Easy and High Selling Value, This is the Technique of Processing Wax into Artworks

Illustration of soft material processing technique from wax (freepik)

YOGYAKARTA - The technique of processing soft materials from wax turns out to be not as difficult as imagined. With the right method, anyone can create a work of art from high quality wax with satisfactory results.

Interestingly, wax is a flexible material that is easy to form into various artistic creations. Understanding the basic techniques of processing it will open up opportunities to produce handicraft products with high economic value.

Lilin's Advantage as a Craft Material

Making beautiful and fragrant candles is very easy, so you can make it yourself at home. In addition to serving for lighting, candles also have various uses such as room decoration, religious needs, aromatherapy, to souvenirs with high artistic value.

Another example is aromatherapy candles which function to relax, provide comfort, relieve stress and anxiety.

Reported from the ITN Malang website, there are several types of candle materials that can be used to make handicrafts, including:

Also read the article discussing the Value of Beauty in a Work of Art that Can Be Enjoyed, Here are the Parameters

Paraffin

Wax material is the most popular and economical for making crafts. It is easy to melt and shaped as desired.

Beeswax (Bee Wax)

An environmentally friendly option with a distinctive natural aroma. More expensive but produces premium quality.

Soy Wax (Soybean Wax)

An increasingly popular eco-friendly alternative. Has a low melting point and cleaner combustion.

Soft Material Processing Techniques from Wax: Printing Method

The printing technique is the most effective method to produce quality wax. Here are some steps:

Preparation of Materials and Tools

Prepare the ingredients: paraffin/beeswax, stearin (10%), coloring (powder/crayon/oil paint), fragrance (essential oil), cotton thread for the wick, and white oil.

Tools needed: large and small basins, heater (electric/LPG stove), wooden spatula, cardboard cup, various molds, pencil/sate skewers, and knives.

Candle Printing Process

Stage 1: Preparation of the Mold

Prepare a mold (pudding mold, clear glass, ice mold, or ceramic). Grease with a little oil so that the wax can be easily removed. Tie a cotton thread that has been dipped in liquid wax to a pencil, place it in the middle of the mold with the tip touching the bottom.

Step 2: Melt the Wax

Cut the candle and put it in a small basin. Use the team method (double boiler) by placing a small basin in a large basin filled with hot water. Heat over low heat at a temperature of 50-60 ° C. Do not let it boil or heat with direct fire.

Step 3: Coloring and Fragrant

After the wax melts perfectly, pour it into a cardboard cup containing the dye. Then stir quickly until the color dissolves evenly. Drop essential oil around the mold axis for maximum aroma.

Stage 4: Filling and Cooling

Pour the colored liquid wax into the mold carefully. Let it cool and harden perfectly. For layered wax, pour each color with a pause until the previous layer becomes a gel.

The success of making candles depends heavily on proper temperature control. Keep the melting temperature in the range of 50-60°C for optimal results, because too high a temperature will make the candle evaporate and spoil the aroma.

The selection of the axis also needs to be adjusted to the size of the mold, where large molds require thick axes and small molds use thin axes.

For the finishing technique, remove the wax from the mold after it has completely hardened then cut the wick to an ideal length of about 1 cm for a professional result.

Well, for those who want to explore further, transparent wax can be made by adding CT/PVC powder polymer, while stearin can be added to produce a harder and more durable texture.

The technique of processing soft materials from wax is proven to be easy to practice with satisfactory results. The key lies in temperature control, selection of quality materials, and patience in every stage.

You can start with simple molds, then develop creativity to create candles with high art and economic value.

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