The Antique Art of Candle Making
Candle making has been around since the ancient Egyptians began to create wax-soaked reeds to light their homes. From the Middle Ages to the Colonial period, candles have been used for both illumination and decoration, in religious ceremonies and for everyday life. Traditional materials used for making candles include tallow, beeswax and paraffin. These materials are often mixed with natural colours and fragrances to produce candles with strong scent, colour and design.
Antique Candle Making Equipment
Centuries-old candle-making equipment has been preserved, allowing modern users to experience producing these decorative works of art in the same style. The equipment needed is dependent on the type and size of candles you plan to make.
Basic Equipment for Candle Making
- Mold – This tools is used to shape the candles. Molds can be found in many shapes and sizes and made from different materials such as metal or glass.
- Wick– The wick is the backbone of the candle, as it is the part of the candle that allows for the flame. The wick can be bought ready-made or cut and twisted from natural materials such as cotton or linen.
- Wax and Wax Pots – The wax of a candle should be appropriate for the size of the wick and be of the highest quality. Wax pots are heated by an element which is embedded in the pot, making the process of working with the wax a lot easier.
- Tools – There are many tools that can also be used in candle making, such as a double boiler, stirring rods and wax brushes.
Antique Candle Making Tools
The most common antique tools used for candle making are:
- Tin Molds – These molds were used for centuries for shaping candles. They are made from tin and come in a variety of shapes and sizes.
- Brass Molds – Brass molds are similar to tin molds but are more expensive and harder to find. They are often engraved with intricate designs.
- Clay Molds – These molds can be found in many antique stores, but they are the rarest of the molds. They are made from fired clay and come in a variety of shapes and sizes.
- Wax Dipper – A wax dipper is a tool used to dip wicks in melted wax. It is made from a long wooden handle and a metal cup.
- Candle Stumpers – These are tools that are used to shape and finish the candles. They come in different sizes and shapes and are made from brass or iron.
- Wax Cutter – This tool is used to trim the top of a candle. It is made of metal and comes in many sizes.
Conclusion
Antique candle making equipment offers modern candle makers the opportunity to make candles with traditional materials and techniques. There are a variety of tools used in candle making and antique molds can be found in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. The tools used in candle making are essential to ensure a beautiful and top-quality finished product.
Welcome to my candle making blog! In this blog, I will be sharing my tips and tricks for making candles. I will also be sharing some of my favorite recipes.
