How To Make Taper Candles 7 Steps
Creating your own taper candles allows you to customize colors, scents, and sizes while saving money and enjoying a rewarding craft. Whether you’re making candles for special occasions, everyday use, or as thoughtful gifts, this process combines creativity with practicality. This guide walks you through making beautiful, long-burning taper candles using either the dipping or molding method.
Materials and Tools Needed
| Essential Items | Optional Items |
|---|---|
| Candle wax (paraffin, beeswax, or soy) | Essential oils or candle fragrance |
| Candle wicking (pre-tabbed or bulk) | Candle dye or colorants |
| Double boiler or dedicated wax melting pot | Thermometer (for precise temperature control) |
| Tall dipping container (for hand-dipped method) | Taper candle molds (for molded method) |
| Bucket of cool water | Mold release spray |
| Scissors | Decorative elements |
| Heat source (stove or hot plate) | Candle drying rack |
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace and Materials
Before diving into candle making, proper preparation ensures both safety and success.
Setting Up Your Work Area
Cover your work surface with newspaper or a drop cloth to protect it from wax spills. Choose a well-ventilated area away from drafts, which can cause uneven cooling. Keep all materials organized and within reach.
Preparing Your Wax
Measure the appropriate amount of wax for your project. For hand-dipped tapers, you’ll need enough melted wax to fill your dipping container to a depth of at least 8-10 inches. For beeswax tapers, approximately 2-3 pounds will make a nice set of candles.
Preparing Your Wicks
If using pre-tabbed wicks, cut them to the desired length plus 2 inches for trimming. For hand-dipped candles, prepare wicks that are twice the intended candle length plus 2-3 inches extra for handling.
Time required: 20-30 minutes
Step 2: Melt the Wax Safely
Proper wax melting is crucial for successful taper candles.
Setting Up a Double Boiler
Fill the bottom pot of your double boiler halfway with water and place your wax in the top pot. If you don’t have a double boiler, place a heat-safe container inside a larger pot with water to create the same effect. Never melt wax directly on a heat source, as it can ignite.
Monitoring Temperature
Heat the wax slowly until completely melted. Different waxes have different optimal temperatures:
– Beeswax: 160-170°F (71-77°C)
– Paraffin: 130-150°F (54-66°C)
– Soy wax: 120-140°F (49-60°C)
Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature and prevent overheating, which can discolor the wax or create a fire hazard.
Time required: 30-45 minutes (depending on wax type and quantity)
Step 3: Add Color and Fragrance (Optional)
Personalize your taper candles with color and scent if desired.
Adding Colorant
Once the wax is fully melted, add candle dye according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Start with small amounts and gradually increase until you achieve your desired shade. Remember that the color will appear lighter when the candle solidifies.
Adding Fragrance
When the wax reaches the proper temperature (usually 10-15 degrees below its melting point), add essential oils or candle fragrance. The general rule is 1 oz of fragrance per pound of wax, but follow specific instructions for your chosen wax type. Stir gently for 1-2 minutes to incorporate the fragrance thoroughly.
Time required: 5-10 minutes
Step 4: Prepare for Dipping or Molding
Depending on your chosen method, prepare either your dipping container or candle molds.
For Hand-Dipped Tapers
Transfer your melted wax to a tall, narrow container that allows for full immersion of the wick. A repurposed tall tin can, dedicated candle dipping container, or even a piece of PVC pipe sealed at one end can work well. Maintain the wax temperature by placing this container in a larger pot of hot water.
For Molded Tapers
If using molds, apply a light coating of mold release spray if they’re not silicone. Thread your pre-tabbed wicks through the mold holes and secure them at the bottom with a small piece of putty or hot glue. Pull the wicks taut and secure them at the top with a pencil or skewer laid across the mold opening.
Time required: 15-20 minutes
Step 5: Create Your Taper Candles
Now for the main process of forming your taper candles.
Hand-Dipping Method
1. Fold your prepared wick in half, creating a loop at one end.
2. Hold the wick by the two free ends and dip the looped portion into the melted wax.
3. Slowly and steadily pull the wick out, keeping it straight.
4. Dip the waxed wick into your bucket of cool water briefly (2-3 seconds). This crucial step helps set the wax layer and significantly speeds up the process.
5. Allow the wax to cool slightly (10-15 seconds) before the next dip.
6. Repeat the dipping process, alternating between wax and cool water, until your candles reach the desired thickness. This typically takes 20-30 dips.
7. Keep your dipping motion consistent to create evenly tapered candles.
Molding Method
1. Pour the melted wax slowly into your prepared molds, leaving about 1/4 inch at the top.
2. Tap the sides of the molds gently to release any air bubbles.
3. Allow the wax to cool slightly for about 5 minutes, then top off the molds as the wax will contract somewhat as it cools.
4. Let the candles cool completely in the molds (2-4 hours at room temperature).
5. Once fully hardened, carefully remove the candles from the molds.
Time required: 1-2 hours for dipping; 2-4 hours for molding (mostly cooling time)
Step 6: Finish and Shape Your Candles
After creating your basic taper candles, they’ll need some finishing touches.
For Hand-Dipped Tapers
1. Once your candles have reached the desired thickness, hang them to cool completely (at least 2 hours).
2. Cut the loop at the bottom to separate the two candles.
3. Trim the bottom of each candle flat so it can stand properly in a candle holder.
4. If desired, roll the candles on a flat surface while still slightly warm to ensure they’re perfectly straight.
For Molded Tapers
1. After removing from molds, trim the wicks to about 1/4 inch.
2. If the bottoms aren’t flat, carefully warm them slightly and press against a flat surface.
3. Polish beeswax candles by gently rubbing with a soft, clean cloth to bring out their natural shine.
Time required: 15-20 minutes (plus cooling time)
Step 7: Cure and Store Your Taper Candles
Proper curing and storage ensure your candles burn properly and last longer.
Curing Process
Allow your finished taper candles to cure for 24-48 hours before using them. This resting period helps the wax molecules stabilize and improves burning quality, especially for scented candles.
Storage Recommendations
Store your taper candles in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, which can fade colors and melt the wax. Store them flat or standing upright to prevent warping. For long-term storage, wrap them individually in tissue paper to prevent scratching.
Time required: 24-48 hours for curing; 10 minutes for storage preparation
Tips for Perfect Taper Candles
Choosing the Right Wax
– Beeswax: Creates naturally honey-scented, long-burning candles with a beautiful golden color. Requires higher melting temperatures but produces premium quality tapers.
– Paraffin: The most economical option that’s easy to work with and takes color well.
– Soy wax: An eco-friendly option that burns cleaner than paraffin but may need additives to work well for tapers.
Wick Selection
Choose the appropriate wick size for your taper diameter. Generally, for standard tapers (3/4 inch at the base):
– Square braided cotton wicks (#2 or #3) work well for most applications
– Flat braided wicks create a wider, more stable flame
Temperature Control
Maintaining the right temperature throughout the process is crucial. Too hot, and the wax may discolor; too cool, and layers won’t adhere properly during dipping or molds won’t fill completely.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Uneven tapers | Inconsistent dipping speed | Practice a steady, consistent dipping motion; use a metronome for timing |
| Bubbles in candles | Air trapped in wax or pouring too quickly | Tap molds gently after pouring; pour wax more slowly |
| Candles won’t release from molds | Insufficient mold release or cooling | Place molds briefly in freezer; apply proper mold release next time |
| Candles burning too quickly | Wick too large for candle diameter | Use a smaller wick size for your next batch |
| Weak scent throw | Not enough fragrance or added at wrong temperature | Add fragrance at manufacturer’s recommended temperature; increase amount (up to 10% of wax weight) |
| Candles breaking during removal | Removed from molds too soon | Allow candles to cool completely before attempting removal |
Decorative Variations for Taper Candles
Once you’ve mastered the basic technique, try these creative variations:
Layered Candles
Create striped or ombré effects by dipping in different colored waxes. Allow each layer to set completely before dipping in a new color.
Textured Candles
Roll freshly dipped candles (while still slightly warm) in coarse salt, herbs, or coffee grounds for a textured exterior. These materials will burn away as the candle burns, revealing the smooth candle beneath.
Twisted Tapers
For an elegant spiral effect, twist two freshly dipped tapers together while the wax is still pliable. Hold until the wax sets, then carefully separate them.
Making your own taper candles is both an enjoyable craft and a practical skill. With these seven steps, you can create beautiful, personalized candles for your home or as thoughtful gifts. The process might take some practice to perfect, but the satisfaction of lighting a candle you made yourself is well worth the effort. As you become more comfortable with the techniques, you can experiment with different colors, scents, and decorative elements to create truly unique taper candles.