How to Make a Candle Using Granulated Wax

Melt and No Melt Ways to Make Candle with Granulated Wax

No Melt Method

Here are instructions on how to make a candle using a very quick, easy, no melt method.

Granulated wax (also known as "wax crystals" or "wax art crystals") does not have to be melted in order to be used to make candles. All you need to do is to glue a wick to the bottom of a "candle safe" glass container and then spoon wax granules into the container. Bingo! You have a candle that is ready to light!

These wax granules are just a little bit larger than grains of sand. In fact, making candles using granulated wax is a lot like sand art.

Granulated wax comes already colored, or you can buy uncolored wax and color it yourself. Scented wax crystals also are available. If you are going to color or scent the wax crystals yourself, you should do so before placing them into the container. Here's how:

• Put granulated wax into a heavy duty zip lock bag and add a few drops of liquid candle dye.

  To color wax for a multi-colored candle, divide the wax into separate bags and add a different color of liquid candle dye to each bag.

• For scented candles, add 1/2 - to - one ounce of liquid fragrance per pound of granulated wax.

  Tip: One pound of finely granulated wax = approximately 4 level cups. (One level cup of granulated wax weighs slightly less than 4 ounces.)

• Seal the bag and shake it well to mix everything together so the granules are coated.

To secure the wick in the container, you can use a hot glue gun or double-sided "glue dots."

The wick should be tabbed (with a base), semi-rigid, and pre-primed. The best wick would be a 34-40 zinc.

Melted Wax Method

• Melt the granulated wax using a double boiler and candle thermometer.

Need help figuring out how many wax granules you will need to make your candle? Read this helpful craft tip.

• When the temperature of the wax reaches 175 degrees, add the color and fragrance (one ounce each per pound of granulated wax).

• Reduce heat. When the temperature of the wax is 165 degrees, pour it into candle molds or containers.

There! Now you know two methods of how to make a candle using granulated wax.

Before making candles using a method that requires heating wax, please read these candle making safety tips.

To learn how to make candles using beeswax sheets, see Bees Wax Candles and Beeswax Taper Candles.