DIY Guide: How to Make Elegant Taper Candles at Home

Making taper candles is a fun and rewarding craft that can be enjoyed by anyone. Whether you are an experienced crafter or just looking for a new hobby, making these candles is a great way to get creative and make something beautiful. Taper candles are a classic addition to any home, and they can be used for anything from romantic dinners to relaxing bubble baths.

To make your own taper candles, you will need some basic supplies such as wax, wicks, a melting pot, and a mold. You can choose from a variety of waxes, including beeswax, paraffin wax, and soy wax. The type of wax you choose will have an impact on the color and scent of your candles, so it is important to choose a wax that matches your desired outcome. Making taper candles requires a bit of patience and attention to detail, but the end result is well worth the effort. With a little practice and experimentation, you can create a beautiful set of taper candles to enhance any room in your home.

Types of Wax to Use for Taper Candles

1. Paraffin Wax

Paraffin wax is the most commonly used wax for making taper candles. It’s readily available, affordable, and easy to work with. Paraffin wax is a byproduct of petroleum and is solid at room temperature. It comes in different melting points, which vary on the type of candle you’d like to make. A high-melt-point paraffin wax is best for making taper candles, as it allows the candle to hold its shape and burn evenly.

2. Beeswax

Beeswax is a natural wax that is harvested from beehives. It has a natural golden hue, and it has a natural honey-like scent. Beeswax is more expensive than paraffin wax, but it’s an excellent eco-friendly alternative, perfect for those who prefer natural materials. Beeswax also tends to burn slower and cleaner than other wax types, producing little to no soot.

3. Soy Wax

Soy wax is a sustainable and renewable wax made from soybeans. It’s a popular alternative to paraffin wax because it’s eco-friendly, biodegradable, and free from toxins. Soy wax is relatively soft, which makes it more challenging to use for taper candles. To make soy taper candles, you need to blend it with other waxes like paraffin or beeswax to harden its consistency.

4. Palm Wax

Palm wax is another sustainable wax made from the fruit of oil palm trees. It’s biodegradable and eco-friendly. Palm wax is a popular choice for making pillar candles and votive candles, but it can also be used for taper candles. However, it’s not as easy to work with as paraffin or beeswax. It requires higher pouring temperatures and more specialized equipment.

5. Gel Wax

Gel wax is a transparent, rubbery, and gel-like substance that makes unique candles because of its transparency. It’s more challenging to work with for taper candles because its texture is not moldable. However, it can be combined with other wax types in varying amounts to create a unique taper candle with a sleek design.

6. Bayberry Wax

Bayberry wax is a unique natural wax that comes from the berries of bayberry plants. It has a lovely green color, natural fragrance, and it’s eco-friendly. However, it’s more expensive and difficult to work with. Bayberry wax has a higher melting point than paraffin wax, making it tougher to mold and shape.

7. Microcrystalline Wax

Microcrystalline wax is a synthetic wax that has a different chemical composition than natural waxes like beeswax or soy wax. It has a higher melting point and a sticky texture, making it ideal for making wax seals or adding texture to candles. However, microcrystalline wax is less eco-friendly than natural waxes.

8. Blended Waxes

Blended waxes are made by combining two or more wax types to create a unique blend of wax. Combining paraffin wax and beeswax is the most common blend used for taper candles. Blended waxes offer the best of both worlds, combining the affordability and ease of use of paraffin wax with the eco-friendliness of beeswax.

9. Crayons and Candle Dyes

Taper candles can come in different colors, and it’s easy to add color to your candle by incorporating crayons or candle dyes. Crayons can be melted directly in the wax, but they should be used sparingly as they contain chemicals and additives not suitable for candle-making. Candle dyes are a better alternative as they’re specifically designed for candle-making and come in various colors.

10. Wick Types

The type of wick used for your taper candle is equally important. Cotton wicks are the most commonly used for taper candles. They come in different sizes and thicknesses, which depend on the candle size and wax type. It’s essential to choose the appropriate wick size to ensure that your taper candle burns evenly. Zinc-core wicks are also available and are designed to burn brighter and hotter than traditional cotton wicks. However, they should not be used for natural waxes like beeswax or soy wax as their higher burning temperature can damage the wax.

Materials Needed for Making Taper Candles

Making your own taper candles is a wonderful craft that everyone can do with a little bit of effort and time. The following materials are needed for making taper candles:

1. Wax: The type of wax used for making taper candles is important. Beeswax, paraffin, soy wax, and palm wax can be used.

2. Candle Wicks: The wick is important in candle making. Taper wicks can be made of cotton or hemp materials.

3. Wax Melting Equipment: You will need a double boiler or a wax melting pot to melt the wax.

4. Thermometer: The temperature of the melted wax is important in candle making, and a thermometer is necessary to ensure that the wax is heated to the right temperature.

5. Molding Equipment: You will need taper candle molds to shape the wax. The molds can be made of aluminum, silicone, or plastic.

6. Dye: Candle dye can be added to the wax to give it color.

7. Fragrance Oil: If you want to add fragrance to your taper candles, you can use fragrance oil.

8. Scissors: Scissors are essential for trimming the wick of the candle after it has been made.

9. Wax Paper: This will help you to protect your surface from melted wax drips.

10. Protective Gear: Candle making can be messy, so it is important to have protective gear such as gloves, aprons, and eye goggles.

Now that you have all the materials needed, let’s get started with the process of making taper candles.

Materials needed to make taper candles

Candle-making can be a fun and exciting DIY project, but before you start, it is important to have all the necessary materials on hand. In this section, we will discuss the most essential items needed to make taper candles.

1. Wax

The main component needed to make taper candles is wax. There are various types of wax available for candle-making, including paraffin, beeswax, soy wax, and palm wax. Paraffin wax is the most commonly used wax for taper candles due to its affordability and easy accessibility. Beeswax and soy wax are also great options as they are natural and renewable.

2. Wicks

Wicks are another crucial component in making taper candles. Wicks come in different sizes and thicknesses depending on the type of candle being made. For taper candles, it is recommended to use a #2 wick, which is strong enough to hold the candle’s shape and provides a steady flame.

3. Dye

If you want to add color to your taper candles, you will need to use dye. Candle dye comes in liquid or block form and can be mixed with the wax to create a variety of colors. It is important to use a dye specially made for candle-making as regular clothing or food dye may not produce the desired color and can weaken the wax.

4. Fragrance oils

To add a pleasant scent to your taper candles, fragrance oils can be added to the wax. There are a variety of fragrance oils available, ranging from floral to fruity scents. It is important to use fragrance oils specifically made for candle-making to ensure a safe and quality product.

5. Tools and equipment

Lastly, you will need various tools and equipment to make taper candles, including a double boiler or melting pot, a thermometer, a pouring pitcher, a stirring tool, and a mold. It is recommended to purchase a taper candle mold that corresponds to the size you wish to make, as this will ensure consistent taper candles.

Overall, the materials needed to make taper candles are relatively simple and easy to acquire. Once you have all the necessary items on hand, you can start creating custom taper candles that match your home decor or add a personal touch to a special event. In the next section, we will go over the step-by-step process of making taper candles.

Say goodbye to your DIY Taper Candles

That’s it! Now you know how to make your very own taper candles. It’s easy, fun, and inexpensive. You can make a bunch of taper candles in different colors, and use them as table décor or give them away as gifts. Thank you for taking the time to read this article, and I hope you had fun exploring the world of candle-making. Remember to come back soon for more DIY projects. Happy crafting!