How to Add a Crackle Finish to Homemade Candles

Making Candles and Soaps For Dummies

That crackle finish on candles you see in stores, is easy to replicate on your homemade candles. Add a crackle finish to create some visual interest on an otherwise plain candle. Your homemade Christmas gift will have a bit of extra dimension.

Create cracks in your candle by overdipping and freezing it several times.

Take the following steps to crack your candle:

Freeze your finished candle for two hours.

Sometimes, freezing can fracture your candle all the way through, so keep an eye on your candle during this time.
Melt wax in the top part of a double-boiler. Dip your candle into the can, slowly and steadily.

You can hold your candle by the wick with either your fingers or a tool, such as pliers.
Dip your candle into cold water.

This last step helps ensure that you get a nice, shiny finish. Repeat Step 2 one to two more times, until your candle is completely covered.
Place your dipped candle on wax paper and return it to the freezer for an additional two hours.

If you want fewer cracks, leave your candle in less time; if you want more cracks, leave it in the freezer longer.
When the candle reaches room temperature, find and push out any air bubbles that you see on the candle’s surface.

About This Article

About the book author:

Kelly Ewing is a writer and editor who lives in the wonderful community of Fishers, Indiana, with her husband Mark, her daughter Katie, her son Carter, and furry canine friend Cheyenne. She has coauthored several books, including The Internet All-in-One Desk Reference For Dummies, PCs All-in-One Desk Reference For Dummies, and Direct Mail For Dummies. She has ghostwritten several books and edited more than 75 books on a variety of topics. She also writes articles on sports, travel, and human interest for several newspapers. In her spare time — when she can find it! — she enjoys spending time with her kids, reading, walking, writing, scrapbooking, cooking, and doing crafts.