How to Make Taper Candles
With just a few natural ingredients and candle molds, you can make charming taper candles to give to friends and family.
Servings: 2 candles
Equipment
- 1 Wax melter or double boiler
- Tapered candle mold the molds I have linked come with wick, holder and plasticine
- Wicks
- Wick holder or centering device
- Plasticine or candle mold sealer
Instructions
- Carefully melt the wax in a double boiler or wax melter. Beeswax does have a higher melting point than soy wax, so make sure both waxes are completely melted before moving on to the next step.
- While the wax is melting, lightly oil a paper towel with olive oil and lubricate the mold. Note: I have noticed that with these plastic molds, it does work just fine without lubricating.
- Secure the base to the mold, then feed the wick through the base and up through the top. Seal the base with plasticine or candle mold sealer.
- Pull your wick through the top and slowly and carefully pour the melted wax into the taper candlestick mold.
- Pull the wick tight to remove any slack and center it at the top. Then, wrap the end of the wick at the top of the mold around itself several times to secure it.
- Let the candle cool completely, about 2 hours, before removing from the mold. Have patience and resist the urge to speed up this process by putting your candles in the fridge or the freezer! They should cool at room temperature.
- To get the candle out of the mold, remove the base, then roll it back and forth on a table while applying firm pressure. This helps break the wax free from the sides of the mold. You do have to be a little aggressive, but not so rough as to break the plastic mold. If you are struggling, check out the tips below.
- Once you have your candles free from the sides of the plastic mold, gently tug on the wick to pull them out.
- Trim the wick on both ends. I like to trim to about ¼" at the top of the candle for burning.
- Set them in your favorite candlestick holders and they are ready to light and burn. Then relax and enjoy!
Notes
I’ve included step-by-step images in the post above for visual guidance! If you would rather watch, check out my complete step-by-step video tutorial in the recipe card.
Wipe dishes and utensils clean to prevent wax from going down your drains!
If you are having trouble getting the candle out of the plastic mold, try placing it in the freezer for 15 minutes. (This is after it has hardened completely for 2 hours at room temperature.) Freezing for just a few minutes will help the wax to contract.
I roll the mold back and forth on the table to loosen up the sides. Be firm, but not so much that you risk cracking the plastic mold.
I’ve noticed that the candles come out of the mold easily if I remove them pretty quickly after they harden in the mold.
For best results, I use soy wax and beeswax in equal amounts. (1:1 ratio)
I know a lot of people have the best results in making their own candles with paraffin wax. However, I would strongly discourage it as it is a petroleum product and can contain unnatural ingredients, so it’s not a good fit for my home.
Again, be patient and don’t rush the project by putting the candles in the fridge to speed up the hardening process. Only try to remove the candles from the mold after they are completely hardened at room temperature, or you’ll just pull the wick out of the candle.