Floating candles can warm, soothe, and even add elegance to a space. They create this romantic movement of air or generate a sophisticated ambience in an event. You can just design something unique and kind of distinctive in your space. The good news is that you can do it for yourself, and it is not that hard after all. It just takes some materials, time, and patience, and you can already be holding some handcrafted floating candles, different from the ones you find in candle stores. In this blog, we will look at how to make floating candles in no time with minimal effort.

Here’s a plain guide to get you started:

Materials You’ll Need:

Before starting with how to make floating candles, gather the following supplies:

  • Soy or paraffin wax: Soy would be the environmentally friendly option while paraffin is the original finish.
  • Candle wicks: Already pre-tabbed and cut short for moulds
  • Double boiler: A heat-safe bowl placed over a pot of simmering water will also do
  • Floating candle moulds: These are made of silicone and have a round bottom so that the candles seem to float
  • Candle dye or colour chips (optional): This gives colours to your candle
  • Fragrance oils (optional): These are scented fragrances for your candle
  • Thermometer: To check on the temperature of your wax
  • Wooden skewers or chopsticks: These hold the wick in place
  • Hot glue or wick stickers: Glue secures the wick onto the mold.

Why use floating candles?

Floating candles are just as beautiful but can be pretty versatile. These candles float in the water and can be an excellent base for making individual centrepieces or mood lighting; they can even be used inside glass bowls, vases, and pools. Paired with flowers, stones, or greenery, they make a more appealing visual scene. Moreover, the candles have a relatively long life. Their look may be conceptualised in consonance with the theme or theme of your function, in many colours, shapes, and fragrances.

How to Make Floating Candles Step-by-Step Process

1. Prepare Your Workspace

Floating candles can be a mess, so prepare your workspace carefully. Place old newspaper or parchment paper on your table or counter to catch any wax spills. Ensure that the area is well-ventilated, especially when using fragrance oils.

2. Prepare the Molds and Wicks

Now you have to choose molds with a round base; in this way, the candles can float on the water. Insert the wick at the middle of the mold using hot glue or a wick sticker; ensure that the wick is upright; and to keep the wick vertical, you may use skewers or chopsticks laid across the opening of the mold.

3. Melt the Wax

Pour your wax into a double boiler or a heat-resistant bowl over steaming water. Stir occasionally to help it melt evenly. Keep an eye on the temperature: most waxes have a melting range of 120°F to 180°F (48°C to 82°C). Use a thermometer to avoid overheating.

4. Add Color and Fragrance (Optional)

Remove it from the heat when the wax has completely melted. You can add candle dye or color chips, if you want it your candle colourful. Use a small amount-you can always add more and deepen the color if it is not light enough. For a scented candle, you will want to include several drops of fragrance oil. Mix well so color and scent will be dispersed throughout.

5. Add the Wax

Let the melted wax cool down before pouring it into the moulds. Try to get it to about 130°F to 140°F (54°C to 60°C). Pour slowly to avoid air bubbles. Fill the moulds almost to the top, leaving a little room for the wax to expand as it cools.

6. Set and Adjust

As it cools, the wax will sink a little in the centre of the candle. That’s okay. Let the candles set partially (about 20-30 minutes) before heating up a little wax to fill them to the top to create a shiny finish.

7. Unmold Candles

Let the candles cool completely; this will take a few hours. Once set, remove them from the molds carefully, or, if they are sticky, place them in the refrigerator for a few minutes to loosen the wax.

8. Floating Test

Fill a bowl or any other shallow vessel with water. Place your candles on the surface. They should float with minimal effort. Inspect its weight distribution if one does not float or even tumbles over. Sometimes, cutting the wick or remolding helps.

Personalisation Ideas

You can personalise your Floating candles for any theme or occasion using these suggestions:

  • Colours:- Pale pastels produce a soft and romantic ambience; bright colours provide a colourful theme.
  • Fragrances:- De-stress using lavender, boost your energy through citrus and get cozy using vanilla.
  • Shapes:- Rounded is just one shape; flower—and star-shaped molds are available, which will add a pop of creativity to your candle.
  • Embeds:- Dried flowers or glitter can be added to the molds before adding wax for an astounding effect.

Safety Precautions

To ensure safety and learn how to make floating candles side by side you need to keep certain things in mind:

Never leave the melting wax unattended because it can get overheated and catch fire. Monitor the temperature with a thermometer to avoid going beyond the melting point of the wax. Always use fragrance oils that are designed for candle-making, not the general kind that may cause some reaction or danger.

Set up your workstation to ventilate the workspace properly while keeping materials which may combust instantly, such as paper, cloth, or plastic, away from any heat source. Be careful in this process since a double boiler should never be left unattended.

Place the floating candles in a wide, stable container that is full of water. This will reduce the spread of fire. Avoid placing it in drafts, curtains, or anything flammable. Do not leave a burning candle when children or pets are around.

Lastly, trim wicks to about ¼ inch before lighting up for a clean even burn. Instead of blowing off the wick flames, it is best snuffed out by snuffer for the prevention of splatters of wax. So, after all these reminders, your experience in candle-making along with candle usages will have fun and at the same time risk-free.

Why Make Your Own Floating Candles?

Store-bought candles are convenient, of course, but homemade candles mean you have absolute control over design, scent, and material quality. Not to mention very fulfilling to have a unique item that you’ll be able to enjoy with your hands. Handmade candles also make great gifts, and they can be cheaper in the long term.

Care and Maintenance

After you have understood how to make floating candles, make sure to take care of your floating candles:

  • Store them in a cool, dry place and not under direct sunlight so they do not discolor or warp. 
  • Trim the wick to about ¼ inch before each use to ensure a good, clean burn with minimal soot formation. 
  • Clean the candles gently with a soft cloth removing dust and debris on them. 
  • Store the candles when cool down after use. Do not leave it outdoors exposed to too much moisture or heat because it might break down the wax. 

With this said, your candles will be in good condition and ready for repeated use.

Conclusion

You do not necessarily need a professional environment or floating candles the first time on your property. The main materials and just a wee bit of patience on top of finesse will make you able to create beautiful pieces that are sure to add icing to any cake. Whether for yourself, for a loved one, or an event, these candles are sure to add a personal touch and artistry to the atmosphere. Pack everything, and then let’s make floating candles using this guide how to make floating candles. When you can see these floating candles in water, you know it is really true.