How to make a candle out of old wax?

• Hi there, I would like to re-use some old wax from candles that burnt out and make few new candles out of it, instead of tossing it into the trash. Does anyone know how can I make a candle at home? Can I re-use this old candle wax? What do I need to make a candle? What are the steps? I am a complete beginner in this, so any advice from an experienced candle maker will be appreciated. Thank you.

• Answer:

  Before starting melt down the candles, you must remember that safety is most important. Wax is inflammable and vaporised wax is explosive. Also bear in mind that melted wax is very hot and can cause skin burns. Keep using double boiler when heating up candle, do not use microwave oven. Children should have adult supervision when making candles. You can read Safety Instructions In Candle Making. Prepare tools : Old candles that will you burn Double Boiler (Wax Melting system). Thermometer Pouring jug Mold seal Candle mold (you can make candles in a glass, or a glass jar, or container that you have already had a candle in) Paraffin wax Additive Candle Additive Acid Wick Colour block Candle fragrance oil (as you desire) Information should you know : Your old candles will probably be made of different types of wax, which will burn at different speeds, so the candles you make may burn unevenly. If you mix lots of colours together, you will probably end up with a murky brown mixture. This may suit you, but if not, try separating old candles into like colours and make new candles in batches. If you mix several scented candle bits together, the scent of your 'new' candle may not be as you expected; you may or may not like it! The wick should be straight and in the centre of the mold or container, or if you are making a wide candle with more than one wick, these need to be in the positions where you want them to be. One way to help achieve this is to tie the wick to a pencil, about in the middle of the pencil; then place the pencil horizontally across the top of the container or mold with the wick vertically down into the container; you can adjust the height of the wick until it's correct. Some wicks you buy may have a base and will stand up on their own, but you will still need to ensure they do not fall over as you pour the wax in. Procedures : Prepare tools and materials before you start. Get your containers / molds ready. Clean up your old candles before melting them; take off any paper, plastic, decorations etc that attached from the outside of candles; cut off any burnt, blackened wick. If the old candles are bigger than the double boiler, break all into pieces, these also will melt faster. You can probably remove the wick and decorative pieces from inside the candles as you break them up. If not, it does not matter as you can fish these out with a fork when the wax is melted Place your pieces of candle in the double boiler (follow any instructions supplied with these). Do not fill the pan too full, say no more than half full, as when the wax melts some will probably melt faster and could start bubbling causing the level of wax to rise in the pan. Heat the wax gently (on a very low heat) until it's melted, do not leave it unattended on the heat; fish out any bits As the temperature reached, add additives. After completely dissolved, add colour. Add the colour chips, just add a small amount, stir it and see the result. Add if it is required. Add the scent at the last to prevent denature or dissipate through too much heating. The typical usage for a strongly scented candle is 1 weighed ounce of scent to 1lb wax. Stir for about two minutes, and do not stir too vigorously, because can trap air into the wax. Pour the wax into your prepared containers or molds up to the level you require. If using a metal mold, preheat the mold before pouring the wax. Then pour the into the mold. Before the wax sets, tap the sides of the mould several times. Leave the candles to set and cool and trim the wick to the required length Note: making candles can be dangerous and you do so at your own risk; the tips above are general guides and it is recommended that you get expert guidance from appropriate books or Web sites