It is an unfortunate reality that many candles are not shaped for different candle holders. There are so many different shapes of holders and candles that it is not uncommon to wind up with a candle holder that is much too big for your candle. Trimming candles to fit into holders may seem like a simple task, but it can in fact be difficult to get it just right. If you trim off too much, the candle will not sit properly. The same is true if you do not trim off enough. You will have to find the happy medium to have a perfect setting for your candle, which can make or break a look.
First, measure the inside of the candle holder. This can be difficult at times. The easiest way to do this is to use a miniature measuring tape of the type that hang on key chains. If you do not have one of these available, a cloth measuring tape used in sewing may work as well. After measuring the inside of the holder, measure the outside of the base of the candle. Measure at the very bottom of the candle, where it should meet the bottom of the candle holder for a proper seating.
After you have measured carefully, you can begin trimming. Use a small, sharp knife such as a pocket knife or a paring knife. Trim down the base of the candle in a circular motion, taking off very thin strips as you go along. Measure carefully after each round of the base to make sure you have not taken off too much or too little. When you think you have it right, try to put the candle into the holder. If it doesn’t work, you’ll know to trim off a bit more. This is tedious and time consuming, but it is the only way to truly and carefully fit a candle into a candle holder properly.
GuestPoster Hobbies & Crafts candle holders, Candles, trim candle, Trimming Candles
Votive candle holders are made for protecting both the candle and the surface it is placed on and the burn time of the candle I significantly reduced if they are not burned inside of a holder. In fact the tighter the fit of the candle inside of the holder the better the candle will burn and also the longer the candle will burn. This is because as the candle burns and melts the wax, the wax pools around the wick and is consumed as the candle continues to burn. If the candle is not in a holder the wax slips away from the wick and doesn’t pool around the flame and the votive candle burn time is much shorter than if it were in a holder. The same is true of a loose fitting holder. The wax is allowed to run away from the flame and never has a chance to continue to burn and again the candle is melted and burned to the bottom much quicker than if it were in a tight fitting holder that had no space around the candle.
Re-using votive candle holders is common, but it can sometimes be a chore to remove the leftover wax from the bottom of the holder. There are several methods for getting the old wax out and they range from simply scraping the old wax out with a knife or screwdriver which is common, but time consuming and can scratch the holder to using a form of heat to soften the wax and make it easier to remove. Some people boil water and place the holders in the boiling water until the wax is removed and others use a small flame to again melt the wax and let it ruin from the holder. A better way is too plan ahead and coat the bottom and lower inside with a drop or two of dish soap and this should keep wax from adhering to the holder.
Votive candles are fun to use for decorating and planning ahead will make clean up fun too.
GuestPoster Home & Garden Candles, votive candles