Decorative candles are functional and aesthetically pleasing. Unlike regular candles, you will be more attracted to a twinkling candle – say one with glitter. Glittering candles reflect glamor, fun, and are spectacular ways to bring fun to dull things. So, it is completely understandable if you want one yourself.
Can you put glitter in candles? Yes, you can put glitter in candles. However, you can only use non-flammable glitters that really fine like dust. In other words, you can’t use large glitters or flammable ones. There are many types of glitters you can choose from that won’t pose a health risk to anyone. Fine and non-flammable glitter won’t clog your wick, allow a healthy burn, and won’t catch fire.
Is glitter flammable?
Yes, some glitters are flammable. The particle size and the constituent material determine a glitter’s flammability. In most cases, glitters are products of plastic and paper. However, some glitters are also a product of one or a combination of materials, like mineral crystals, glass, metal, and biodegradable materials.
It is not safe to put flammable glitters in a candle. If your glitter particles are chunky, flammable, or in excess, they will catch on fire. Luckily, there are non-flammable glitter options.
Here are some Glitters that are perfect for candle making and available to buy on Amazon, they come in color selection packs so you get a good variety
Types of glitters
Below are some of the types of glitter that are available.
Polyester glitter
Poly glitters are durable and structurally strong. The glitters are also stable, heat-resistant, and blend with most solvents. Since it is a polyester product, the glitter is flame-retardant; hence, safe for burning candles. It has a high 350 F burning point and is inflammable. If anything, the glitter will melt into the wax.
However, polyester contains microplastic that releases toxic fumes when you burn it. As a result, although polyester glitter won’t risk a fire hazard, it may not be best for your health.
Craft glitter
Craft glitter is easy to use and affordable. The glitter is a product of PVC and paper: hence, it is flammable. It also has a low 212 F burn point and will burn if you add it to a flame. Since it is flammable, don’t add craft glitter to your candle.
Crushed glass glitter
Glitter from crushed glass is inflammable and safe for burning candles. Because of its irregularly sized and shaped particles, you can embed the glitters at the side or as toppings. Crushed crystal glitters also have the same inflammability properties. However, they are more expensive than craft glitters or any other type.
Cosmetic-grade glitter
Cosmetic glitter is almost the same as polyester glitter. However, it is skin-safe and is colored with non-toxic pigment. Its particles are also round and ultra-fine with smooth edges. Cosmetic-grade glitters are ordinarily not flammable. Thanks to its ultra-fine and solvent-resistant properties, the glitter is safe for use in a burning candle.
How to put glitter in a candle
Glue the glitter to your candle
The first and one of the easiest ways to put glitter on your candle is to glue the glitter to your candle. Follow the following steps:
Choose your candle
Taper, votive, and pillar candles are best for this project. However, you can use battery-operated, LED, or birthday cake candles. Peel the plastic wrapper from your candle if there is before proceeding with this process.
After selecting the candle, use painter’s tape to mask off any area where you don’t want to glitter. Wrap the tape around the areas in a spiral or simple design.
Paint the candle
Use a wide paint brush or foam brush to two coats of decoupage glue on the candle. Instead of coarse boar bristle or soft camel hair brushes, use a paintbrush with synthetic Taklon bristles. However, don’t let the glue dry. If you want, you can spray adhesives instead of decoupage glue.
Sprinkle the glitter on the wet glue
Prepare a sheet of paper or tray and use your hand or any other device to sprinkle glitter on the wet glue until the candle is coated. Do this while the glue is still wet for adhesion. When you are done, you can pour excess glitter back into the jar.
Remove the tape
Let your candle dry overnight and peel the tape away. Peel the tape and not drag it to avoid chipping the flitter. Then, use a dry brush to dust excess glitters.
Use a glossy acrylic sealer to set the glitter. Use a spray-on or brush-on sealer and let it dry before using the candle.
Melt glitter into your candle
Select the candle
As usual, the first step is to select your candle. We don’t recommend a battery or LED candles with electronics for this procedure as you need to use a heat gun. After choosing your candle, use masking tape to mask off areas you don’t want to put glitters. However, you can skip masking the candle if you intend to glitter the entire candle.
Pour your glitter on a paper or tray
You will need to roll your candle on the paper. Therefore, make sure the paper or tray is large enough for the candle to roll in. Also, use more glitter so that it will be thick enough for the candle to stick to the surface without making a mess.
Heat the candle with a heat gun and roll your candle in glitter
Use your heat gun to heat the side of the candle until the wax turns glossy. After heating the candle, roll it back and forth in the glitter. Then, roll it across a smooth and flat surface to press the glitter into the molten wax. You can use a cold tray for this part. If you want to add glitter to the entire candle, heat one small section after the other. However, let one section cool before you proceed to others.
After the wax cools and hardens, peel off the tape and dust off excess glitter with a dry paintbrush. You can wait until the wax hardens before using the candle.
Pour glitter into your candle
For this method, only the candle tops will have glitter. As a result, this method is best for candles in tins since you will only see the top and not the sides.
- Prepare the tin and secure the wick to the bottom of the tin.
- Melt the wax flakes, add fragrance, and pour it into the prepared tin. Do this, without coating the wick.
- Pour your fine glitters into the molten wax until the entire top is covered.
- Trim your wick.
Conclusion
Only use fine and safe glitters for your candles. Large or chunky glitters will either clog your wick, sink to the bottom, or cause a fire. Also, don’t buy glitters if the information does not say what the glitter is made of.
I started Scents and Aroma as a way to share my knowledge from owning a candle, wax melt, diffuser and bath bomb business so that you can make your home smell lovely too.
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