Pillar candles are a favorite with crafters, and for good reason! They’re versatile, beautiful, and add a touch of timeless elegance to any space. But, we all know getting them just right takes practice. If you’ve ever struggled with wicking or pouring, don’t worry – we’ve got you covered! 

This guide will walk you through two tried-and-true methods for crafting perfect pillar candles using both paraffin and soy wax.

 

Ready to create something amazing? Let’s get started!

What You’ll Need

Here’s a complete list of the tools and supplies I used:

Essential Supplies

• Molds:
• 4” metal mold (durable and reusable)
• 2.5” silicone mold (flexible and beginner-friendly)
• Wax:
• Paraffin pillar wax (IGI 4625): Ideal for a shiny, smooth finish
• Soy pillar wax (Freedom Pillar): Perfect for an easy, one-pour process
• Wicks:
• #2 cotton braid wicks (unprimed, for soy)
• Pre-primed zinc wicks (for paraffin or tricky setups)
• Fragrance Oil: Roasted Espresso—our bestselling coffee fragrance that adds a warm, cozy feel
• Tools:
• Wick clips and wick pins
• Pour pot (for mixing and pouring wax)
• Heat gun or hairdryer (for touch-ups)
• A knife and a hammer (trust me—you’ll need these for breaking paraffin)

Breaking Up Paraffin Wax Without Stress

Paraffin wax often comes in large, hard slabs, and breaking it into smaller pieces can feel like a workout. Here’s the easiest way to do it:

1. Score the Wax: Use a sharp knife to make lines where you want the wax to break.
2. Prop It Up: Place the wax slab on something sturdy like a thick book or step.
3. Smash It: Grab a hammer and hit along the scored lines.

It won’t always break perfectly, but the score marks help guide the breaks. You just need manageable pieces small enough to fit into your wax melter.

Wicking Your Mold

Proper wicking is essential for an even burn. The method you use depends on the type of mold.

Silicone Molds: Wick Before Pouring

Silicone molds are flexible and easy to work with, but you need to add the wick before pouring the wax. Here’s how:

1. Measure and cut your wick to the right length.
2. Tie a knot at the bottom of the wick. This knot helps block the hole so wax doesn’t leak.
3. Use a wick pin to push the wick through the mold hole.
4. Pull the wick through gently until the knot sits snugly at the bottom.
5. Use a wick clip at the top to hold the wick centred and taut.

This setup keeps the wick in place and prevents wax leaks while pouring.

Metal Molds: Wick After Setting

For metal molds, you wick after the wax has set.

1. Seal the wick hole at the bottom of the mold using a magnet, tape, or putty. This keeps the wax from leaking during the pour.
2. Pour the wax and let it fully set.
3. Once the wax cools, use a wick pin to push the wick through the hole.

Metal molds are durable and reusable, but sealing the bottom is key to a mess-free pour.

Pouring Paraffin Wax: The Two-Pour Method

Paraffin wax contracts as it cools, which creates a sinkhole in the center. Here's how to avoid it with the two-pour method:

• First Pour:

1. Melt your wax to 175–185°F (always check your wax’s recommended guidelines)
2. Add your favorite fragrance oil (we love Roasted Espresso!) and mix thoroughly.
3. Pour the hot wax into your prepared mold, making sure to save some back!
4. Let the candle cool completely.
5. Wait for the Sinkhole: Let the candle cool completely. You’ll notice a dip in the centre, especially around the wick.

• Second Pour:

1. Re-melt the leftover wax, being careful not to overheat it.
2. Slowly pour the wax into the sinkhole to level the surface.

Why Pour Hot? Pouring hot wax leads to a smooth, shiny finish. For a more matte look, let the wax cool slightly before pouring.

Pouring Soy Wax: Simple and Easy

Soy wax is more forgiving because it doesn’t contract as much as paraffin, so you only need one pour.

1. Melt the wax to around 170–180°F.
2. Add your fragrance oil and mix well. For most soy wax, a 6% fragrance load works perfectly.
3. Pour the wax hot into the mold.

If you notice a slight dip around the wick after cooling, a quick pass with a heat gun or hairdryer will smooth it right out.

Remember: The bottom of the mold will become the top of your candle, so don’t worry about minor imperfections.

Final Results

Here's what you can expect:

• Paraffin Candle: Smooth, shiny, and perfectly polished after two pours.
• Soy Candle: Beautiful, clean, and smooth after just one pour.

Both methods work wonderfully, and your choice depends on your mold and wax.

Ready to Make Your Own Pillar Candles?

Now that you've got the step-by-step process, it's time to try it for yourself! Whether you prefer paraffin or soy, metal or silicone, these tips will help you create candles you'll love.

Need to stock up on supplies? Village Craft & Candle has all the wicks, waxes, fragrances, and tools you need.

For a more detailed, visual guide, watch our full tutorial on the Village Craft & Candle YouTube channel: Learn How to Wick Your Pillar Candle with Ease

Happy crafting!