Taper candles are almost always the main supply in elegant dinner table settings. It is not a romantic evening without the lights turned down and a beautiful taper candle lit. And learning how to make taper candles is easy after getting the hand dipping part down. Taper candles are different from all of the other candles that use molds or containers.
Dipping candles by hand has a small learning curve, but can be easily mastered in a short amount of time. The great thing about taper candles is that if you make a mistake or while your practicing, you can melt the wax back down again and again, until you get the hang of it. It is advised while practicing to not add any colors or scents, therefore keeping your costs down.
When learning how to make taper candles, the primary tool is a dipping can. Dipping can can be ordered online or found at your local arts and crafts store. In taper candle making double boilers are not used as in all of the other candle making projects, double boilers are too narrow. The other things you will need is wax, a good thermometer, wicks, dyes and scents. Specially made taper candle wicks are a must, and if you decide to use other kinds you will experience burning problems. Paraffin wax is the best quality for taper candles.
Set up a pot with a few inches of water that you can place your dipping can into. Never ever place your dipping can directly onto your stove, this is a safety issue and could cause your house to fill with fumes that could be hazardous. While your wax is melting cut your wicks to the desired lengths, you will want your wicks 4 inches longer than your candles. If you are making more than one cut your first wick to length and then use it as a guide to cut fold and cut your others.
You will want your wax to obtain a temp between 150 and 165 degrees, after this is completed you can start the dipping. If you are using fragrances or dyes, now is the time. Remove your dipping can from the water and place it on a dry flat surface. I like to put a towel or a cookie sheet down first. Get one of your wicks you cut and dip it into your hot wax, the first couple of dips you just want to give the wick a good coating.
Hand dipping taper candles is easy but also time consuming. Going slowly and letting the candle cool between dips will result in great looking candles. The dipping task should be a quick in and out. Most importantly is to not let the candle linger in the wax too long hoping that it will absorb more wax. This will result in your candle being ugly and lumpy instead of smooth and shiny. If the wax in your can starts to cool down place it back in your bowl and bring it back to temperature. Having 2 dipping cans will make the hand dipping faster, with no waiting.
The number of times you dip your candle will determine the size. If you are making sets, a good idea is to keep track of the number of times you dipped, keeping them all the same size with the same number of dips. The thicker your candle gets the longer it will take to cool down between dipping. Try making more than one at a time, then you can dip one and let it cool while you dip the other and alternating. After your candles get the size you want let them completely cool and then trim there wicks within one inch from the top.
Learning how to make taper candles is a great project. The process is not difficult once you get the process of the dipping down. Taper candles make great centerpieces and are used often at weddings. You can personalize them with many different colors and scents. Beautiful taper candle holders and candelabras can be found to showcase your beautiful creations.