Candle making - Iced Latte Effect
Ice cube candles and iced drink–style creations are one of the most eye-catching candle trends — and with the right process, they’re surprisingly simple to make.
This step-by-step guide walks you through:
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Wicking your jar correctly
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Creating gel wax “ice cubes”
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Pouring and curing your candle
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Styling iced coffee–inspired candle designs
Perfect for hobbyists and growing candle businesses looking to add high-impact designs to their range.
View the video here:
Step 1: Wick Your Jar
Start by preparing your vessel before any wax is melted.
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Place wick stickers on the bottom of each wick
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Secure the wick evenly in the centre of the jar base
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Refer to the wick recommendation guide for the correct wick size based on your jar style and internal diameter
Pro Tip
To reduce bubbles forming around the wick once cured, dip the wick into melted gel wax before placing it in the jar. This helps seal the wick and improves the final finish.
Step 2: Measure & Melt Your Gel Wax (Ice Cubes)
Professional Blend Gel Wax (PB755) is used to create the clear ice cube effect.
How to melt gel wax:
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Measure the required grams of wax for your ice cubes
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Heat to 130°C
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Melt directly in a saucepan over medium heat
⚠️ Always monitor your wax while melting. Once it reaches temperature, use protective gloves or potholders to safely transfer the wax into a pouring jug.
Creating the ice cubes:
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Pour melted gel wax into a silicone ice cube tray or onto a flat baking tray
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Allow wax to set for a minimum of 2 hours
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De-mould or cut into cube-like pieces once fully set
If adding fragrance to your gel wax ice cubes, add fragrance once the wax has fully melted at 130°C.
Step 3: Create Iced Coffee–Style Candle Designs (Soy Wax)
To create an iced drink or iced coffee candle, you’ll combine soy wax with your gel wax cubes.
Recommended wax:
Any PCS soy blend is suitable, however we recommend a hotter pour soy wax blend for best results.
How to pour:
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Melt your soy wax according to its specific instructions
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Add fragrance at the recommended temperature
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Stir continuously for 2 minutes to bind fragrance
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Pour wax halfway into the vessel
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Colour the remaining portion of wax
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Pour the second layer to create the iced coffee look
This layering technique gives depth and realism to your final candle.
Step 4: Secure, Cool & Cure Your Candle
Once poured:
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Secure the wick with a wick holder
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Allow the candle to cool for 24 hours
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Keep in a warm, dry environment, out of direct sunlight
Trimming & curing:
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Trim wick to 0.5–1cm above the wax once set
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Minimum cure time before test burning: 48 hours
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For candles being sold: cure for at least 1 week
Proper curing ensures a clean burn, strong scent throw and professional finish.
Final Tip
Ice cube and iced drink candles are not just visually stunning, they’re a great way to elevate your product range and stand out at markets, online stores or wholesale.
With the right wax, correct temperatures and a little patience, these candles are as functional as they are beautiful.
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