candle making

[Silver Ether]

I saw an idea the other day of a jar candle that looked like a jar of jam ...and the candle was burned in the jar... great idea for the kids to make for their mums ... the kids I look after are older ...

But what sort off wax wold be best to melt and pour? and what sort of wick? anyone help ... got jars and decorating stuff ...

[rjt88]

Can't help either I'm afraid, but I've been thinking of making candles in old Lyle's Treacle tins, which I think would look oddly nice for Christmas. No? Just me?

[Silver Ether]

oooh I like that idea too

Thanks Susie Gee.... I will give the thread a wee while and if no joy then I will PM ...thanks

[welshmum]

I have done this before. Theres a cande making supply website that will advise you what wax type is bet but you need a container wax that has different levels of paraffin in the wax (i think). The wick should be chosen based on the width of the jar to ensure even burn rate.

http://www.4candles.co.uk/wax/paraffin_wax.html

[MuddyWitch]

I too, love the Lyon's tins, but wouldn't they get hot when the candle is alight?

MW

[chilitony]

on tribute to the good life this week they made tallow candles in jars from melted beef fat from the butchers.
smell like beef when lit

[Big Al]

Here I am,,,

You are looking for container wax and probably CD wicks. For the best look for Sassol wax 6213 and CD 12 wicks.

It all depends on the diamiter of the jar which wick to use and this brand of wick burns this wax well. I think there is a candle 101 on here written by me so do a search on my posts and there should be some help there. If not pm me or post here and i'll help where i ccan. I have the wicks here in the house but not much wax, if any but I can look at the weekend if you need help.

I know british wax and eggars sold sassol wax but that was when I was buying and moving 3 tonne a week, no wonder my back has gone, lol.

I'd add a word of caution on useing glass jam jars as these might explode if the flame hits the glass. Glass jars, although they are used at high sterilising temperitures are not always safe when the temperiture of the flame exceeds 400 deg C so be careful.

If you are looking for colour try and get riglo chips.
http://www.bselfsufficient.co.uk/CandleMaking.htm

[Big Al]

I think that's a very good use for an old treacle tin. I always want to save them - there's something lovely about them IMO but I never know what to use them for

Make sure they are sealed at the bottom as if they have pressed bottoms or side seams the wax could leak out.

[Big Al]

I too, love the Lyon's tins, but wouldn't they get hot when the candle is alight?

MW

Yup ! That's why you will ( or should) see a candle burning label on all candles warning you. A candle flame will burn in excess of 400 deg C in the right conditions. Also candles will light spontatiously if you leave them in a summer sun.

[contadina]

I love these beeswax candles made using soft drink cans and yoghurt pots http://normsbeesnaturally.blogspot.com/ ... ndles.html

[Susie]

I'd add a word of caution on useing glass jam jars as these might explode if the flame hits the glass. Glass jars, although they are used at high sterilising temperitures are not always safe when the temperiture of the flame exceeds 400 deg C so be careful.

I keep seeing tutorials everywhere for candles in china tea cups and I always worried it would make the tea cups explode. It would, wouldn't it?

[theabsinthefairy]

I have made a few china cup candles and not had one explode yet.

Be sure to always have your candle container on something like a cork mat to withstand the temperatures and not scar wooden furniture, particularly if using something like treacle tins because they get very hot on the outside and you cannot then move them. Also if using something like a tin be aware that the was remains molten for longer even if it looks like a skin has formed on top, so if you do move them you do not splash the hot was on yourself (yes been there and done that and it hurt - in fact - I think that was a golden syrup tin!)

I tend to use old candles that I can buy cheaply at car boot sales, and melt them down rather than buy new wax (for financial reasons) and you can use a bit of wax crayon to colour the wax, just cut a bit off and let it melt down with the candle wax, then a bit of new wick suspended from a pencil or something across the top of the teacup or jar with a drop of wax on the bottom to hold the wick straight while you fill around it.

I never use large glass jars, anything over 100ml, because of the risk of heat/flame causing it to explode. I find the smaller ones don't burn long enough to create that heat build up.

You can get yoghurt here in France in little glass jars (probably available in the UK too) and these are perfect size and thickness of glass to make tealights in, and look lovely in the summer evenings outside.

[MKG]

I may be being thick, but isn't a candle in a tin a bit counter-productive? After it burns down a bit, you wouldn't be able to see the flame.

Mike

[Big Al]

I may be being thick, but isn't a candle in a tin a bit counter-productive? After it burns down a bit, you wouldn't be able to see the flame.

Mike

Not thick at all. The aim is to have a scented candle in a tin.

Actually the best glasses to make candles in are the 4 for 99p out of asda.

Ok I'll tell you how I used to test the glassware I was to use but DO NOT COPY ME

I would get A glass and make the candle so it was half full light the wick. I would then lay the glass over to one side at about 45 Deg so that the flame will hit the glass. Cover this with a dustbin or large metal container and leave it alone outside.

I would go back after say 12 hours and move the metal bin or container and see what was there. Sometimes the glass would be shattered and others not. That's how I found out that jam jars are no good....

As I say don't copy it in case the elf and safety gadgies get on the site.