Continue reading to learn more about the supplies you need and steps you can take to safely paint your candles.<\/p>\n\n\n
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<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nCandle Painting Supplies & Overview<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
First, I will assume that you are preparing scent-free candles for decoration. Unscented candles<\/a> are the best option for this project because the essential oils found in scented candles might cause the paint to peel off or not stick at all in the first place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you don\u2019t already have unscented candles on hand, you may want to consider these six-inch cream-colored pillar candles<\/a>; they\u2019re also available in white<\/a> and in multiple height variations. Tapered candles<\/a> are another option and all three sets mentioned here are made with 100% cotton wicks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I would suggest ordering more than you think you will need because you might have to experiment with painting one or two candles in order to practice the process before settling on your final design.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Beyond choosing which candles you are going to use, you will need the following tools as well:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n In terms of paint, be certain to buy a good grade of non-toxic, water-based paint. Use the paintbrush that\u2019s most comfortable for you. I primarily like round paint brushes but flat brushes would also work well for a project like this, too. With a combination of brushes you can create various designs and effects. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Also, painter\u2019s tape is available in many different widths. Choosing multiple ones can also increase your decorating options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The first thing you want to do is apply some alcohol to your lint-free cloth. Next, wipe down the sides of your candle. This will remove any excess oils and lint that might prevent paint from adhering to the surface. <\/p>\n\n\n\n At this point I would suggest determining the kinds of patterns or designs you want to paint onto your candles. This is where you would choose between flexible stencils that allow you to easily paint in designs, or painter\u2019s tape<\/a> to block off areas where you don\u2019t want to add paint. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n For instance, you can wrap bands of tape in rows around the candle to paint in a horizontal striped pattern. You can also overlap tape across and down the candle between drying stages for a checkered effect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Freehand painting is also an option, of course. You can use the tip of a round brush to create a polka dot pattern, paint in simple floral patterns, or even use a small brush to write in brush calligraphy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n When deciding on a final design, consider how you want to use and display the candles and which colors would work best for the project you have in mind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Now that you\u2019re ready to paint your candles, the first step is to pour some acrylic paint onto your palette<\/strong>. Your palette can be a disposable plate, an old plastic container, foam tray, or any other flat surface that you don\u2019t mind throwing away. Acrylic paint hardens when it dries, so whatever you use will likely need to be discarded once you\u2019re done painting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A flat glass surface is also an option but you will have to scrape the paint off with a putty knife or something similar after the paint dries. You may or may not be able to restore the glass to its original state. I\u2019ve found that rubbing alcohol can help with that, though.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Now onto painting. At this point you want to add an equal amount of candle painting medium to the acrylic paint on your palette and stir them together with a plastic spoon, craft stick or something similar.<\/strong> Most craft stores carry candle painting medium, or you can buy it online. This painting medium will help the paint adhere to the candle’s waxy surface.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Once they\u2019re mixed well, use your paintbrush to apply paint to the sides of your candle freehand, with stencils, or in areas around painter\u2019s tape. Work slowly and apply even brushstrokes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re using stencils, you can wrap a stencil around the candle and then use tape to hold it in place as you paint. If you don’t have tape, just use your free hand to old it in place as you paint. Try to keep it still for a clean design transfer. It might be better to apply paint with a sponge or stippling brush if you are using stencils.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Regardless of the painting method you choose, you want to be sure to paint on the outer wall of the candle. Steer away from the candle wick! By painting the sides only, it\u2019s less likely that painted areas will come in contact with the open flame once the candle is lit.<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Once you\u2019ve painted your first coat, you want to let it dry completely before adding another layer of paint. I find that placing the wet candle in a candle holder works well for me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Multiple layers of paint are optional and based solely on your preference. If you plan to apply only one coat of paint, still wait for it to dry before removing stencils or painter\u2019s tape. Plan to hold your stencils in place by hand? Wait at least a few seconds for the paint to adhere some before pulling the stencil up. <\/p>\n\n\n\n After a few hours the paint is usually completely dry.<\/strong> You can test this by lightly touching it. Completely dry paint will feel smooth but if it\u2019s not quite dry, it\u2019ll feel sticky. If it’s tacky, then wait a little longer – about 30 minutes to an hour.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Once dry, slowly remove any tape you might have used.<\/strong> Pull back slowly in the opposite direction, not on an angle. The same is true for the tape used to hold down stencils. You would also want to slowly remove the stencil by lifting up in the opposite direction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When adding multiple layers of paint or decorative elements, it might be a good idea to finish off your painted candle with a water-based sealant, like Mod Podge<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
Step One: Preparing The Candle Surface<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Step Two: Prepping Your Paint<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Step Three: Decorating the Candle<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Step Four: Post-Decoration<\/h3>\n\n\n\n