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How To Make
Torched Candles

By Bob Sherman

This article was originally published in 1999 and has been rewritten, modernized, and modified for this web site.

This is a style of candle that I enjoy playing with on occasion. they are very simple to make, and with a good color combination can be very striking.

PLEASE 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 a hand held heat source and extreme caution must be used to prevent fires.

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.

Dipping Formula
My preferred formula is 140 melt point wax with 5 - 10% pigment. To save complicated calculations this is approximately 3/4 to 1 1/2 ounces per pound of wax. Note that pigment is specified because it will provide much better color than dyes in thin layers.

Dipping Temperature
Within the acceptable range of 150 - 160 degrees F. this is largely a matter of personal preference. Higher temperatures will cause a thin layer to adhere, while low temperatures will provide a thicker layer.

Variants
The following all affect the finished appearance of the candles:

The dipping temperature.
Number of dips per color.
Number of colors used.
Position and depth of torching.

Materials
The following candle supplies and materials will be needed:

140 Melt Point Paraffin Wax
Candle Pigment
6" Dipping Vats - one per color
Candle - Just about any candle will work for this.
Water Bath - A bucket or vat of room temperature water.
Aluminum Foil
Propane Torch (or electric heat gun like those used for stripping paint).

Step 1
Heat the desired colors in dipping vats to 150 - 160 degrees F. This is a rather large, expensive dipping set up that holds 7 colors in a thermostatically controlled water bath.

Inexpensive dipping vats in a double boiler setup as shown here are more practical for home use. You will need one per color and they all need to be ready at the same time.

NOTE: Pigment settles - stir your vats often.

Step 2
A 2 1/2 inch ball candle was used here. This technique works well with most candles.

Step 3
Dip in the first color. Heat soak the first dip by holding it in the wax for 30 seconds. This helps the wax adhere better. Remove and dip in and out of cool water.

NOTE: From here on all dips are to be in and out. Holding the candle in the wax or in the water will cause problems.

Step 4
Repeat this wax dip then water dip for the next color. Repeat as many times as desired. More dips gives a thicker layer.

Step 5
Repeat step 4 for each layer of color desired. Continue adding as many layers of colors as desired. When you are done dipping, place the candle in the water bath to harden.

Step 6
The candle should be placed in a pan to protect the work surface during subsequent steps. Work in an area that has no flammable objects nearby!

Step 7
I use an inexpensive propane torch from the hardware store. A heat gun such as those sold for stripping paint may also be used.

NOTE: Use extreme caution when working with heating devices such as these!

Step 8
Wrapping the wick with a small piece of aluminum foil will provide some protection for it, but it is still a good idea to avoid heating the foil.

Continued on Page 2

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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 September 1999 and has been modified and republished in January 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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