Whipped wax is an easy way to make any candle look unique. Although it takes a bit of practice to get a feel for the process, you’ll be applying whipped wax to candles in no time! Whipped wax is a good candle making project for adding creativity to finished products. Common uses for whipped wax are to make snowball candles, cupcake candles, grubby candles, grubby cut-out candles, dessert container candles, and dessert tarts. Take the time to practice – you can use the same wax over and over by simply remelting it and beginning again. You’ll be an expert in no time and looking for ways to use whipped wax!
Materials Needed:Votive or Pillar candle wax (ideally one of the following 3:)
Ky 133 Versatile Paraffin Wax BlendKy 143 Paraffin Pillar WaxKy Para-Soy Tart & Votive BlendDigital ScaleFragrance Oil (optional)
Candle Colorant (optional)
Pour PitcherThermometerPresto Pot or double boiler to melt candle wax
Metal spoon for stirring
Metal fork or small wire whisk for whipping
Safety gogglesApron to protect clothing
Wax paper, old newspapers, or aluminum foil
How to Make Whipped Wax
Step 1
Cover counter with wax paper, old newspapers or aluminum foil to make clean up easier. Melt the wax with the chosen method, IE: presto pot, double boiler. Make sure to follow the wax manufacturer’s melting and pouring guidelines for correct temperatures.
For this tutorial, KY 143 Paraffin Pillar Wax is being used so it will need to be heated to approx 180°F per the manufacturer guidelines. Use the thermometer to correctly monitor the temperature.
Step 2
Set the pour pot on the digital scale and tare. Transfer needed amount of wax to pour pot — in this tutorial 8oz of wax will be used. Transfer 8 oz of wax, and add .64 oz of candle Fragrance Oil, if desired. Stir well (approx 2 min). Then add Rustic Escentuals liquid candle dye** (if desired) and stir until dye is totally incorporated into the wax and the desired color is achieved.
Step 3
Let the wax begin to cool in the pour pot. When the wax begins to set up along the sides of the pour pot and has a film on the top, begin whipping the wax with either a metal fork or small wire whisk. Make sure to periodically scrape the wax from the sides of the pour pot. Quickness helps here because the wax will begin to cool and harden fairly quickly. If the wax gets too hard, place the pour pot in a double boiler for a few minutes to soften some of the wax down and start whipping again. You can also use a heat gun to liquefy the top of the wax in the pour pot, and then stir to incorporate.
Step 4
Once the wax has the consistency of a thick whipped cream, it is ready to use.
Tip: Whipped wax is commonly used to look like whipped cream, in which case it would be scented with some sort of Vanilla fragrance oil. Vanilla fragrance oils use an ingredient called vanillin, which naturally darkens over time. Use any vanilla scented fragrance oil sparingly — the whipped wax does not need to be strongly scented and you don’t want it to discolor over time.
SOME SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
- Cover counter with wax paper, old newspapers or aluminum foil to make clean up easier.
- Be sure to wear safety goggles for eye protection. You do not want to be splashed in the eye with hot wax! Remember with wax – safety first.
- Waxes used in making candles are very similar to cooking oils – they are flammable and they are poured at high temperatures, but with certain precautions, accidents may be avoided. NEVER HEAT WAX ABOVE 210°F.
- For safety, wax should be melted in a double boiler. Wax should NEVER be heated directly over an open flame or burner. Direct heating can cause wax to explode and result in serious injury.
- Use of a thermometer is advised to ensure proper wax pouring temperature.
- Never leave hot wax unattended. Keep children and pets away from the area where wax is being melted and poured.
- Never pour water in a wax fire. Water will cause the fire to spread. To extinguish a fire in a pan, cover the pan with its lid. Use a dry chemical fire extinguisher.
- Never pour melted wax into the sink or other drains.
Tips for Making Whipped Candle Wax
Creating whipped candle wax adds a delightful aesthetic to your candles, making them look like they are topped with whipped cream. Here are some tips to help you achieve the perfect whipped candle wax:
Consistency Check: If the whipped wax is too soft and doesn’t hold its shape, let it cool slightly more and continue whipping. Conversely, if it starts to harden, gently reheat it and whip again to achieve the desired consistency.
Use a Spatula: To ensure all the wax is evenly whipped, use a spatula to scrape the sides of the mixing bowl frequently. This helps incorporate any unmixed wax into the whipped mixture.
Layering: For a more decorative look, consider layering different colors of whipped wax. Whip one color, pipe it onto the candle, let it set, and then repeat with another color.
FAQs about Making Whipped Candle Wax
Can I re-melt and re-whip wax if I don’t like the initial results?
Yes, you can re-melt and re-whip the wax if you’re not satisfied with the initial results. Gently heat the wax until it is fully melted, let it cool to the appropriate temperature, and whip again until you achieve the desired texture.
What should I do if my whipped wax starts to harden too quickly?
If the whipped wax starts to harden too quickly, gently reheat it to soften it up. Place the mixing bowl in a warm water bath or use short bursts in the microwave. Be careful not to overheat it, as this can affect the whipped texture.
How can I create different textures in whipped candle wax?
To create different textures, vary the whipping time and temperature. Whipping the wax at a slightly higher temperature will produce a softer, creamier texture, while cooler temperatures and longer whipping times will result in stiffer peaks. Experiment to find the texture that works best for your designs.
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