Dip Dye Candles: Fun & Easy Craft

July 19, 2023 by Patti Estep Leave a Comment

Learn how to dye candles with a little extra wax and crayons. It makes ordinary plain white candles look fun and festive.

Four white candles dip in colored wax in shades of blue, green and pink.

I had a few leftover candles from my emergency candle kit post and thought I'd create some fun dip-dyed candles.

How to Make Dip Dyed Candles

Supplies

White straight or tapered candles
White soy wax flakes or paraffin
Crayons or candle dye
Old pot, candle pitcher, or clean tin can to melt the wax in
Plastic cups, spoons, or knives to mix and dip each color
Painter's tape

Piece of blue crayon melting in hot wax in a plastic cup with a plastic knife for stirring.

Step 1. Cover the candle wicks with painter's tape.

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Step 2. Melt some candle wax in a candle pitcher or clean tin can set in an old pot of water to create a double boiler effect. Then pour some of the melted wax into a plastic cup with a piece of a crayon or a few drops of dye. Stir until the crayon is melted into the wax.

Note: It may be easier if you grate or chop up the crayon first.

White candle dipped in to blue wax on the end.

Step 3. Dip the end of each candle into the wax. Lift and allow to cool slightly before dipping again.

You can dip it a few times to get the shade or desired color you like. However, the more you dip the thicker the coated layer of wax will get.

Four white candles that have been dipped into different colored wax on the top and bottom.

Repeat with other colors to create a variety of patterns.

Four dip-dyed-candles in colors of blue green and pink.

Remove the painter's tape and enjoy.

Can You Burn Dip Dyed Candles?

Some state that the heavy pigment in crayons may cause problems with burning. However, I think since this is just a small amount on the outside of the candle it should not be an issue.

You can always use powder or liquid dye made especially for coloring candles.

Also, you can just keep them as a decorative element and never light them.

Four colorful dip dyed candles set in small candlesticks. — Dip dyed candles in small candle sticks.

Overall this was a fun and easy project with budget-friendly materials you can feel good about.

More Candle Crafts

Four dipped dyed candles in small glass holders.

Four dip dyed candles in shades of blue, pink and green.

5 from 1 vote

DIY Dip Dye Candles

Learn how easily you can take ordinary white candles and dip them in dye to create colorful new ones.

Prep Time1

Total Time1

Equipment

Old pot
tin can
Plastic Spoon or Knife
plastic cups

Materials

white taper or pillar candles
white candle wax, paraffin wax, or beeswax
crayons or liquid candle dye
painter's tape

Instructions

Cover the candle wick with painter's tape.
Melt wax in a can set in simmering water in an old pot.
Pour melted wax into a disposable cup.
Add half of a crayon or more into the hot wax in the cup.
Stir until the crayon is melted.
Dip the top or bottom of the candle into the colored wax.
You can dip it a couple of times for a darker look.
Dip the other end of the candle in the same wax or create a new one with a different color.

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About Patti Estep

Patti is the creator of Hearth and Vine, a home and garden blog filled with projects to inspire your creative side. She loves crafting, gardening, decorating and entertaining at her home in Pennsylvania. When she is not working on a project at home or searching for treasures at nurseries and thrift stores with her girlfriends, you’ll probably find her with family and friends, at a restaurant, or home party enjoying new and different food adventures.