Guest Author - Lori Bartel

Your First Basic Pillar Candle:

Once you’ve prepared your work space, have all your additives and read the safety instructions it’s time to pour your first candle.

Prepare Your Molds
Start by spraying the inside of your mold with mold release, a small amount is all you need. Next you’ll want to thread the wick through the bottom of the mold, pull it through the other side and tie it to a wick rod or a pencil. Pull the tension in the wick tight enough that there’s no slack and plug the hole with mold sealer (plumber’s putty also works).

Melting Wax
Using the double boiler method, with one pot inside the other is a safe way to melt wax. Start by filling your larger simmering pot with water about 1/3 of the way full and set your pouring pot, filled with wax chunks inside of that. Now turn on the heat to medium high, making sure to either attach the thermometer to the inside of the wax pot or keeping a close eye on the temperature as it melts. You won’t want the wax temperature to rise above 190 degrees.

Wax Additives

Fragrance -Once your wax reaches about 180 degrees it will be time to add color and scent. The rule of thumb for scent is ¾ - 1 ounce per pound of wax, making sure to stir after adding it.

Color- Adding the right amount of color is all a matter of taste. I usually spoon out a small amount of melted wax and drop it on wax paper to test the color. Be sure to check with your supplier for their general measurement instructions. The great thing about candles is if it doesn’t turn out just right you can always re-melt it.

Stearic Acid – Also known as stearin, if used at a high percentage it could cause a snow flake looking effect. Use 10% of stearic acid to wax.
Note: You can buy wax that already has stearic acid combined in the wax, so you won’t need to buy it separately, a great shortcut.

Vybar – Vybar increases opacity and is a hardener used to stabilize color and scent.
Use 1 teaspoon per pound of wax.
Note: You can buy wax that already has vybar combined in the wax, so you won’t need to buy it separately, a great shortcut.

Pouring
Pour your wax at 180 degrees.
Carefully and slowly pour the wax at 180 degrees, into your mold or container.
Gently rock the mold back and forth, to release any air bubbles.



Refilling the well

When the wax cools, it will start to “sink”, this is when you’ll need to poke holes around the wick with your skewer to release any air bubbles, before you re-pour. You will be gradually refilling the well a small amount at a time; don’t pour all the way to the rim. You’ll be allowing the wax to cool in between pours, depending on the wax used there can be anywhere between 2 and 4 repours needed.
Once you’re done, let your candle sit overnight then pop it out of the mold and enjoy.