Just as in soapmaking, you can use many techniques to accomplish different effects to the look of your candles, including a marbled effect. These next few articles will teach you how to torch, hammer, and paint three different marbling styles.
Marbling can be achieved with one or more colors, however, you’ll want to choose colors wisely as they blend and mix as you work across the candle. You can make a candle in white or you can purchase a white candle for any of the marbling methods. White makes an excellent canvas for marbling.
Torching
One very unique technique in marbling involves concentrated dyes and a blow torch. Do I have your attention? I thought ‘torch’ might catch your interest. The effect is sometimes referred to as “tie-dye” since it mimics the look of tie-dyed fabrics.
You will need:
White candle
Wax dyes (powdered or in wax discs)
Blow torch
Knife
Using the tip of the knife, collect small quantities of powdered dye and place on the candle. Powdered dyes are very concentrated, so a little goes a long way. If using disc dyes or dye blocks, shave some of the dye and place the shreds on the candle. Both powders and shavings can slip off the candle, so you’ll need to hold the candle as level as possible.
Using a blow torch set to low heat, lightly pass the flame over the dye powder or shavings. The candle will begin to melt, combining the dye with the melted wax. This melted wax dye then creates swirl of colors on the surface of the candle. Some of the colors will blend together to form new colors. Be sure not to overheat the wax or the wax will drip.
The torch will blow the melted dye wax around. Use this to your advantage, pushing the colors in the direction you want them to flow. Continue to work around all sides of the candle, adding dye and torching it to create a unique design. When you are finished, allow the candle to cool and marvel at your work of art.
Bath Alchemy by The Bonnie Bath Co.
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Marbling can be achieved with one or more colors, however, you’ll want to choose colors wisely as they blend and mix as you work across the candle. You can make a candle in white or you can purchase a white candle for any of the marbling methods. White makes an excellent canvas for marbling.
Torching
One very unique technique in marbling involves concentrated dyes and a blow torch. Do I have your attention? I thought ‘torch’ might catch your interest. The effect is sometimes referred to as “tie-dye” since it mimics the look of tie-dyed fabrics.
You will need:
White candle
Wax dyes (powdered or in wax discs)
Blow torch
Knife
Using the tip of the knife, collect small quantities of powdered dye and place on the candle. Powdered dyes are very concentrated, so a little goes a long way. If using disc dyes or dye blocks, shave some of the dye and place the shreds on the candle. Both powders and shavings can slip off the candle, so you’ll need to hold the candle as level as possible.
Using a blow torch set to low heat, lightly pass the flame over the dye powder or shavings. The candle will begin to melt, combining the dye with the melted wax. This melted wax dye then creates swirl of colors on the surface of the candle. Some of the colors will blend together to form new colors. Be sure not to overheat the wax or the wax will drip.
The torch will blow the melted dye wax around. Use this to your advantage, pushing the colors in the direction you want them to flow. Continue to work around all sides of the candle, adding dye and torching it to create a unique design. When you are finished, allow the candle to cool and marvel at your work of art.
Bath Alchemy by The Bonnie Bath Co.
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