How to Craft a Faux Candle That Looks Antique

🕯️ Have You Ever Wondered How to Make a Vintage Candle That Looks Like Aged Tin?

Today’s blog walks you through a stunning candle transformation taught by the talented Donna at Mason Creations etc., one of our featured craft instructors. With beginner-friendly steps, she turns a plain white candle into a richly detailed, faux-metal centerpiece using rice paper, air dry clay, and specialty paints.

If you're ready to craft something truly unique, watch the video below, then follow the step-by-step guide to try it yourself.

Step-by-Step: How to Create a Vintage Faux Metal Candle

Step 1: Wrap the Candle with Rice Paper
Start with an A3-sized rice paper design large enough to wrap around your battery-operated candle. Tear the edges using a water brush for natural blending. Measure slightly longer than needed to allow overhang. Apply Pentart Candle Glue, designed for flame-safe use, and smooth the paper in place. Let dry upright for about an hour.

Step 2: Seal the Paper into the Wax
Use a heat gun to gently melt the candle’s outer wax layer section by section. As the wax softens, roll the candle on parchment paper to bond the rice paper smoothly into the surface. This gives the illusion that the paper is part of the candle itself.

Step 3: Trim the Edges Cleanly
Once fully dry, remove excess paper using medium grit sandpaper, always sanding downward to avoid lifting the paper. This gives a sharp, seamless edge.

Step 4: Add Satin Ribbon
Wrap a piece of satin ribbon around the candle's center, securing it in place with small dots of the candle glue. The clay embellishment added later will cover the seam.

Step 5: Mold and Apply the Embellishment
Press Das air dry clay into your favorite silicone mold, trim with a palette knife, and smooth with water. Freeze for 20 minutes, then pop out and allow to thaw for 10 minutes. While still pliable, attach the clay to the candle using Pentart Candle Glue, allowing it to conform to the curved surface. Clean any glue seepage with a damp brush.

Step 6: Paint the Embellishment
Coat the embellishment with Pentart Platinum paint for a silver base. Once dry, mix Georgia Clay paint with 3D powder to create a thick, gritty rust texture and dab it on edge areas. Let dry again.

Step 7: Antique the Finish
Thin Asphaltum paint with water and brush over the entire embellishment. Dab gently with a dry cloth—this gives a muted, aged look without losing the shine underneath.

Step 8: Seal Without Shine
Protect the piece with Polyvine Heavy Duty Wood Varnish in Dead Flat. This gives it durability while maintaining a natural matte finish. For extra resilience, two satin coats can be added underneath before the final flat coat.

Step 9: Add a Touch of Shine
Use Sizzix Luster Wax in Silver to highlight raised floral details. Lightly rub across high points without touching the rusted areas. This gives a realistic aged metal glint.

Step 10: Buff and Enjoy
After allowing everything to dry completely, gently buff with a soft dry cloth to bring out the metallic details.

Thanks to Donna at Mason Creations etc. for sharing this elegant project. Her skill, creativity, and guidance make it easy for anyone—especially beginners—to dive into the world of artistic candle decor with confidence.

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Happy crafting!