Basic Pillar Candles

Molded pillar candles come in an endless range of shapes and sizes. They are also quite easy to make once you've learned the basic techniques and there are molds available to suit every taste. . If you follow the instructions below, your candle making experience should be fun and successful. Remember, don’t worry about making the perfect candle. Experiment and enjoy the process of making your own unique candle creations.

Supply List

  • Pre-blended Pillar Candle Wax or Paraffin Wax With Additives
  • Fragrance Oil
  • Candle Dye Block
  • Mold Sealant
  • Wick
  • Silicone Mold Release or Cooking Spray (if desired)

Equipment

  • Pillar Mold
  • Double Boiler
  • Thermometer
  • Wick Rod

Instructions

  1. Before beginning, cover your entire work surface with newspaper. Candle making can be messy and this step will make cleanup easy.
  2. Place the desired about of wax in the double boiler. Heat wax according to manufacture's instructions. Paraffin wax will generally need to be heated to about 180-185. ALWAYS USE A THERMOMETER WHEN MELTING WAX AND NEVER LEAVE YOUR HEATED WAX UNATTENDED.
  3. While your wax is melting, you can prepare your mold. Insert the wick into the hole on bottom of the mold from the underside of the mold. Thread it through the mold till you can pull it through from the top. Tie the wick to the wick rod which will lie across the opening of the mold. Pull the wick tight from the bottom of the mold and cut it about an inch away from the bottom. Secure the wick with a piece of the mold sealant. Be sure to seal the hole well so that the wax doesn’t leak out of the mold.
  4. When your wax has reached 180 degrees (or the manufacturer's recommended pouring temperature), add shavings of your dye block until you reach your desired color. Stir thoroughly.
  5. Remove the wax from heat and add your fragrance. In general, you will need to add about 1 oz per pound of wax, but this is purely to your own taste. Stir thoroughly.
  6. Next, slowly pour your candle wax into your mold. Save about 25% of the wax to do a re-pour.
  7. Allow your wax to begin to cool. When the surface of the pillar has solidified, poke holes into the surface so that you don’t get any air pockets.
  8. When the pillar has mostly solidified, you will notice a well in your candle around the wick. It is now time to do the re-pour. In general, you will need to reheat paraffin wax to about 185 degrees but again, follow your manufacturer's instructions. Carefully fill the well making sure to not pour the wax above the original pour line.
  9. Allow your candle to cool completely and you’re finished!