Hurricane Candles
By Kim DraperWorking with wax can be challenging. We all want to do our best to create a beautiful candle. Sometimes it is easy to get caught up in the mechanics of things we forget what should always be in the back of our minds safety. Listed below are a few rules to follow when working with wax.
*Work in large, well-ventilated space. One of the most unique and enjoyable candles these days is in itself not a candle, but actually a translucent shell made of wax that consists of a votive candle placed down in the center. When the votive candle burns down, it can be replaced again and again. Your hurricane shell will last for a very long time if you follow the instructions when making it and while using it. What is fun about hurricane candles is that you can make them any way you want, any shape, any form. Hurricane candles are best made though with 6 inch or more diameter molds, square, round, rectangular or whatever. The reason for the size is that when the votive burns if the walls of the hurricane shell are in too close they will melt also from the heat of the votive. But don't give up yet, there are special molds just for hurricane candles. In spite of their name, hurricane candles should not be used in a draft, if winds cause the flame of the votive to splay to one side the heat will damage the inside of the shell. One way to help this situation is to use a paraffin wax that has a higher melting point this will increase the long life of the hurricane candle itself. Supplies Needed: Paraffin Wax 156 degrees Farienheight melting point Micro 170 or Micro 180 Metal mold at least 6 inches in diameter or a special hurricane mold, that can be purchased at any candle supply store. Instructions: Select a mold and secure the wick hole with mold sealer if necessary. Prepare a cool water bath. Melt enough paraffin wax to completely fill the mold you have chosen. For every 5 pounds of paraffin wax you have used, you should add 1/2 pound of microcrystalline wax with a melting point of 170 degrees. This will make the wax less brittle, harder, and therefore more durable. Melt the microcrystalline waxes in a separate container, add the micro wax to the paraffin wax, and bring the temperature to 190 degrees F. Pour the wax into the prepared mold. Place the mold in a cool-water bath to the depth of the entire candle. When the wax has hardened to form a shell, slightly more than 1/4 inches thick carefully pour the still liquid wax back into the melting pot. If the shell is less than 1/4 inch it will be to frail. It is better to make the shell to thick, than to thin. Place the mold on a level surface and allow to cool completely. When the wax is hard, place the mold in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes and carefully remove it from the mold. You are now ready to put a votive candle and enjoy the delicate light show. About the author
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