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How do I break the wax?
Use a hammer and chisel, or simply drop the wax so that it cracks. You can then cut it with a knife.
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How do I melt the wax?
Melt the wax in a pot on an electric stove or hotplate. Choose a pot with a spout or lip so that you can pour directly into the mould. Hart camping kettles work well, as do metal measuring jugs. NB: never melt wax over an open flame, e.g. a gas stove or a fire.
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Can I melt candlewax in the microwave?
No
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How do I colour the wax?
Use oil soluble candle dye. Alternatively you could use wax crayons although you may find some of the colour settling to the bottom of the mould.
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Do I need to add stearic acid?
No, you dont have to. Stearic acid increases burning time and makes your candle come out of the mould more easily.
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How much stearic acid should I add?
10% by weight, i.e. 100g of stearic acid to 1kg wax.
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Which wick should I use?
The wick needs to match the diameter of the candle. If your candle has a diameter of 10cm choose a suitable wick, e.g. LX20.
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How much fragrance should I use?
Use roughly 1 tablespoon per 1kg wax. This will give you a strong fragrance.
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What is ‘priming the wick’?
Dip the wick in melted wax before using it. Dipping the wick gets rid of air bubbles trapped between the threads in the wick and will also make the wick light more readily.
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My candles won’t come out of the mould – what do I do?
Leave the candle in the fridge overnight.
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How can I stick a picture on the candle?
Use candle podge. Position the picture on the candle. Apply a thin layer of podge over it.
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How can I write on the candle?
Use a candle pen. Trace the word and then go over your tracing with the candle pen. Maintain even pressure on the candle pen.
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How do I make a gold candle?
Make a white candle using 6039 or 0633 wax. Either apply gold Gilders Paste to your finished candle, or spray paint the candle. Take care to use a brand of spray paint which doesnt contain solvents. Spray Mate works well; Aerolak isnt great.