DIY Network

Wax Embellishments Refinish candles and dress up projects. From "B. Original" episode DBOR-503

"Refinish" old candles with new wax.

A few artistic dribbles of wax can make a big difference in a scrapbook page, an art project or even a boring old candle. Michele Beschen shows how to use melted candle wax to add designs to existing pillar candles, give dimension to scrapbook pages and even plump up your paintings.

Pull out the double boiler and get ready to B. Original with some wax. Once you get started, there's no limit to where you can use it.

advertisement

	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C

Refinishing Candles

candle to refinish
carving tools
heat gun
palette knife or small plastic knife
candle wax or old candles
hammer
chisel
double boiler or slow cooker
wax tint (optional)
cup or scoop for dribbling wax

• Use the hammer and chisel to break the candle wax or old candles into small chunks. Melt in the double boiler or slow cooker. Shave a little wax tint into the melting wax, if desired; the melted wax should be a different color than the candle being refinished.

  Safety Alert: Never leave a double boiler unattended when melting wax – there is a risk of fire. After all, candle wax is designed to burn well; don't let it catch fire by accident.

• Use carving tools to create designs around the outside of the project candle (figure A).

• Smooth the cut edges by melting them slightly with a heat gun. The heat gun melts the edges quickly and doesn’t scorch the surface.

• Fill the carved recesses in the candle with melted wax (figure B).

• Once the added wax sets up, use the heat gun to soften it slightly. Use a palette knife or plastic knife to smooth the added wax.

• A heat gun also works well for repairing and reshaping candles that have burned unevenly or melted in a hot location. Apply the heat to soften the wax, then work the candle back into shape (figure C).

Wax for Art Projects

candle wax or old candles
hammer
chisel
double boiler or slow cooker
wax tint (optional)
cup or scoop for dribbling wax
oil paint
material to embellish with was
rubber stamps
cooking spray or wax-release spray

• Use the hammer and chisel to break the wax into small chunks, then melt in the double boiler or slow cooker.

  Safety Alert: Never leave a double boiler unattended when melting wax – there is a risk of fire. After all, candle wax is designed to burn well; don't let it catch fire by accident.
  

  Figure D

• To incorporate wax into scrapbook pages or other art projects, pour a little melted wax on the art canvas (or other surface) and let it set until it has a slight haze.

• Tilt the canvas back and forth to form interesting shapes with the wax.

• To make an impression in the wax with a rubber stamp, first spray the stamp with cooking spray or wax-release spray. Drizzle the wax and let it partially set up, then imprint with the stamp (figure D).

• To add texture to paintings, put some oil paint on the canvas and work mix in a little melted wax. The paint will keep the wax workable a little longer, and the wax will add body and sheen to the paint finish.