Candle Burning Safety

Candles look beautiful no doubt but since they burn they are a fire hazard too . Some safety measures have to be followed to avoid accidents-

1 Never leave a burning candle unattended.

2 Keep the burning candle out of reach of children and pets.

3 Always burn candles on a fire and heat resistant surface.

4 Keep burning candles away from drafts , curtains and decorations.

5 Keep wicks trimmed to 1/4inches for a good flame.

6 Never burn a candle down , always extinguish it when an inch is left.

7 Extinguish the flame properly after using the candle.

Candle making Material

Many people get confused when candle makers talk about molds, wicks and other candlemaking stuff. Even if one joins joins classes for the same , a list is handed to the learner who finds it difficult to select the material from the market.

The picture shows different types of molds for pillar candles, star candles and floating candles. Wick is the soul of a candle and is made of chemically prepared cotton thread.

Stearic acid is essential to make a candle for various reasons it is white and granular in form .

Candle colors are specially made which dissolve in melting wax and do not leave a residue.

Aromas are available in different fragrances and are specially made for candles. Do not ever use alcohol based scents for candles or the result would be disasterous.

Candle making instructions

It is easy to make candles , here is the procedure-

MATERIALS REQUIRED

1 Paraffin wax
2 Stearic acid
3 Wax colors
4 Aromas
5 Wick
6 Molds
7 Thermometer for candle making, candy thermometer will work fine.
8 Old aluminium pots and pans , rag cloth, old newspapers.
CAUTION
Wax is highly inflammable and kids should NOT be allowed to make candles.Do not leave melting wax unattended on the gas or stove.

METHOD
Spread old newspaper on the work area, melt a chunk of wax in the old pot (75-80 degrees c) using the double boiler method, ie, not directly on the gas . Add a small pinch of steric acid (like salt) and dip a long piece of wick in it and hang to dry.
Add the desired wax color . Prepare the mold by greasing it with veg oil, pass the wick through the hole in the mold , tie a knot at the bottom. Seal it with dough or plasticine or wax sealant.
Do not overheat the wax , or it will ignite. Pour it carefully in the mold , hold the wick taunt . Roll the wick on a stick or a pencil and centre it. Place a heavy object to prevent it from becoming loose.
After a few hours the candle will start setting , make relief holes and refill with the leftover wax as wax shrinks and contracts.
The bigger the candle , the number of repours increases .

Patience is required and after at 6/8 hours the candle can be unmolded. Untie the knot , pull out the candle gently. It can be decorated to make it look prettier .