The very first candles made in history were dipped candles. Called “rush lights” they were reeds dipped into fat and burned. Later, natural fibers were woven together and dipped into beef tallow or beeswax. I remember, in kindergarten, dipping pieces of string into a coffee can full of grocery store wax colored with crayons. Making dipped candles is not much different than those kindergarten days.
To make dipped taper candles, you’ll need:
- A medium melting point wax – like a votive/pillar blend, or just straight paraffin. (You can also use beeswax.)
- Several lengths of candle wick – I’m using 24 ply flat braided wick. Flat braided wick works well for dipped paraffin candles. You’ll want to use a heavier square braided wick for beeswax.
- Candle colorant, if desired
- Candle fragrance, if desired
- A deep melting pot or dipping can to dip the candles into
- A rack of some sort to let the candles cool in between dips
- Wire hanger assemblies to hold the wicks/candles
- Lots of newspaper and paper towels
