Dolu, WVU Extension Agent, 4-H Youth Development Marshall County
March 17 Page 1 of 2
 Learn by Camping: Classes for All
will cause your candle to have problems burning later on. Now stick down the wick at the bottom
with some sticky tape and using a piece of Blu-tack or Handi-tac to close up the hole so no wax can
seep out.

6. Pouring your Wax: Be careful you do not spill the wax onto yourself and gently pour the wax into
the mold. Fill it to the top but save a small amount for top ups in case of shrinkage and allow
cooling.

7. Cooling the Candle: As it cools you will notice that the top will sink inwards, this is called
shrinkage. Pour a small amount of wax on top of this to fill it up. Continue to allow cooling.

8. Removing the Mold: If it is a single use mold (such as a milk carton) then just tear it away. If it is
plastic then run the outside of the mold in hot water, this will melt the outside wax helping it to
dislodge the mold and it should just slip out.

9. Finishing it Off: If your mold it not flat at the bottom then place it directly onto a hot pan surface
and melt it down flat to tidy it up and finish it off. Use a piece of sheer nylon hose to buff the
project to a smooth sheen.

Alice K. Dolu, WVU Extension Agent, 4-H Youth Development Marshall County
March 17 Page 2 of 2