Taper candles add elegance to your dinner table and are perfect for romantic evenings at home. You can make your own taper candles without much experience in candle making. The process of making taper candles is called dipping. Dipping is probably the oldest method of candle making. Hand dipping takes some practice to get the hang of, but you will be a pro in no time. While you are practicing, you can melt that wax down again and again until you known the right way to form your taper candles. During practice, don’t add color or scent to keep the costs low.
You may need to purchase a dipping can from a craft store or online to make taper candles, depending on how long you want the finished candles to be. You will also need a place to hang the candles while they cool. A wooden drying rack (like you would use to dry clothes indoors) is ideal. It is recommended that you buy wicks specially designed for taper candles. To make the best quality taper candles, you will want to use a wax formula that is high in paraffin wax.
It is a good idea to establish a candle making prep routine. Cover counter and surfaces, get out all the equipment and supplies needed for the project, make sure your notebook is handy, and then get the wax chipped and ready for melting.
As always, to melt the wax properly, use a double boiler. One that is large enough to accommodate your dipping can is ideal. Never place the dipping can directly on the stove top as this is a safety issue. You may also expose your home to toxic fumes. While your wax is melting, work on your wicks. Cut the wick at least four inches longer than you want your candles to be. Dipping candles are often made a pair at a time by using a double loop of wick. This speeds the process, but you WILL have to ensure the pair are held apart.
It is recommended that you tie a small weight (a metal washer will do fine) to the end of each wick.
Once you wax has melted to the proper temperature (temperatures will vary according to which wax formula you are using), you will want to add color or scent, if desired. Once color dyes and any fragrances are well incorporated, move the dipping can to a flat, dry surface. Leave your thermometer in the can so you can continue to monitor the temperature of the wax. If you are using a counter top, place a towel or cookie sheet under the dipping can. The process of dipping taper candles is easy, yet time consuming. Take a wick and dip it into the hot wax and hold it for about a minute so the wax can soak into the wick. After this first long dipping, all other dips should be 2-3 seconds. Note that you will only be getting the wick covered the first few dips.
You will get the best looking candles if you don’t try to rush the process. Don’t allow the candle to linger in the wax hoping it will absorb more. Instead, it will cause your taper candles to have a chunky texture rather than a smooth finish. As the wax starts to cool off take the time to stop dipping and heat it again. You may also need to add more wax. Having another double boiler going with the exact same wax formula will save time.
Some candle makers dip while they have another dipping can of wax melting on the stove. This way, once the wax they are working with cools they can switch. This keeps the dipping process going.
The number of times you will dip each candle depends on the width you want them. It generally takes between 30 and 40 dips. As the wax begins to cool after each dip, you can dip it again. As dipping is a time consuming process, make sure you check the water level in your double boiler for any wax you are heating or reheating. As the candle gets wider you will need to allow it to cool longer after each dip. You can also try dipping two at the same time – allowing one to cool while you dip the other of the set. Once your candles are the desired thickness, stop dipping.
If you want a smooth finish to your tapered candles, take the time to roll them. Rolling will remove lumps and blemishes. use a sheet of wax paper and roll your candles like they were pieces of dough for about 30 seconds. Then use a sharp knife to trim the wick and even out the bottom of the candle.
Making hand dipped taper candles is a great project. The process is not difficult once you get the process down. Paying attention to the temperature of the wax is crucial to success. If the wax is too hot, the candle will not grow and the surface will blister. If the temperature is too coll, the candle will be thick and lumpy.
The ideal taper will have good layer adhesion. This is why you want to track each step in your notebook: submersion time, time between dips, and wax temperature. Experiment with altering these steps until you arrive at the ideal formula for your finished product.
