How to Make Multi Colored Candles (Ombre Candles)
Melt and mix two different colors of natural wax to make ombre candles. These candles are poured in three layers, with the middle layer being a mix of the other two. Choose fragrances and colors that will mix well, such as pink and blue or yellow and blue. Makes one candle but can be scaled up to make multiple at a time. The pouring temperature is specific to Golden Wax 444.
Servings 1 candle
Cost $15
Equipment
- 2 small stainless steel pans
- 2 medium stainless steel pans
- 2 small glass containers
- 1 set of wooden chopsticks unbroken
- wood skewers (for stirring) for stirring
Ingredients
- 10.5 oz soy wax 300 g / Golden Wax 444
- wax color chips two colors
- 0.55 oz candle fragrance oil 16 g / optional
- 0.55 oz second candle fragrance oil 16 g / optional
- 1 glass jar pint-sized
- mounting putty
- unwaxed natural wick suitable for soy wax
- 1 wick sustainer
- string and label to decorate optional
Instructions
Prep Work
- Measure 5.25 oz (150 g) soy wax into each of two small stainless steel pans. Add a chip of wax color* to each that's about 3/4 the size of your thumbnail (or smaller).
- Cut the wick so that it's long enough to fit the entire jar height and then an extra inch. Fit the metal sustainer on the bottom and clamp it using a pair of pliers.
- Measure the fragrance into two glass containers using the kitchen scale. I use little ramekins.
Melt the Soy Wax
- Melt the two pans of wax using the double boiler method. Float each pan in a larger pan filled with simmering water.
- While the wax is melting, drop the wick into one of the pans of melted wax. Leave it to soak for a few minutes, then fish it out, straighten it, and allow it to dry on grease-proof paper.
- When the wax is fully melted, remove the pans from the heat and let cool on pot holders. Turn off the stove, but keep the pans of hot water in place to heat and use again.
Add the Fragrance
- Cool the wax to 150°F (65°C), then mix in the fragrance oil. Pour one type into one pot of wax and the other into the second pot. Mix well with wooden skewers and allow to cool to 140°F (60°C).
Assemble the Candle Container
- Center and stick the wick into the empty jar using mounting putty or a specialty candle glue tab. It goes on the bottom of the sustainer and will adhere to the bottom of the container. Use the chopsticks to help you press it onto the bottom of the jar. Then, use the chopsticks to center the wick on top.
Pour the First Layer
- Decide which color you want for the bottom of the candle. Pour half of the wax from that pan into the jar and then allow it to cool. You can speed up the next steps by popping the candle in the fridge.
Mix the Middle Layer
- While the first layer of candle wax is cooling, create the middle layer of colored wax. Pour half of the second wax into the remainder of the first color you just poured. Mix it well - this will be the gradient change layer in the candle.
- Set both pans of wax back into the pans of hot water to keep warm. Don't turn on the heat source yet.
Pour the Second Layer
- When the first layer of candle wax has hardened to form a thin skin on its surface, gently pour the second layer. This is the mixed color you made in the previous step, and it should be reheated to 140°F (60°C) before being poured.
- Allow the second layer to cool in the same way as you did with the first. Keep the last pan of wax at the ready.
Pour the Third Layer
- When the middle layer has hardened, pour the last layer of colored wax up to 1/4" from the top of the jar. Now leave the candle untouched until it's hardened but still warm to the touch.
Blending the Layers
- The final but optional step helps create a more gradual gradient from one layer to the next. To do this, the candle needs to be slightly melted. Without this step, you may have more of a distinct line where each layer meets the next.
- Heat the oven to 200°F (100°C). Set the candle inside and leave it for 5-10 minutes or until you see the top beginning to melt.
- Turn the oven off, open the oven door, and let the candle cool to room temperature inside the oven. Leave the candle until the top is hardened enough that it won't slosh around. Then, move it to a kitchen surface to finish cooling to room temperature.
Finishing Touches
- If the surface of your candle isn't smooth, you can use a heat gun to melt the surface.
- When your candle is at room temperature, cut the wick flush with the top of the jar. A pair of scissors does the trick.
- Leave the candles for at least a day before using them. Always burn candles safely away from flammable materials such as curtains or fabric. You can also tie a pretty string and label on them to give as handmade gifts.
Notes
*Adding more than this will run the risk of the soy wax 'Frosting'. This is a kind of white haze that can appear on the surface and sides of the candle. It doesn't stop the candle from functioning but it may be an effect that you don't want.