How To Make Tapered Candles?

Learn how to manufacture these beautiful tapered candles to decorate your house or give them as presents. Once you start, you won’t be able to put it down!

Have you ever tried your hand at making candles? Our very first foray into the world of candlemaking was creating our citronella candles. Then, with these bubble candles, we attempted to use molds made of silicone for the very first time. And the year before, we carved these adorable pumpkins into candles. Yes, those are candles carved out of little pumpkins.

After manufacturing bubble candles using silicone molds, we realized that we also wanted to experiment with making tapered candle wax. We experimented with several different kinds of molds to find out which ones we liked using the most.

What exactly are silicone molds?

Making handmade tapered candles using silicone molds is a straightforward method. The molds are formed out of a silicone material that has the consistency of rubber, and the molten wax is poured into them. They may be found in a wide variety of forms and dimensions.

Molds made of hard plastic might also be used. After they have been cured, the fatter candles may be extracted from them a little more easily.

Candle molds

These molds are made of silicone, and we used them. They were simple to use, although removing the twisted candles from the holders might be difficult.

In addition, we made use of this tough plastic ribbed taper candle mold. Utilizing it was a breeze. Canola oil sprayed in the mold before filling it is our secret weapon for making them appear perfectly every time. After the candle dipping has reached the desired consistency, place the mold in the refrigerator for a few minutes. It will make removing the candle shapes from the holder a lot less difficult. The mold made of hard plastic was far simpler to work with.

Supplies Required For Making Tapered Candles

To make tapered candles, you will need the following supplies:

• Wax: You can use any type of wax for tapered candles, including paraffin, soy, beeswax, or a blend of different waxes. Paraffin wax is the most common and easiest to work with, but it can be toxic if inhaled and is not environmentally friendly. Soy wax is a popular alternative because it is renewable, biodegradable, and produces less soot when burned.
• Wicks: Choose wicks that are appropriate for the wax you use. For example, soy wax requires a different type of wick than paraffin wax. You can purchase pre-tabbed wicks or make your own by attaching the wick to a wick sustainer or tab using hot glue.
• Wick sustainers or tabs: These are small metal or plastic discs that hold the wick in place at the bottom of the candle. They help to keep the wick centered and upright as the pair of candles burns.
• Candle dye: This is optional but can add color to your candles. Use candle-specific dye blocks or liquid dye, as regular food coloring or fabric dye, may not work well.
• Essential oils or fragrance oils are optional, but they can add a pleasant scent to your candles. Be sure to use a scent appropriate for candle-making, as some fragrances may not work well or cause the candle to smoke.
• Thermometer: This is optional, but it can help ensure that the wax reaches the proper temperature for pouring.
• Measuring cups and spoons: You will need these to measure the wax, dye, and fragrance.
• Pouring pot: This is a container you can use to melt the wax. You can use a double boiler or a microwave-safe container.
• Candle molds: These are the containers that you will pour the wax into to form the candles. You can use molds, including beeswax taper candle molds, pillar candle molds, or even repurposed containers like glass jars or silicone muffin cups.
• Scissors: You will need these to trim the wick to the proper length before lighting the candle.
• Glue gun: This is optional but can help attach the wick sustainers or tabs to the bottom of the candle molds.

Process Of Making Tapered Candles

To make tapered candles, follow these steps:

Step #1

Gather your supplies and set up your work area. Make sure you have a clean, flat surface to work on and that you have enough room to melt the wax safely.

Step #2

Measure out the wax. The amount of wax you need will depend on the size of your candle molds and the number of candles you want to make. A general rule of thumb is to use 1 pound of wax for every 20-25 ounces of candle volume.

Step #3

Melt the wax. Place the wax in a pouring melting pot and melt it using a double boiler or microwave. If using a double boiler, make sure the hot water in the bottom pot is not touching the bottom of the pouring pot. If using a microwave, heat the wax in short bursts, stirring in between, until it is completely melted.

Step #4

Add color and fragrance. If you want to add color to your candles, mix in a small amount of candle dye at this point. You can use a toothpick or skewer to add a small amount of dye and mix it in until you get the desired shade. If you want to add fragrance, mix in a few drops of essential oils or fragrance oils at this point. Be careful not to add too much, as this can affect the candle’s burn time and stability.

Step #5

Attach the wicks. If you are using pre-tabbed wicks, skip this step. If you are making your own wicks, attach the wick sustainers or tabs to the bottom of the candle molds using hot glue. Then, center the wick in the mold and use a wick bar, pencil, or chopstick to keep it in place.

Step #6

Pour the wax. Once the wax has reached the proper pouring temperature (between 125-150°F for most waxes), carefully pour it into the candle molds. Fill the molds to about ¼ inch from the top. Tap the molds gently to remove any air bubbles.

Step #7

Let the candles cool and set. Allow the candles to cool and set completely, which may take several hours or overnight. You can place the molds in the refrigerator or freezer to speed up the process, but be careful not to disturb the wax while it is setting.

Step #8

Remove the candles from the molds. Once the candles are completely set, gently flex the molds to loosen the candles. Then, turn the molds upside down and gently push the candles out.

Step #9

Trim the wicks. Use scissors to trim the wicks to the desired length, usually about ¼ inch.

Step #10

Enjoy your homemade candles! Light the wick and enjoy your beautiful, homemade tapered candles.