How To Make Beeswax Candles With Silicone Molds: Step-by-Step Guide

Are you tired of store-bought candles with harsh chemicals and high prices? Beeswax candles give off a sweet, natural honey scent and burn longer than regular candles. Making your own beeswax candles with silicone molds is easy, fun, and costs less than buying them.

Ready to create beautiful, natural candles that will light up your home?

Natural, eco-friendly beeswax candles are growing in popularity. Beeswax is non-toxic, burns longer than paraffin or soy candles, and gives a natural honey scent that purifies the air. Silicone molds are flexible, easy to use, and reusable. In this guide, you will learn how to make beeswax candles using a simple beeswax candle recipe, even if you are a beginner.

Key Takeaways

• Beeswax candles need a melting temp of 150-160°F for best results. Add 30-40 drops of essential oils per pound of wax for scent.
• Clean silicone molds with soap and water first. Use wick stickers to keep wicks centered. The wick should be cut to 1/4 inch above the wax surface.
• Let small candles cool for 30-45 minutes. Bigger ones need 60-90 minutes. Keep the room at 70-75°F while cooling.
• Square braided wicks work best for small candles up to 1-inch wide. Use zinc core wicks (51-32) for candles over 3 inches wide.
• Pour wax slowly down the mold's side to avoid bubbles. Tap the mold to release air. Fill to the top since beeswax shrinks when cool.

Essential Materials and Tools for Beeswax Candle Making

Making beeswax candles starts with the right tools in your kitchen. You'll need basic items like wax and wicks, plus some special gear to melt and pour your creations.

• Beeswax pellets or blocks
• Silicone molds (various shapes, e.g., geometric, floral)
• Candle wicks (pre-tabbed or DIY)
• Double boiler or microwave-safe container
• Thermometer (optional but recommended)
• Essential oils and natural dyes (optional)

Beeswax Selection: Blocks or Pellets

Beeswax comes in two main forms: blocks and pellets. Blocks offer better value for large batches, with sizes ranging from 1 to 22 pounds. Pure beeswax blocks need filtering through butter muslin to remove tiny bits of honey and bee parts.

The filtered wax burns bright and clean in your finished candles.

 

Pure, filtered beeswax creates the brightest, cleanest-burning candles. - Master Candlemaker

 

Pellets melt faster than blocks and don't need filtering. These tiny beads of wax come ready to use, perfect for small projects. You'll find them at craft stores or from your local beekeeper.

The next step focuses on picking the right silicone molds for your project.

Choosing Silicone Molds for Candles

Silicone molds make candle-making fun and easy. These flexible molds come in over 200 shapes and sizes, perfect for creating your own style. Most molds have special slits that help you pop out finished candles without breaking them.

The best part? You can use these molds many times to make lots of beautiful candles.

Pick molds that match your skill level and the type of candles you want to make. Small, simple shapes work great for beginners. Bigger or more detailed molds need more practice. The molds should feel thick and sturdy in your hands.

Good molds also have smooth inner walls that give your candles a nice, shiny finish. Secure your molds with rubber bands to stop any wax from leaking out during the pour.

Wick Types and Wick Stickers

The right wick makes or breaks your beeswax candle. Square braided wicks work best for small candles up to 1-inch wide. Zinc core wicks shine in bigger projects - pick a 51-32 for candles over 3 inches and a 44-24 for smaller ones.

Pre-made wicks with metal tabs save time for tealights. Each wick needs to match your candle size for a clean, even burn.

Wick stickers keep your wicks straight and centered while pouring. These small metal discs have strong adhesive that won't melt in hot wax. Press the wick firmly onto the sticker first.

Then stick the base to your mold's bottom. This stops the wick from floating up during pouring. A clothespin across the mold's top holds the wick steady and straight.

Double Boiler or Heat-Safe Container for Melting Wax

A double boiler keeps your beeswax safe while melting. You'll need two pots - a large one filled with water and a smaller one that fits inside. Put your beeswax in the top pot and heat the water to 176°F.

This method stops the wax from getting too hot or catching fire.

Glass or metal containers work great if you don't have a double boiler. Pick a heat-safe container that you can place inside a pot of water. Make sure it's clean and dry before adding your beeswax pellets or blocks.

Keep the water at a steady simmer until the beeswax is completely melted. Pour the melted wax at 150-160°F for best results.

Optional Additives: Essential Oils or Dyes

Essential oils bring life to plain beeswax candles. You can add 30-40 drops of your favorite scents per pound of beeswax. Lavender, vanilla, and citrus oils work great in candles. Mix these oils into your melted wax right before pouring.

The oils make your candles smell amazing without harsh chemicals.

Natural dyes can give your candles pretty colors. Coconut oil helps the wax melt better and stops cracks from forming. Start with one tablespoon of coconut oil per pound of beeswax.

Shea butter or cocoa butter also work well as additives. These natural ingredients make your candles burn slower and look smoother. Just don't add too much oil - it might make your candle too soft.

Prepare the Silicone Molds for Wax

Clean silicone molds make perfect candles every time. Your molds need special care to create smooth, flawless beeswax candles.

• Wash each mold with warm, soapy water to remove dust and oils
• Dry the molds fully with a lint-free cloth
• Check molds for any cracks or damage
• Cut small slits in the sides of deeper molds for easy candle removal
• Spray a light coat of mold release on the inside surface
• Place rubber bands around the outside of each mold for support
• Stand molds on a flat, heat-safe surface
• Line up molds so they stay level during pouring
• Test mold stability by gently pushing each side
• Place a catch tray under molds to collect any spills

Now let's move on to setting the wick, which needs careful placement for an even burn. Watch this video for guidance.

Set the Wick Correctly

Setting your wick right makes or breaks your beeswax candle. A perfect wick placement leads to an even burn and longer-lasting candles.

• Thread your wick through a large tapestry needle for easy placement in the mold
• Place a wick sticker at the bottom center of your silicone mold
• Press the wick firmly onto the sticker to create a strong bond
• Cut your wick about 2 inches longer than your mold height
• Support the wick with a cardboard strip to keep it straight
• Secure the wick with a popsicle stick laid across the top of the mold
• Check that your wick stands perfectly straight in the center
• Tighten the wick if you spot any slack - it must be drum-tight
• Double-check the wick size matches your candle width
• Test the wick position by looking down from the top of the mold

Now that your wick sits perfectly in place, it is time to melt the beeswax properly.

Melt the Beeswax Properly

Now that your wick sits firmly in place, it's time to melt your beeswax. The key to perfect candles lies in getting the right melting temperature. Here's how to melt beeswax safely and correctly:

1. Place your beeswax in a double boiler or heat-safe container above water.
2. Heat the water to a gentle simmer, not a rolling boil.
3. Watch the temperature with a candy thermometer - aim for 150-160°F.
4. Stir the wax gently as it melts to avoid hot spots.
5. Keep the heat steady and avoid going above 175°F.
6. Remove any dirt or debris that floats to the top with a spoon.
7. Turn off the heat once all wax has melted completely.
8. Test the temperature before pouring - 150°F works best.
9. Keep a fire extinguisher nearby as melted beeswax can catch fire.
10. Never leave melting wax alone on the stove.
11. Use oven mitts to handle hot containers.
12. Clean your tools right away with paper towels while the wax is hot.
13. Save leftover wax in a clean container for future use.
14. Pour any unused wax into molds rather than down the drain.
15. Let your melting pot cool fully before washing it.

Add Fragrances or Dyes to the Wax

Making scented beeswax candles adds a special touch to your craft. Your melted wax needs to reach the right temp before adding any extras.

• Pour essential oils into your wax at 185°F (85°C) to keep the scent strong
• Mix in 30-40 drops of essential oil per pound of beeswax for the best smell
• Stir the wax and oil mix gently for 30 seconds with a metal spoon
• Add natural dye chips one at a time until you get the color you want
• Test the color on a white paper towel before pouring into molds
• Keep the wax temp steady while mixing in oils or dyes
• Use coconut oil to help the scent last longer in your candles
• Pick oils that work well with beeswax like lavender, pine, or citrus
• Stay away from synthetic dyes that might clog your wick
• Mix everything well but don't stir too fast to avoid bubbles

Pour the Beeswax into the Molds

Now that your beeswax has the perfect scent and color, it's time to pour it into your candle molds. The pouring step needs care and focus to make great candles that look good and burn well.

• Heat your silicone molds with a hair dryer for 2 minutes to help the wax flow better
• Keep your wicks straight and centered using a pencil or chopstick across the top
• Pour the melted wax slowly down the side of the mold to stop air bubbles
• Fill each mold to the top rim since beeswax shrinks as it cools
• Tap the mold gently on your work surface to release trapped air bubbles
• Add more hot wax after 30 minutes if you see any dips or holes form
• Check that your wicks stay centered while the wax is still liquid
• Keep your workspace at room temp (70-75°F) during the pour
• Put a catch tray under your molds to catch any spills
• Save leftover wax in a clean container for your next candle project
• Keep kids and pets away from hot wax during the pour
• Watch for any leaks around the wick base as you pour
• Let the molds sit undisturbed until the wax turns solid

Cool and Set the Beeswax Candle

Cooling your beeswax candle needs patience and the right timing. Your candle's quality depends on how well you let it set.

• Place your filled molds on a flat, room-temperature surface away from drafts or heat sources
• Keep the room at 70-75°F for the best setting results
• Leave tealight candles untouched for 30-45 minutes to harden fully
• Allow larger candles to cool for 60-90 minutes until solid
• Check if the wax has turned from clear to opaque - this shows it's ready
• Tap the bottom of the mold gently to test if the candle has set
• Look for any cracks or holes in the surface as it cools
• Fix small holes by heating the spot with a heat gun
• Stop all movement of the molds during cooling to avoid cracks
• Watch for the edges pulling away from the mold - a sign of proper cooling
• Test the center with a toothpick after an hour - it should come out clean
• Keep pets and kids away from cooling candles

Remove the Candle from the Mold

Taking out beeswax candles from silicone molds needs care and the right timing. Perfect timing makes your candles pop out clean and whole.

• Let the candle cool fully in the mold for at least 4 hours at room temp.
• Gently press the sides of the mold with your fingers to break the seal.
• Push up from the bottom of the mold in small spots to loosen the candle.
• Look for mold slits and pull them apart slowly to free the candle.
• Place the mold face down on a flat surface and press down lightly.
• Tap the bottom of the mold softly if the candle sticks.
• Put the mold in the fridge for 10 minutes if the candle still won't budge.
• Check the candle bottom for bumps or dips after removal.
• Fix flat bottoms by pressing them on a warm pan for 3 seconds.
• Store the empty mold flat to keep its shape for next time.

Trim the Wick and Finish the Candle

Now that your candle is out of the mold, it needs a final touch. A proper wick length makes your candle burn better and last longer.

• Cut the wick to 1/4 inch above the wax surface using sharp scissors
• Place your candle on a stable holder or saucer to catch any drips
• Check the wick stands straight and centered in the wax
• Look for any rough spots on the candle surface and smooth them with your fingers
• Test the candle by lighting it in a draft-free spot
• Watch the flame for a few minutes to make sure it burns evenly
• Put out the flame if you see any black smoke
• Let the candle cool fully before moving it
• Store your finished candle in a cool, dry place away from sunlight
• Keep your candle away from kids and pets while burning
• Put a label on the bottom with the date you made it
• Clean any wax drips off the sides with a soft cloth

Conclusion

Making beeswax candles with silicone molds brings joy and beauty to your home. You'll save money while creating natural, clean-burning candles that last longer than store-bought ones.

Your handmade beeswax candles make perfect gifts for friends and family. Start your candle-making journey today with these simple steps, and watch as your skills grow with each new creation.

Troubleshooting Tips: If you see air bubbles, pour the wax slowly and tap the mold gently. Ensure the wick stays centered by using the proper wick sticker and a clothespin. If the candle shows uneven cooling or shrinkage, add extra hot wax after 30 minutes. Keeping your workspace at 70-75°F helps the wax set evenly. This simple beeswax candle recipe works well in recycled jars, mason jars, or glass jars to light your candle safely.

FAQs

1. What supplies do I need to make beeswax candles at home?

You'll need pure beeswax, silicone molds, candle wicks, and a jar for melting. A bit of coconut oil helps the candles burn better, and you can add essential oils for scent.

2. How do I melt beeswax safely?

Place the beeswax inside a glass jar, then put that jar in a pot of warm water. Never leave melting beeswax unattended as it is flammable.

3. Can I mix beeswax with other waxes?

Yes, you can mix beeswax with soy wax or add coconut oil to make softer candles. Pure beeswax candles burn longer than paraffin candles.

4. How do I prevent tunneling in my homemade beeswax candles?

Use the right size wick for your mold and let the candle burn long enough to melt all the way across the top during its first use.

5. What's the best way to secure the wick in silicone molds?

Place a canning jar ring in the center to hold the wick straight, then pour your beeswax mixture carefully around it.

6. How long should I let my beeswax candles cool?

Let your candles cool completely in a warm room for about 24 hours before removing them from the molds. This helps prevent cracks and ensures proper hardening.