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How To Make
Smooth Textured Candles

By Bob Sherman

This article was originally published in January of 2000 and has been rewritten, modernized, and modified for this web site.

This is more of a technique than a project. This idea for this came when I received an email asking about how to make a cold poured candle with a smooth surface. This article contains the results of my experimentations in that direction and is a combination of Hurricane Candle and Cold Pouring techniques. The surface is smooth, yet a pattern appears just below the surface. There are also a variety of potential uses for this technique, such as putting embedments just below the surface of the wax.

SAFETY NOTE! - Candle making can be dangerous if proper safety procedures are not followed. Please read these Safety Rules before attempting any candle making projects. This project requires the use of high temperatures which are extremely unsafe if not done correctly.

Do not continue beyond this point if you do not have a working knowledge of candle making safety and and fire safety.

This article assumes basic candle making skills. If you are new to candle making, my Introduction To Candle Making Course is free and will show you all the basics for working with wax safely.

Wax Formula - Outer Shell
This is a a basic hurricane shell wax formula. No other additives are recommended as it will reduce the translucency of the wax.

1 Pound 140 Melt Point Paraffin Wax
5% Micro 180 (approximately 3/4 ounce per pound of wax)

Wax Formula - Fill Wax
This is my basic molded candle formula.

1 Pound 140 Melt Point Paraffin Wax
1 teaspoon of Vybar 103
1 Ounce of Scent Oil - Optional
Dye to suit

Candle Making Materials

The following candle making supplies and other materials will be needed:

140 Melt Point Paraffin Wax
Candle Dye
Vybar 103
Micro 180
Mold - this technique may be used with most rigid molds, but is generally better in large diameter molds.
Wick - to match your mold size / wax formula
Scent Oil - Optional
Thermometer

Vertical Layer Candle Project Instructions

Step 1
Prepare the mold normally - inspect, coat with mold release, and wick.

Step 2
Fill the mold with your hurricane wax formula.

Step 3
Allow to cool until a very thin film forms.

Step 4
Pour out the mold.

Step 5
Allow the wax to harden. At this point we have a thin shell of wax in the mold. This would be the time to place embedments if desired.

Step 6
Prepare the fill wax and allow it to cool until a slight surface film forms. The appearance will vary with the pouring temperature, so you may wish to experiment with different pouring temperatures. For your fist experiment, a temperature of approximately 120 degrees F. is a good starting point.

Step 7
Pour the fill wax into the mold.

Step 8
Allow it to harden until firm, but not solid.

Step 9
Poke a few relief holes near the wick as the wax is cooling then allow it to cool fully.

Step 10
Make a second pour. Remember not to overflow the previous pours. Allow to harden fully.

Step 11
Remove from the mold, trim the wick, and level the base against a heated pan or griddle.

Step 12
The finished candle.

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Disclaimer: The information presented here is accurate to the best of my knowledge and common candle making practices as of the time of this writing. This article was originally published to the internet in January 2000 and has been modified and republished in April 2008. The author and the publisher accept no liability for the use or misuse of any of the information presented in this article. This article is presented for informational purposes and is used at your own risk.

Author: Bob Sherman

Publisher: Bobby's Craft Boutique Inc.

This article is provided free of charge for use. Candles may be made and sold using this design royalty free.

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