How To Make Pillar Candles

Molded pillar candles are one of the most common types of candles we can make, though you can make it exciting by using different shapes and sizes. Aside from the different shapes and sizes, the molds are fabricated out sheet metal, aluminum, and even some are made of plastic, latex, or silicone. The largest selection is typically available in sheet metal. Sheet metal and aluminum molds are generally very durable and should last for years with very little maintenance.

The instructions that follow use a candle mold that is fabricated from sheet metal.

Ingredients

Method

  1. Start Melting Wax

  2. Pass the Candle Wick Through Wick Hole

    • Select a candle wick of the proper size for the diameter of the candle mold you are working with.
    • Thread the candle wick through the wick-hole in the base of the candle mold.
    • Pass the candle wick through the wick hole. This should be pretty self explanatory.
    • TIP: If it is difficult to get the candle wick through the hole because it is frayed, try dipping the end in some molten wax and rolling it through your fingers to form a nice pointed end.
    • Secure the candle wick to wick rod while keeping the candle wick within the wick-hole, tie one end of the candle wick to the wick rod.

  3. Secure the Candle Wick to the Wick Hole

    • Secure the candle wick with a wick screw. Use a Phillips or a flat screwdriver for the wick screw.
    • Do not over-tighten the wick screw as it may cut the candle wick or damage your candle mold.
    • The purpose of the wick screw is to simply keep the candle wick from sliding back through the hole, not to seal the hole, we'll use candle mold sealer for that.
    • Your candle wick should be taught, but not to the point were it will cause the candle mold to warp.
    • Trim the candle wick leaving about ½ to 1 inch of candle wick. Scissors or diagonal cutters work well for this.

  4. Seal the Wick Hole

    • Seal the wick hole, wick screw and candle wick using some mold sealer.
      This is to prevent leakage of molten wax.
    • Press the sealer firmly into place to ensure a tight seal. It may help to lightly wind the candle wick around the screw before applying sealer.

  5. Initial Pour

    • Add your additives (if any), your fragrance oil, and dyes to the wax in the pouring pot and mix well using something such as an old wooden spoon once your wax has reached the proper temperature (175 to 185° F. for most pillar candles).
    • Add the additives in the following order:
      1. Additives such as vybar or stearic acid (but only if required)
      2. Fragrance Oil
      3. Dye (this is done last so that you get visual confirmation that everything else has mixed well with the wax)
    • Pour the wax into the prepared candle mold when it is thoroughly mixed, and is at the proper temperature.
    • Use an old towel or some paper towels handy to catch any spills that may occur.
    • Fill your candle mold to about ½" from the top of the mold.
    • Reserve some wax (say about 20% of the wax) in the pouring pot for a later stage, but do not return it to the heat source yet.

  6. Poke Relief Holes

    • Allow the candle to cool a bit until a surface has formed on your wax.
    • Then poke relief holes into the base of the candle to accommodate the natural shrinkage that will occur as the wax solidifies. The relief holes should be positioned around the candle wick and should be poked to a depth of about 1 inch less than the depth of the candle.
    • The exact number of holes is not important. Though without these relief holes, you may get air cavities within the candle, the candle wick may get pulled off-center, or the external walls of the candle may become deformed.
    • You may need to poke relief holes several times during the cooling process to ensure that the vent remains open and clear.
    • Allow the candle to cool completely to room temperature before proceeding to the next step. This cooling process may take several hours. On very large candles, it may take more than a full day!

  7. Re-Pour

    • Re-melt the leftover wax from Step 5 - Initial Pour at a temperature of about 5 to 10° hotter than the original pouring temperature. The hotter temperature aids adhesion between layers.
    • Fill the sinkhole in your candle when your wax is at the proper temperature.
    • Fill to a level just below the level of the first filling. Underfilling or overfilling will result in an unsightly finish.
    • Allow the candle to cool completely before proceeding to the next step.

  8. Remove the Candle from the Candle Mold

    • Remove the candle mold sealer and the wick screw. If cooled completely, your candle should slide out of the candle mold.
    • If your candle does not slide out easily, then place it in a refrigerator for a period of about 15 minutes, then try again. The cooling will help the wax shrink even more and help it separate from the candle mold.
    • Trim the candle wick on the bottom end with a pair of scissors or diagonal cutters. You will want to trim the candle wick flush with the base of the candle.
    • If desired, you may level the base of the candle by placing the candle on a cookie sheet (one with sides will work best) that is sitting atop a pot of boiling water. Use the heated cookie sheet to melt away some of the wax until you have a flat base.
    • Trim the top of the candle wick to about ¼".

Voila you've got your pillar candle!

A Note of Caution:

  • Burn pillars only on a designated candle holder.
  • Never leave a burning candle unattended.
  • Avoid drafts.
  • Keep away from children and pets.