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Hand Dipped Candles
© 1996 by Raymond Buckland In this method, a length of wick is repeatedly dipped into hot wax until there is sufficient build-up to make a candle. Obtain a metal can greater in length than the candle you are going to make. (A three-pound coffee can is good for rendering a candle up to six and one-half inches in length.) Melt wax in the can until it is as full as the length of candle you require, plus about one inch.
The smaller size plaited wicks, such as fifteen ply, are best for making taper candles. Cut the wick to suitable length and fasten a small nut or heavy washer to the end to keep it straight. To make two or three candles at once, you can make a line of these wicks on a dowel (HINT: Notching the dowel will help keep the wicks in place). If the dip time is too short, and the wax temperature is too low, you'll get a lumpy surface and poor adhesion. Conversely. if the temperature is too high, and the dip time too long. you'll get thinner layers, and it will take a longer time than necessary. Also, if you hold wick in the wax too long, you'll start to melt the hardened wax from the previous dips. Best conditions: 130°F melting-point wax brought to a temperature of 160°F, dipping for 3-5 seconds with 2-3 minutes between dips. The outside air temperature should be about 75°F for cooling Keep an eye on the amount of wax in the can, and have more ready at the right temperature, so that you can top off the can as the level drops. The steps to making really good dipped candle are as follows: 1. Dip the wick into the wax and hold it for about three minutes the first time. This will remove air and moisture .
2. Bring it out and, as it cools, smooth it between your fingers, getting rid of any rough, bubbly areas. One way to de this is to roll it on a warm sheet of glass.
3. Dip again, but only up to one-quarter of its length. Hold for 3-5 seconds. Withdraw for 3 minutes.
4. Dip up to half of its length, for 3-5 seconds. Withdraw for 3 minutes.
5. Dip up to three-quarters of its length for 3-5 seconds. Withdraw for 3 minutes.
6. Dip fully and withdraw.
7. Dip to one-third of its length and withdraw.
8. Dip to two-thirds of its length and withdraw. 9. Dip fully and withdraw.
10. Continue fully dipping and withdrawing until you reach desired diameter. from the Book Advanced Candle Magick by Raymond Buckland
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