If you’re planning a girls night, bridal shower, birthday bash, or bachelorette and want a craft that’s cute, easy, and mess-free—say hello to DIY candle painting with wax.
This trend has taken over my feed lately, and after trying it myself, I can confirm: it’s so satisfying. Whether you’re creating seasonal candles, cute custom shapes, or decorating with dried florals, candle painting is an affordable, beginner-friendly DIY everyone will love.
So grab your besties, pour the wine (or mocktails), and let’s get painting.
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Supplies for DIY Candle Painting with Wax
Here’s what you’ll need to set up your wax candle painting station—perfect for small groups or a full-on party:
- Plain taper candles (Dollar Tree sells them in 2-packs, or grab a bulk set from Amazon)
- Tea lights in a variety of colors (Dollar Tree is great for this too!)
- Paint brushes (small, flat-tip brushes work best—not too big, not too tiny)
- Lighter or matches
- Paper towels (for wiping brushes and fingers)
- Plastic tablecloth or craft paper (to protect your surface)
- Optional: Dried pressed flowers for extra flair
💡 Pro tip: Set out 2 taper candles and a couple of brushes at each guest’s spot. Place tea lights in a few shared trays so everyone has access to multiple colors.
How to Paint Candles with Wax: Step-by-Step
Ready to get crafting? Here’s exactly how to create gorgeous wax-painted candles from start to finish:
- Light your tea lights and let them melt for a few minutes. Each melted tea light becomes a mini paint pot!
- Dip your paintbrush into the hot, melted wax of your chosen color.
- Paint directly onto the taper candle, just like you would with traditional paint! You can create abstract strokes, polka dots, hearts, swirls—you name it.
- Switch colors by wiping your brush clean with a paper towel and repeating with another melted tea light.
- Let cool for a few minutes before wrapping or displaying. No sealing necessary!
✨ Watch my candle painting tutorial here on Instagram!
Bonus Idea: Floral Wax-Painted Candles 🌸
Want to incorporate dried flowers into your candles? It’s easier than it looks!
- Use a light wax color like white or ivory
- Position the dried flower on the candle
- With your brush, lightly coat the edges of the flower with hot wax to secure it in place
Watch my floral candle tutorial right here—it’s dreamy and perfect for spring decor or love in bloom bridal showers.
🪄 Ideas for Hosting a DIY Candle Painting Party
DIY candle painting works for almost any kind of gathering. Here’s how you can tailor it:
🧖♀️For a Bridal Shower or Bachelorette
Set up a “Candle Bar” alongside your mimosa station. Add tags so guests can write their names or a little love note to the bride!
🎉For a Birthday Bash
Include a display table so guests can show off their creations. You can even vote on “most creative” or “best theme” for a prize.
🕯 For a Girls Night In
Pair it with wine, a cheese board, and a playlist of 2000s throwbacks for a low-key, high-fun night.
🛍️ Want More DIYs Like This?
If you loved this, you’ll be obsessed with these other easy DIY candle and party projects:
Learn how to DIY Crystal Jar Candles – another perfect girls’ night craft!
Find out how to Repurpose Jars as Centerpieces!
💌 Before You Go…
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