How to Make Taper Candles at Home 2025
Hey, candle lover! If you want to learn how to make taper candles at home without any tricky steps or hard-to-find supplies?
I have been making them for a while now, and trust me—it is way easier (and more fun) than you think.
There is just something cool about picking your own wax and scents, then watching your candle slowly come to life in a mold.
Plus, homemade tapers add that perfect cozy vibe to your space or make awesome gifts that everyone loves.
I am gonna walk you through all the steps with simple stuff and no stress.
I have covered you whether you are into classic beeswax or colorful scented tapers.
Let’s get started and make some beautiful candles together!
🕯️ What Are Taper Candles?
If you don’t know about Taper candles, no worries, I will tell you that taper candles are the tall candles, slim ones that sit in candle holders or candlesticks.
You have probably seen them at weddings, dinner tables, or those cozy cottagecore Pinterest setups.
They look elegant and calm, and when you make them yourself? Even better.
Why should you make taper candles?
One of the best things about making taper candles is that you get to control what goes into them.
No weird chemicals or hidden toxins a just clean, safe ingredients that you pick yourself.
You can also get super creative with colors, scents, and sizes. Want lavender-scented pink tapers? Or tall golden beeswax ones?
It is totally up to you, and that is the most fun.
Buying good-quality fancy candles from a store is expensive, but making them yourself? It is way cheaper and feels so much more personal. Plus, they make awesome handmade gifts.
The candle-making process itself is also relaxing and satisfying. And let’s be honest, it is pretty cool to tell people you made your own candles.
It’s a great conversation starter and gives off serious DIY boss energy. 😎
Supplies For Taper Candles
Here’s everything you will need to make taper candles at home using a mold:
🕯️ Candle-Making Supplies:
- Taper candle molds (silicone or metal – your choice)
- Candle wax (paraffin, soy blend, or beeswax)
- Candle wicks (pre-tabbed or plain cotton wicks)
- Fragrance oil (optional – for scent)
- Double boiler or heat-safe pouring pot
- Thermometer (optional but helpful)
- Wick holder or skewer
- Wick sticker or glue gun (for securing the wick at the bottom)
- Mold sealer or putty (to block the hole at the mold’s base)
Step-by-Step: How to Make Taper Candles at Home
🔧 Step 1: Set Up Your Workspace
Before we start making candles, you want a clean and organized space to work in.
Your kitchen counter or dining table works perfectly just to make sure there is enough room to move around without knocking things over (trust me, hot wax and mess don’t mix well).
Lay down some parchment paper, newspaper, or an old towel to protect your surface.
Wax drips happen, and scraping hardened wax off your table later is… not fun.
I also like to keep a bowl of warm water and a few paper towels nearby for quick cleanups and sticky fingers.
These are some tips from me that I learned in the past 4 years of candle-making experience: organized, safe, and ready for creativity!
🧵 Step 2: Prep the Wicks and Molds
After organizing your workstation, it is time to prepare wicks and molds.
Cut your wick a little longer than your mold — about 2 inches extra is perfect.
Thread the wick through the center hole at the bottom of the taper mold. Then, seal that hole tightly with mold sealer or sticky putty so the wax doesn’t leak out.
Pull the wick tight and secure the top end with a wick holder, pencil, or skewer laid across the top of the mold. This keeps the wick centered and straight while the wax sets.
If your wick is loose, your candle might end up crooked, so take a moment to make sure it’s straight and snug.
If you want to learn how to make candle wicks, make sure you check out my post on How to Make Candle Wicks at Home
🔥 Step 3: Melt the Wax
Now it’s time to melt wax! Melting wax is a key part of how to make taper candles at home that look smooth and burn well.
Fill the bottom pot of your double boiler with water, and place it on the stove over medium heat.
If you don’t have a double boiler, no worries—you can use a heat-safe bowl over a regular pot (just make sure it fits snugly).
Next, add your wax to the top pot or bowl. Beeswax, soy wax, paraffin—whatever you’re using, toss it in. Stir every now and then with a wooden spoon or chopstick to help it melt evenly.
Let it melt until it’s completely smooth and liquid. As a guide, beeswax melts around 145°F and paraffin around 130°F.
For taper candles, you use a soy-paraffin blend or harder soy wax, which tends to have a higher melt point—around 135°F to 145°F.
If you are using regular soy wax flakes, aim for 130°F to 150°F when melting, and let it cool slightly before dipping for best results.
You don’t need a thermometer, but if you have one, it will help you make your candle perfect.
Just remember: low and slow is better than high heat—you don’t want to burn the wax!
🫙 Step 4: Pour the Wax into the Mold
Once the wax is fully melted and ready, carefully pour it into your mold. Go slowly and steadily to avoid air bubbles.
Fill the mold all the way to the top.
You might notice a little sinkhole forming around the wick as it cools—that’s totally normal.
Just save a little wax in your pot to top it off later.
Let the wax cool at room temperature for at least 4–6 hours.
Don’t rush the cooling process, if you do it can cause cracks or dents.
🕯️ Step 5: Top Off and Let It Set
After an hour or so, check your mold. If you see a dip or sinkhole near the top, reheat your leftover wax and pour a little more into it to even it out.
This gives you a smooth, professional finish.
Let your candle sit overnight, if possible, to fully harden and cure.
If you try to remove it too early, it might break or come out misshapen.
✂️ Step 6: Unmold Your Taper Candle
Once your candle has fully cooled and hardened, gently remove it from the mold.
If you are using a silicone mold, just peel it away slowly.
If it’s a rigid mold like metal or hard plastic, you might need to gently tap, roll the mold on the table, or twist it to get the candle out.
Trim the wick to about ½ inch at the top, and if there is extra wick at the bottom, trim that off too.
And there you go—your very own handmade taper candle!
Bonus Tips for Candle-Making
- Pick the right wick size for your mold. If the wick is too thin, the candle won’t burn well.
- Warm your mold a little before pouring in the wax. This helps stop air bubbles and weird lines on your candle.
- If you want to shine your candle, after it’s out of the mold, gently rub it with a soft cloth to make it shine.
- Don’t pour wax in the sink! Let leftover wax cool and harden, then save it to use next time.
- Store your candles in a cool, dry place, away from sunlight. This keeps them from melting or fading.
🕯️ How Long Do Taper Candles Burn?
If you ask me how long this homemade taper candle burns, that depends on a few things, like the type of wax you use, how thick your candle is, and the size of the wick.
But generally, a standard 10-inch taper candle will burn for about 7 to 9 hours.
If you use beeswax, your candle will burn longer and slower, since beeswax has a higher melting point.
If you want to learn more about beeswax candles, check out my post on the Benefits of Beeswax candles, where I have shared everything you need to know about beeswax candles.
It also smells naturally sweet and gives off a lovely, warm glow.
Paraffin wax burns a bit faster, but it’s easy to work with and still gives you several hours of cozy light.
No matter which wax you choose, taper candles usually last much longer than tea lights—and they look beautiful too!
If you’ve ever wondered how to make taper candles at home, this mold method is the easiest way to get started.
They are perfect for dinners, relaxing baths, or just making your room feel extra calm and cozy.
Final Thoughts
Making taper candles at home has honestly become one of my favorite parts of candle making.
I have been doing this for a while now, and there is just something really satisfying about pouring the wax, picking the scents I love, and watching the candle take shape in the mold.
It is super calming, a little messy (in a good way), and the end result is always worth it.
I have tried different methods, but using a taper mold is by far the easiest and cleanest way, especially if you are just starting out.
It saves time, gives a nice smooth finish, and feels way less tricky than dipping (though dipping can be fun too when you’re in the mood for it!).
If you’ve ever wanted to try candle making, this is a great place to start.
Grab a mold, melt some wax, and go for it—you might end up loving it as much as I do.
Your home, your friends, and your chill nights will thank you. 🕯️💛
Find your next candle-making project here:
How To Make a Wooden Wick Candle At Home
Easy Vanilla Scent Candle Recipe
How to Make Candle Wicks at Home
FAQs About Making Taper Candles
Q1: What’s the best wax for taper candles?
A: Beeswax and paraffin wax work really well because they’re firm and hold their shape. Soy wax can also be used, but try to get a blend made for pillar or taper candles.
Q2: What kind of wick should I use?
A: Use a cotton wick that fits your mold size. Taper candles are thin, so a small wick is best. If your wick is too thick or too thin, the candle may burn the wrong way.
Q3: Can I reuse taper candle molds?
A: Yes, you can use them again and again! Just wash them with warm water and a little soap. Dry them well before using them next time.
Q4: Why does my candle have bubbles or cracks?
A: That usually means the wax was too hot or it cooled too fast. Let the wax cool a bit before pouring, and let the candle sit at room temperature to cool slowly.
Q5: Can I mix different waxes together?
A: Yes! You can mix waxes like paraffin and soy to get the look and burn time you want. Just test a small batch first to make sure it works well.
Q6: How long do taper candles burn?
A: A 10-inch taper candle usually burns for 7 to 9 hours. Beeswax burns slower, while paraffin burns faster, but it still gives you good results.
Q7: Can I add color or scent to my taper candles?
A: Yes, you can! Add a little candle dye for color and fragrance oil for scent. Just don’t use too much, or it might change how your candle burns.
How To Make Taper Candles
Ingredients
- Candle Wax – Paraffin, soy blend, or beeswax
- Candle Wicks – Pre-tabbed or plain cotton
- Fragrance Oil (optional) – For scented candles
- Taper Candle Molds – Silicone or metal
- Double Boiler or Pouring Pot – For melting wax
- Thermometer (optional) – To monitor wax temperature
- Wick Holder / Skewer / Pencil – Keeps wick centered
- Wick Sticker or Glue Gun – To anchor wick base
Instructions
- Set up your workspace with parchment paper or an old towel to catch spills. Keep paper towels and warm water nearby.
- Cut the wick 2 inches longer than your mold. Thread it through the mold hole and seal the bottom with putty.
- Secure the wick at the top using a skewer or pencil to keep it centered.
- Melt the wax using a double boiler over medium heat. Stir occasionally until fully melted.
- Carefully pour the wax into the mold. Fill it to the top. Save some wax for topping off.
- Let it cool at room temperature for 4–6 hours.
- Check for sinkholes after 1 hour and top off if needed. Let the candle set overnight.
- Once fully set, unmold the candle. Trim the wick to ½ inch and polish the surface if desired.
Notes
- Use the correct wick size for your mold to ensure a clean burn.
- Pre-warm your mold slightly to reduce air bubbles.
- Don’t pour wax down the drain—let leftovers cool and reuse them.