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Striped candlesticks can add color and a handmade touch to a dinner table or seasonal display. This simple DIY uses masking tape and acrylic craft paint to decorate plain candles. Before starting, consider how you plan to use them: painted candles may be best kept as decorative items unless you can confirm the paint is suitable for burning.
How to Make Striped Candlesticks
Choose candles in colors that suit your room or tablescape. The original project used bordeaux, white, rust, and olive candles, then added contrasting stripes with water-based, non-toxic acrylic craft paint. Gather masking tape, a sponge brush, and a small amount of paint for each candle.
Before painting, make sure the candle surfaces are clean and dry. Use masking tape to mark out stripes in a mix of widths. Press the tape down gently along its edges so paint is less likely to seep underneath. If you are decorating several candles, vary the stripe spacing to create an intentionally mismatched set.
Use a sponge brush to dab on a thin layer of paint. Avoid loading the brush with too much paint, as excess can bleed beneath the tape or create an uneven finish. Let each coat dry as directed on the paint label, then apply two or three light coats as needed to cover the wax. Light layers are easier to control than one thick coat.
Remove the Tape and Refine the Edges
Once the paint has dried, carefully peel away the masking tape. If a small amount of paint has crossed a stripe edge, the project notes that it can be gently scraped from the wax with the dull edge of a knife. Work slowly and keep the blade pointed away from your hands. Painted surfaces can scratch when handled, so avoid frequent moving or rubbing.
Painted Candle Safety
Water-based and labeled non-toxic do not automatically mean that a paint is safe to burn. The project’s original safety update notes that some paints may contain small amounts of preservatives, including formaldehyde, and recommends checking product information for formaldehyde and heavy-metal content. Paint formulations vary, so read the label and contact the manufacturer if the intended use is unclear.
For the most cautious option, display painted candles without lighting them. Do not burn candles coated with primer unless the primer manufacturer specifically confirms it is suitable for that use; the original project advises against burning primed candles unless the primer is water-based and non-toxic. Even then, verify the product instructions rather than relying on those terms alone. If you choose to burn any candle, follow its safety directions, keep it away from flammable materials, and never leave it unattended.
Display Ideas for Striped Candlesticks
Arrange the finished candles with a varied collection of candle holders for a relaxed tablescape. The original project paired them with thrifted holders painted black. If you are displaying the candles rather than burning them, place them securely in stable holders and keep them out of direct heat and sunlight to help protect the painted finish.
With a few basic materials, striped candlesticks can become a colorful accent for a holiday table or everyday decor. Choose paint carefully, take time with the tape and thin coats, and decide whether the finished candles are for display or for burning based on the paint manufacturer’s safety guidance.
—Mandi
