Hurricane Candles
By Kim Draper
Working with wax can be challenging. We all want to do our best to
create a beautiful candle. Sometimes it is easy to get caught up in
the mechanics of things we forget what should always be in the back
of our minds safety. Listed below are a few rules to follow when
working with wax.
*Work in large, well-ventilated space.
*Work in clothes you do not
mind getting wax on.
*Never leave wax unattended on any heat source.
*Wax is very flammable, each type has it own flash point, be sure
and know your wax.
One of the most unique and enjoyable candles these days is in itself
not a candle, but actually a translucent shell made of wax that
consists of a votive candle placed down in the center. When the
votive candle burns down, it can be replaced again and again. Your
hurricane shell will last for a very long time if you follow the
instructions when making it and while using it. What is fun about
hurricane candles is that you can make them any way you want, any
shape, any form.
Hurricane candles are best made though with 6 inch or more diameter
molds, square, round, rectangular or whatever. The reason for the
size is that when the votive burns if the walls of the hurricane
shell are in too close they will melt also from the heat of the
votive. But don't give up yet, there are special molds just for
hurricane candles. In spite of their name, hurricane candles should
not be used in a draft, if winds cause the flame of the votive to
splay to one side the heat will damage the inside of the shell. One
way to help this situation is to use a paraffin wax that has a higher
melting point this will increase the long life of the hurricane
candle itself.
Supplies Needed:
Paraffin Wax 156 degrees Farienheight melting point
Micro 170 or
Micro 180 Metal mold at least 6 inches in diameter or a special
hurricane mold, that can be purchased at any candle supply store.
Instructions:
Select a mold and secure the wick hole with mold sealer if necessary.
Prepare a cool water bath. Melt enough paraffin wax to completely
fill the mold you have chosen. For every 5 pounds of paraffin wax you
have used, you should add 1/2 pound of microcrystalline wax with a
melting point of 170 degrees. This will make the wax less brittle,
harder, and therefore more durable.
Melt the microcrystalline waxes in a separate container, add the
micro wax to the paraffin wax, and bring the temperature to 190
degrees F. Pour the wax into the prepared mold. Place the mold in a
cool-water bath to the depth of the entire candle.
When the wax has hardened to form a shell, slightly more than 1/4
inches thick carefully pour the still liquid wax back into the
melting pot. If the shell is less than 1/4 inch it will be to frail.
It is better to make the shell to thick, than to thin. Place the mold
on a level surface and allow to cool completely. When the wax is
hard, place the mold in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes and
carefully remove it from the mold. You are now ready to put a votive
candle and enjoy the delicate light show.
About the author
Kim Draper is a freelance writer, she writes for many healthcare
magazines, craft magazines,the Baby Corner, and also does many book
and movie reviews. She has two websites one is called The Healing
Alternative and is based on informational articles and studies on
alternative medicines and therapies. Her other website is called
CandleCrafters.com this is a great site that shows that anyone can
make candles at home. Free projects, tips, glossarys and much more. I
look forward to your visits.
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