Pillar candles can be fantastic statement pieces and gifts. However, unlike container candles, they are not designed to burn a full diameter. Instead, they are designed to leave a small tunnel around the outside of the candle, which then burns down as the candle is used. Pillar candles also have a much longer burn time than other types of candles and they can also be a unique selling point for your candle business! Another benefit of pillar candles is that the moulds can be re-used many times - meaning they are both environmentally friendly and more cost effective!
This guide will make one 75 x 100mm pillar candle. This candle will have a burn time of over 120 hours! We have a total of 9 different sized pillar moulds so if you’d like to make an alternative size, please contact our team for further candle making advice.
What you’ll need:
1 x Double Pan Set (to melt your wax)
1 x Thermometer
1 x Blue Wick Pin
1 x 75x100mm Pillar Mould
WickWell P2 Candle Wick (for this diameter, we recommend testing P2-74)
40ml Escentscia US Style Fragrance Oil (Optional)
400g Chandler Grey Pro Pillar Wax
4g Inpex Deep Dye (Optional)
Method:
1) Prepare your wick & mould:
Prime your raw wick by dipping it in wax (or just use a waxed wick), then insert the wick pin into the wick at one end. Put the wick into the mould and out through the hole in the bottom. Cut the wick so there is around 2cm left protruding out of the hole. Then keep the wick taught while you place a piece of blu-tack over the wick, it can be a very good idea to then place a second piece of blu-tack over the first. Leave at least 15 minutes from doing this and pouring the wax to give the blu-tack time to harden. Failure to get a good contact will result in the melted wax leaking from the mould.
2) Melt the wax:
Add the Chandler Grey Pro Pillar wax and dye (if you are using it) to your double pan set. Gently heat the wax in a Bain-marie style method until the wax reaches 80C. Once the wax is at 80C, remove from the heat, add your fragrance oil (if you are making scented pillar candles,) and stir well. 3) First Pour
Now, pour your candle wax into your prepared mould in one smooth pour. You will need to fill the mould within a few millimetres to the top. It is important to note at this stage that not all of your melted wax will initially fit into the mould. This is completely normal and will be used in your later pours. Once you have poured, leave your candle to cool at room temperature.
4) Second pour
After cooling for around three hours, your candle should be ready for the second pour. You will be able to now see a very visible dip in the centre of your candle. Heat your left-over wax to 85C. Once at this temperature, pour into the mould within a few millimetres of the top of the first pour.
5) Keying the pours
When the second pour is just beginning to harden (still soft but no liquid wax left – this takes approximately 10 minutes) use a pin, rod, or pencil and push it into the second pour at a 45° angle. Do not force the pin in but try to get the pin into the first pour as well. This will key the first and second pours together and leave a hole for the third pour to attach to. Now, leave the candle to set for around 10 minutes.
6) Final Pour
Heat the last of your candle wax to 85C and pour into the mould until level with the first pour and leave your candle to set overnight.
7) Remove Candle
After leaving your candle overnight, remove the wick pin and unpeel the blu-tack from the bottom of the mould. The candle should now easily slide out of the mould. Our candle moulds are designed so that the bottom of the mould – which has the wick hole – is the top of the candle. Finally, trim your wick!
FAQ’S:
Q: When will my candle be ready for burning?
We recommend leaving your candle to cure for a minimum of 24 hours, from your third pour, before you light your candle.
Q: Why do I need to do three pours?
Pillar wax is designed to shrink and contract as it cools. This is to ensure that your candle releases from the mould. However, this also means that your candle will dip in the centre as it cools. After three pours, you should have a flat surface.
Q: Can I use less fragrance?
A: Yes. We have created this recipe based on a 10% fragrance oil load which, when using Escentscia and Escentscia US Style fragrance oils, will create a powerful fragrance throw. However, you may wish to use in between 4-10% fragrance oil depending on your personal preference.
Q: Do I need to use a mould release spray?
A: No. If left a sufficient amount of time, your candle should easily slide out of the mould. If you are having difficulty getting your candle out of the mould, try leaving your candle to set for a little longer. Alternatively, try placing the mould into a refrigerator or freezer for around 10 minutes.
Q: Will blu-tack prevent all leaking from the wick hole in the bottom of the mould?
A: If you have got good contact with the mould, leaking should be prevented. However, many of our customers do also take other steps to prevent leakage including using a small amount of duct tape to reinforce the blu-tack. Some customers also choose to pour their first pour in a tray to prevent mess in their kitchen/workshop in the event of leakage; this is personal preference.
Q: Can I leave my candle longer between pours?
A: Yes, some of our customers choose to leave their candles longer between pours. However, it is important to ensure that you do not leave the candle to set too long before keying the pours. This is as once the wax hardens it will be more difficult to key the pours together and increases the risk of the candle cracking.
Comments