
You may have seen pictures of beautifully painted candles on Pinterest or Instagram and thought, “I could do that”
While painting over wax candles is possible, before you get started, there are a few things to keep in mind.
For starters, it’s important to choose the right type of paint for the job. You’ll want to use acrylic paint that is specifically designed for use on candles.
Also, do not try to paint the scented candles, as they contain essential oils which will repel the paint.
It’s also a good idea to remove any wick holders or stickers from the candle before painting.
In this post, we’ll go over the basics of painting wax candles and offer some tips to help you create your masterpiece. So grab your paintbrush and get ready to create something amazing.
How to Paint Wax Candles?
Painting candles isn’t as difficult as it may seem. With a little time and patience, you can create some beautiful pieces of art. Put on some music, and enjoy the process.
Start by gathering your supplies. Here are the supplies you’ll need:
- Acrylic paint specifically for use on candles
- Paintbrushes
- A sharp knife (for removing wick holders or stickers)
- A clean work surface
- You’ll need a candle and some patience.
Step 1. Prepare
The first step is to remove any wick holders or stickers from the candle. Use a sharp knife to carefully remove them.
Cleaning the candle before painting with rubbing alcohol will also help the paint adhere better to the surface.
You can do that by wiping the candle with a paper towel or cotton ball soaked in rubbing alcohol.
Step 2. Choose design
Next, decide what design you want to paint on your candle.
Once you have an idea in mind, sketch it out lightly on the surface of the candle with a pencil. Also, choose the colors you want to use. Keep in mind that light colors will show up better on dark candles and vice versa.
Step 3. Now it’s time to start painting
Begin by painting the outline of your design with a thin brush.
Once the outline is complete, fill in the rest of the design with acrylic paint color. Work in small sections, and be sure to smooth out any brush strokes as you go.
Allow the paint to dry completely before lighting the candle. Otherwise, the heat from the flame could cause the paint to blister or peel.

Things you need to care about
Painted candles are a fun and easy way to add a personal touch to your home decor.
They also make a great gift for friends and family. But before you start painting your candles, there are a few things you need to keep in mind.
1. The type of wax
The type of wax used to make the candle will determine how well the paint adheres to the surface.
Soy and beeswax candles are the best candidates for painting, as they have a smooth surface that’s easy to work with.
2. The type of paint
Not all paints are created equal. You’ll want to use acrylic paint that’s specifically designed for use on candles.
These paints are usually labeled as “candle-safe” or “non-toxic.”
3. The design
When painting your candles, it’s important to choose a design that’s simple and easy to execute.
Complex designs may be too difficult to recreate on such a small surface. Stick with something basic, like stripes or polka dots.
4. Use candle painting medium
A candle painting medium is a type of paint additive that is specifically designed for use on candles when painting.
The purpose of this medium is to convert acrylic and craft paints into paints that will adhere to tricky surfaces such as wax candles, soap, etc.
Unlike regular paint, a candle painting medium will not crack or peel when it comes into contact with heat.
This makes it an ideal choice for painting candles, as it means that the paint will not flake off and ruin the appearance of the candle.
Candle painting mediums are available in a variety of colors and can be applied using a brush, sponge, or even a finger.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know how to paint wax candles for Christmas decorations, it’s time to get creative.
Be sure to experiment with different colors and designs to create a one-of-a-kind work of art.
Remember that painted candles are beautiful, but they’re also fragile. Handle them with care to avoid damaging the paint job.
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Jack Luis is a semi-retired painter who loved painting his clients’ ideas on their walls.
He had worked as a painter for more than a decade to serve the customers in areas such as Charleston, Mount Pleasant, Beaufort, Georgetown, SC (South Carolina). Today in his free time, he likes to read and write about the newer techniques that are being implemented in his profession. You may read more about him here or get in touch with him here.
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