How to Make Grubby Candles

Are you tired of throwing away old candles that have lost their charm? Why not give them a new life by turning them into grubby candles? Making your primitive, grungy candles is a fun and rewarding project that adds a touch of rustic charm to your home decor. DIY skills are a great way to impress your friends and family. 

Things You’ll Need

• Prepared Candle
• Whipped Wax
• Paintbrush
• Newspaper

DIY Grubby Candles: A Step-by-Step Guide

This is a great way to add a touch of rustic charm to your home decor. Follow this step-by-step guide to learn to make your grubby candles at home.

Step 1

Let’s start with your candle. If you don’t have one handy, no worries at all! It’s a great opportunity to craft your own. For a step-by-step guide on candle-making, check out the article How to Make Candles. 

Step 2

Take a newspaper and cover the whole workspace. 

Step 3

Next up, let’s prepare the whipped wax. Don’t worry if you’ve never done this before; refer to the How to Make Whipped Wax tutorial. It will be good to go.

Warning

Be careful when handling hot wax, as it can cause burns.

Step 4

Now, grab your prepared candle. Hold it firmly at the top & bottom. Smaller candles are easier to handle throughout the process.

Step 5

Dip your Paintbrush in whipped wax and dab it onto the candle’s surface, starting from the bottom and moving upwards in a random pattern.

Avoid the bottom of the candle for stability when burning. Repeat until you’re happy with the look, then let it cool and harden. Admire your homemade grubby candle.

Safety Guidelines for Grubby Candles

The following points offer important advice for safely burning and caring for your grubby candles.

• Burn on a stable, heat-resistant surface.
• Keep away from drafts and flammable materials.
• Consider trimming the wick to about ¼ inch before each burn for a cleaner flame.
• Never leave a burning candle unattended.
• Allow the wax pool to reach the edge of the container on the first burn to prevent tunneling.
• To give your grubby candles an even more rustic look. Try rolling them in cinnamon or other spices before they harden completely. It gives them a textured surface and a subtle scent.
• Try using wax catchers to keep your surfaces safe from messy wax drips! They’re a natural way to protect your space while enjoying your candles.

Can I use pre-poured pillar candles to make grubby candles?

 Yes, you can use pre-poured pillar candles to make grubby candles. First, cover your work area with newspaper or wax paper, and have whipped wax ready to go. Use a paintbrush to apply whipped wax onto the surface of the pre-poured pillar candle in a random pattern until the entire surface is covered. Let it cool and harden completely before using.

Conclusion

Grubby candles are a great way to repurpose old candles and add a touch of rustic charm to your home decor. With just a few simple steps and creativity, you can turn old, used candles into beautiful, grubby candles that add warmth and coziness to any room.                                                                                 

FAQs

What are grubby candles? 

Grubby candles combine old, used candles with additional wax to create a new candle. They have a rustic, textured appearance and are scented with natural ingredients like cinnamon or sandalwood.

How do you make candles look old?

Melt old candles in a saucepan over low heat. Prepare a container with a wick attached at the bottom. Pour the melted wax into the container and let it harden. Fill in any dips around the wick with leftover melted wax. Once hardened, remove the candle from the container and decorate it as desired for an aged look.

Are grubby candles difficult to make? 

Not at all! Making grubby candles is a simple and fun process that anyone can do with just a few basic materials.

Can I use grubby candles as gifts? 

Absolutely! You can use grubby candles to make great gifts for friends and family. You can personalize them by adding their favorite scents or colors.

 How do you make a candle look rustic?

Melt pillar wax to 175°F, add dye and fragrance, and let it cool. Pour the wax into a prepared metal mold, pause, then fill the mold quickly. Move the filled mold to a water bath for a clean release. It creates a rustic finish. You can also use natural items like burlap or twine for added appeal.