Pillar candles are a classic choice for candle enthusiasts and are often the first type of candle that comes to mind. They are made using molds and can be shaped in various forms, allowing for creativity in your candle-making journey. In this guide, we will walk you through the steps to create your own pillar candles.
Materials Needed
Before you begin, gather the following materials:
- Soy Wax (CW Soy Wax PB for Pillars or Eco Soya PB) - 250 grams
- Oily liquid dye (for coloring)
- PC molds (4x15 cm)
- Cotton wicks (size #2)
- Fragrance oil
- Electronic scale
- Glass stirring rod
- Electric stove
- Stainless steel pot
- Thermometer
- Mold sealing adhesive
- Release agent (for easy demolding)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Wick
Insert the wick into the wick hole of the mold. Use the mold sealing adhesive to cover the top of the wick to seal it. This prevents wax from leaking out. Additionally, apply sealing adhesive around the wick hole to ensure no wax seeps out during the pouring process.
2. Apply Release Agent
Once the wick is secure, evenly spray the release agent inside the mold. This creates a thin film that helps the candle release easily from the mold later on.
3. Melt the Wax
Melt 250 grams of wax in your stainless steel pot over the electric stove. It’s essential to account for any shrinkage and wax loss that might occur during pouring, so ensure you have enough wax melted.
4. Color the Wax (Optional)
If you want to add color to your candle, use oily liquid dye or color blocks. Adjust the concentration to achieve your desired color.
5. Add Fragrance
Typically, the recommended fragrance load for candles is about 10% of the total volume. When the wax temperature reaches around 80 degrees Celsius, add the fragrance oil and stir thoroughly for about one minute. For 250 grams of wax, use approximately 25 grams of fragrance oil.
6. Pour the Wax
The pouring temperature can vary depending on the type of wax used, but for soy wax, aim for around 75 to 80 degrees Celsius. If your mold is cold (especially in winter), preheat it to prevent bubbles from forming on the candle surface.
7. Secure the Wick
After pouring the wax, ensure the wick is straight and use a wick holder to keep it in place as the wax cools.
8. Deal with Shrinkage
If you notice holes forming around the wick due to shrinkage, use a glass rod or wooden stick to poke the sides of the candle towards the center. Afterward, pour in any remaining wax to fill these spaces, preventing air pockets inside the pillar candle.
9. Demold the Candle
Once the candle has fully hardened, carefully remove the sealing adhesive from the mold. If the mold feels warm, wait until it cools down before attempting to demold. If the candle is still stuck, place it in the refrigerator for about 5 minutes, which should help it release easily. Be cautious not to leave it too long, as the candle may crack.
10. Trim the Wick
After demolding, trim any excess wick at the base of the candle. Organize the wick at the top using clips or labels for a neat finish.
