An Easy Guide to Using Beeswax for Candle Making

Beeswax candles are simple to make and are very popular among candle makers, especially the eco-conscious. The beeswax material is a little more costly than other wax, but once you learn how to make candles from beeswax, you’ll be a big fan.

The flame emits very little smoke, and the slow melting quality of the wax keeps the candle in good condition for a long time. And you don’t need to add color and scents to beeswax because of its natural beauty and fragrance. If you feel the need to add color, it will absorb any dye you wish to use, but I recommend choosing pastel colors to preserve the natural look. Most places that sell beeswax will offer various colors, including white and natural. you can also add a fragrance if you like.

Beeswax can be purchased in sheets, pellets, or solid blocks. The sheets usually come in 8″ x 16″ pieces which work well with a pillar candle design. Each sheet can easily be trimmed to make any sized candle simply by rolling the wax tightly around a square-braided wick. No need to melt the wax for this type of candle.

The solid block and pellet beeswax requires melting similar to other types of wax. Working with melted beeswax requires a zinc-core wick rather than the braided type. The zinc wire provides support and helps the wick to stand straight while pouring the melted wax into the mold or container. For beginners, I recommend starting with the sheets of beeswax to make pillar candles, and later experiment with containers and molds. The sheets are very pliable and easy to bend and cut.

To make a pillar candle, you must first decide how tall your candle will be. The height of your candle will determine the width of the strip of wax you will need. If you will be making a candle that is 4″ tall, you will need to cut the wax sheet into strips of 4″ x 16″. The square-braided wick will need to be trimmed to 1/2″ longer than the height of the candle, so you want your wick to be 4-1/2″ long. Lay the wick along the edge of the 4″ side of the wax strip and allow the extra 1/2″ to extend past what will be the top of the candle. Press the wick gently into the wax. You will now begin to roll the sheet around the wick, making it as tight as possible without deforming the wax. A tight roll will help your candle burn more slowly. Once the first strip is completely rolled, add another strip by placing the new edge against the last edge of the first strip, and begin rolling as you did the first strip. Repeat this process until the candle is the diameter you desire, and press the final strip’s edge into the wax to make a seam. You can now trim the wick to 1/4″ from the top of the candle, and your beeswax candle is complete. Position the candle on a pedestal or dish, and it’s ready to light and enjoy!

Learn more about using beeswax for candle making. Stop by Donald Craig’s site and check out his easycandle making courses.