Gather Supplies
Before you dive into the process of making floating candles, it is crucial to gather all the necessary supplies in one place. This will allow you to make your candles with ease and prevent you from running to the store in the middle of the process. Let’s look at the list of supplies you’ll need to make floating candles:
Candle Wax
There are many types of candle waxes available in the market, including soy, beeswax, paraffin, and palm wax. Each type of wax has its characteristics, features, and benefits. You can choose wax based on your preference, budget, and the type of candle you want to make. Make sure you buy enough wax to make the desired number of floating candles.
Wicks
Wicks are the soul of a candle. They play a vital role in how a candle burns, and its quality depends on the type of wick you choose. It is essential to select the right size and thickness of wick that will burn efficiently. You can choose from cotton, hemp, wood, or ribbon wicks.
Scent Oils
Aromatherapy candles are very popular in today’s world, and they can help you relax and refresh your senses. Scent oils are essential in making fragrant floating candles. You can select from various scents like lavender, rose, peppermint, or citrus. Remember to add the scent oil at the right temperature for the best fragrance diffusion.
Candle Pouring Pitcher
A candle pouring pitcher is a must-have item while making candles. These pitchers are made of heat-resistant material, generally aluminium or stainless steel and are used to melt the wax and pour it into the candle molds. They come in different sizes and shapes, so choose the one that suits your needs and budget.
Once you have gathered all your supplies, you are ready to start the process of making your floating candles. Double-check your checklist to make sure you have all the necessary supplies before you begin. With all your supplies in hand, you’ll have everything you need to create stunning floating candles to light up and add a touch of elegance to your space.
Melt the Wax
Before starting the candle-making process, the first step is to melt the wax. Choose the type of wax that you want to use for your floating candles, this may include paraffin wax or soy wax. Then, break the wax into small pieces and place them into a double boiler or a candle pouring pitcher. Heat the wax on low heat until it melts completely. It’s important to maintain a steady temperature while melting the wax, so the wax does not burn or become too hot and overflow the container.
For the double boiler method, fill a saucepan halfway with water, place it over medium heat. Place the pouring pitcher in the pan, making sure that it does not touch the bottom of the pan or the water. The steam from the simmering water will melt the wax in the pitcher. Stir the wax occasionally to ensure even melting. If using a candle pouring pitcher, place it on low heat directly on a stovetop but remember to stir it regularly to avoid uneven melting.
Melting wax may seem straightforward, but it’s essential to be cautious while melting it. Hot wax can lead to burns and injuries, so take extra precautions while working with it. Keep a fire extinguisher at hand, do not leave the wax unattended, and keep children and pets away from the working area.
Add Scent and Color
Once you have melted the wax, you can add scent oil and color dye to give your floating candles a unique aroma and color. It’s important to use a high-quality fragrance oil that’s specially formulated for candle making. Don’t use essential oils as they are not suitable for use in candles.
You can use liquid candle dye or solid wax dye chips for coloring your candles. Liquid candle dye is easier to use, while wax dye chips give a more vibrant color and can be mixed to create custom hues. Always start with a small amount of dye and gradually add more until you achieve the desired shade. It’s better to under-dye than over-dye, as too much dye can affect the candle’s ability to float.
When adding scent, it’s important to use the right amount. Too much fragrance oil can overpower the candle and make it emit too much smoke, while too little won’t give you the desired scent. The rule of thumb is to use one ounce of fragrance oil per pound of wax. However, you can adjust this according to your preference.
You should add the scent oil and color dye once the wax temperature has cooled down to around 185°F. Stir the fragrance oil and dye gently with a stirring utensil or a wooden skewer until they are fully incorporated.
After adding the scent and color, it’s time to pour the wax into your candle molds or containers. Be careful not to overfill the molds or containers, as the wax will expand slightly as it cools. Let the candles cool and harden overnight before removing them from the molds or trimming the wick. Your beautiful and fragrant floating candles are now ready to be enjoyed!
Pour the Wax into Mold
Once you have the melted wax ready, take the floating candle mold and place the wick in the center of the mold. Ensure that the wick is positioned straight up and is secured in place, so that it doesn’t move around when you pour the wax.
You can use a double boiler or a wax melting pot to melt your candle wax. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for melting the wax as overheating can cause the wax to discolor or even catch fire. Keep stirring the wax until it melts completely and is smooth in texture.
Now that the wax is melted and your wick is in place, it’s time to pour the wax into the mold. Pour slowly and steadily, ensuring that the wax fills the mold completely. Be careful not to overfill the mold as it may cause the candle to topple over and ruin the shape.
Once the mold is filled with wax, let it cool down and solidify. This usually takes several hours, so be patient. You can speed up the process by placing the mold in a refrigerator or freezer, but make sure it’s covered and doesn’t come into contact with any food items.
After the wax has completely hardened, remove the floating candle from the mold. Gently push the sides of the mold to loosen the candle and then carefully slide it out. Trim the wick to the desired length, and your beautiful floating candle is ready to be used.
Remember to always follow safety precautions when making candles. Keep flammable items away from the wax and use heat-resistant gloves to handle the hot wax. Don’t pour the melted wax down the drain as it may cause clogging. Instead, wipe the pot with paper towels and discard them in the trash.
By following these simple steps, you can make stunning floating candles that will add a touch of elegance to any occasion. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your supplies and start creating your own floating candles today!
Finishing Touches
Now that you’ve successfully made your floating candles, it’s time to add the finishing touches. First, trim the wick to about a ¼ inch in length. This will help with the candle’s flame and prevent any unnecessary smoke. To trim the wick, use a pair of sharp scissors or a wick trimmer. If you’re using scissors, make sure they’re clean and free of any wax residue so that you don’t accidentally contaminate the candle.
Next, remove the candle from the mold before use. This process might seem a bit tricky, but it’s really quite simple. First, gently tug at the wick until the candle becomes loose. If you’re having difficulty removing the candle from the mold, try using a hair dryer to warm up the exterior of the mold slightly. This should loosen the candle and make it easier to remove.
If you want to add some additional flair to your floating candles, consider adding some fragrance oils or dyes. Essential oils such as lavender or lemon can provide a soothing and relaxing aroma, while dye drops can add a pop of color to your candles. If you decide to add fragrance oils or dye, make sure to add them at the correct time during the candle-making process, as outlined above.
Finally, place your newly made floating candles in a bowl or container filled with water and watch as they illuminate your space with a beautiful glow. If you’re using them for a special event, consider adding some flower petals or decorative gems to the water for an added touch of elegance.
By following these simple steps, you can easily create your own beautiful and functional floating candles. Whether you’re using them to set a romantic mood or as a decorative element for your next event, these candles are sure to impress. So, gather your supplies, get creative, and start making your own floating candles today!
