FAQs

The outlay on holding a candle dipping event is virtually the same whether it lasts for just one day or for three weeks. Short events will entail a disproportionately higher outlay and costs.

It is necessary to decide whether the candle dipping is to be performed with just beeswax, just coloured wax or with both types of wax,

Candle dipping with just beeswax is easier to set up and requires less supervision. The wax is considerably more expensive to buy, however. Through its odour, beeswax generates a soothing and – since beeswax candles can only be cooled in air and not in cold water – less hectic and correspondingly more contemplative ambiance. It takes approximately 2 to 3 hours to make a dipped candle; several candles can be dipped in parallel during this time.

Candle dipping with coloured wax, by contrast, generates vivid colours and a happy, bustling atmosphere. The candles are dipped in the required colour, quenched in a cold water bath, dried with a cotton or paper towel (our Art. 37550) and then dipped into the wax again. It thus only takes about 30 minutes to make a dipped candle. The more colours you wish to offer, the more wax melting pots (tubular inserts into which the candles are dipped) and wax melters will be required.

A combination of both types (beeswax and coloured wax) is also possible, but requires more space, more equipment and more strict supervision.

Wax, wicking, wax melters, candle stand, knife, scales and packing paper

For the choice of wax and calculating the quantity required, see our FAQs "I have a question about products", "Wax"

For the choice of wick and calculating the quantity required, see our FAQs "I have a question about products", "Wicks"

Since visitors will often wish to make more than one candle at once (especially with beeswax), the corresponding candle holders should be available for hanging up the candles. These can be improvised with planks of wood and nails or can be rented (see under "Information" and "Equipment rental" on this website).  

For candle dipping with beeswax, wax melters with a maximum of two melting pots (tubular inserts into which the candles are dipped) should be used. The more melters you have and the greater the distance between them, the more people will be able to dip candles at the same time.

With coloured wax, it is necessary to decide on how many colours to offer. The more colours you offer, the more wax melting pots and wax melters will be required. It is thus a good idea to use one or more wax melter combinations with 4 or 5 pots. Using just yellow, red, blue and white (=non-coloured) it is possible to achieve a large number of other colours and different shades (a yellow layer dipped over a blue one will give green, and a red layer over a blue one will give violet, etc.)

If a candle dipping event is being held for the first time, it is recommended that the equipment be rented so that initial experience can be acquired. The equipment available to rent and the prices are posted on this website under "Information" and "Equipment rental".

A knife with a short and smooth blade is best for cutting off the drips at the end of the candle.

The finished candles can be weighed on the scales and sold on the basis of a price per 100 g.

The best type of packaging paper for candles is tissue paper (simple wrapping tissue).

 A candle dipping event can be held in different types of premises. A small party tent or a big market stand would be suitable. Other rooms, which are not excessively heated, such as cellars, a garage, foyer or school/handicraft rooms, would also be appropriate. Good ventilation is important.

It must also be ensured that sufficient electric power capacity is available for the wax melters, or can be accessed. The appliances are generally designed for 230 V and have a connected load of between 1800 and 2200 watts per appliance.

Since drops of wax will inevitably fall on the floor, this should be protected over a wide area. The white floor liners used in the building trade, or a correspondingly thick and tear-proof plastic sheet would be suitable for this.

Advertising does not have to be associated with high costs. We offer posters that can be individually inscribed and hung up in local shops, parishes, schools and old-people's homes, etc. free of charge. Local newspapers or local radio stations will often publish or broadcast an editorial contribution. If school classes and kindergartens are taking part, word will spread rapidly about the event.

Candles are generally sold at the following prices per 100g:

Beeswax 60/40                       CHF 4.00 – 5.00                    EUR        3.50 – 4.50
Beeswax 100% pure:              CHF 6.00 – 6.50                    EUR        5.00 – 6.00
Coloured wax*:                       CHF 3.00 – 4.00                    EUR        2.50 – 3.50

* = pure paraffin or the paraffin/stearin 80/20 wax mixture

As with all public events, it is important to take out the appropriate liability insurance.

Due to the danger of fire, wax must never be heated directly in a saucepan or over a naked flame. Wax vapour can ignite spontaneously at 180 °C.

Lay cables so that no one can trip over them, and so that the cable is not trapped in anything and is protected against heat. Check the cable for damage from time to time. If it is damaged it must be replaced by a specialist. Cable reels must be fully unwound before use, on account of the heat that is generated.

The melting units must be positioned in such a way that even if the safety thermostat fails, there is no danger of fire. Make sure that the wax melters are standing on a flat and stable surface. With indirectly heated appliances, it is essential for the water level to be regularly checked during operation and for the water to be topped up in good time.

A public candle-dipping event may only be supervised and run by adult persons who have received the appropriate training and are of sound mind. Children and persons with a physical or intellectual disability should be supervised at all times.

You must also observe the instructions and safety information for the individual appliances.