Taper candles add elegance and charm to your dinner table and are perfect for romantic evenings at home.
You can make your own taper candles without much experience in candle making. The process of making taper candles involves hand dipping rather than using molds or jars. Hand dipping takes some practice to get the hang of it, but you will be a pro in no time. While you are practicing, you can melt that wax down again and again until you know the right way to form your taper candles. During practice, don’t add any color either, to keep the costs low.
SUPPLIES NEEDED
You will need to purchase a dipping can from a craft store or online to make taper candles correctly. A double boiler is too narrow to make these candles. In addition, you will need a thermometer, wax, wick, dye for color, and fragrances to add scent if you desire. It is important to buy wick especially designed for taper candles. If you use pillar wick, your taper candles won’t burn properly. To make the best quality taper candles, you will want to use paraffin wax. Beeswax can bend easier, especially on warm days.
MELTING THE WAX
To melt the wax properly, use a large pot with a few inches of water for the dipping can to sit in. Never place the dipping can directly on the stove top as this is a safety issue. You may also expose your home to toxic fumes. While your wax is melting, work on your wicks. Cut the wick at least four inches longer than you want your candles to be. If you are making sets of taper candles, be sure that each wick is cut to the same exact length.
THE DIPPING PROCESS
Once your wax has melted and is at a temperature of between 150 and 165 degrees, you can start the dipping process. If you are going to add color or scent, you will want to do it now. Move the dipping can to a flat, dry surface. If you are using a counter top, place a towel or cookie sheet under the dipping can. Take a wick and dip it into the hot wax. You will only be getting the wick covered the first few dips.
The process of dipping taper candles is easy, yet time consuming. You will get the best looking candles if you don’t try to rush the process. Each dip should be a quick in and out process. Don’t allow the candle to linger in the wax hoping it will absorb more. Instead, it will cause your taper candles to have a chunky texture rather than a smooth finish. As the wax starts to cool, take the time to stop dipping and heat it again. Some candle makers dip while they have another dipping can of wax melting on the stove. This way, once the wax they are working with cools, they can switch. This keeps the process going if you are able to take advantage of it.
The number of times you will dip each candle depends on the width you want them. If you are making pairs, keep track of how many times you dip each one so they will match. As the wax begins to cool after each dip, you can dip again. As the candle gets wider, you will need to allow it to cool longer after each dip. You can also try dipping two at the same time – allowing one to cool while you dip the other of the set. Once the candle is the desired size and cools completely, cut the wick to ¼ inch of the top of the candle.