How to Make Concrete Candle Jars (Step by Step Guide)

There are so many reasons you would want to learn how to make concrete candle jars. Some of those reasons are lack of glass jar supply, inflation and shipping costs. I can go on and on but what fun would that be for both you and me? The real fun is in making your very own concrete candle jars so you don’t have to worry about those reasons above. Let’s go!

Before we begin, the most important part of this journey is safety. I’m not your mom or you dad but the importance of a respirator is paramount so let me quickly say this. The use of a respirator is important when making concrete candle jars as it protects against inhaling hazardous dust and fumes generated from the mixing and pouring of concrete. This dust can contain harmful particles such as silica, which can cause respiratory problems if inhaled. Wearing a respirator helps to prevent lung damage and other health issues, ensuring the safety of the person making the concrete candle jars.

There I am done!

How to Make Concrete Candle Jars (Tools & Supplies)

The first thing you are going to need is a formidable concrete mix. There are many ways to make concrete candle jars but for this guide I am going to use Cement All which is an all in one concrete mix.

If you live outside of the United States download this link here and see other products that are used in various countries around the world.

Naturally you will need a silicone mold which forms the shape needed for the concrete candle jar you are creating. As you can imagine there are many different silicone mold options on the market but for this project we are going to be using a silicone mold from Amazon.

The remaining items you are going to need are:

Step 1: Prepare & Measure Your Mix

Place your respirator over your face and lay your plastic covering on your table. Then place your scale on the table and in a mixing bowl measure out 280 grams of Cement All and place that inside. Do not dump it in. Place it gently inside or else dust will plume up into the air getting all over the place.

Step 2: Add Water

Measure 70 grams of water and place that in your mixing bowl and mix your mixture until you no longer see any lumps or chunks of cement mix in your bowl. Your objective is to have a smoothie like consistency. Some refer to this consistency as a pancake like mixture. Usually 1 to 2 minutes is all you will need to reach that consistency.

Step 3: Pour Your Concrete Mix

Once you see that you have a smoothie like consistency you are going to slowly pour your mixture into your Amazon silicone mold. You want to make sure it reaches the top but you do not want it to over flow. Try your best to get the mixture to become flush with the top of the silicone mold.

Step 4: Tap Your Mold

Once you are finished pouring your mixture you are going to need to release any bubbles that formed during your mixing and pouring stages. In order to get rid of those bubbles you can do 1 of 3 things.

The act of getting rid of those bubbles shouldn’t go longer than 1 minute. If you over do it you might inadvertently create more bubbles. Please know that no matter how hard you try to get rid of bubbles you might see the occasional 1, 2 or 10 bubble holes in your concrete candle jar.

Step 5: Wait

When I started to learn how to make concrete candle jars this step became easy for me because it allowed me to think more about being more creative. It is now time to wait. Cement All usually takes about 3 hours to harden enough for you to be able to demold your concrete candle jar. I have successfully been able to do it in 2 hours and 30 minutes but it’s not worth rushing if you think it might break.

Step 6: Demold Your New Concrete Candle Jar

Now that 3 hours has passed it is time to demold your concrete candle jar. Keep in mind that your new candle jar is still drying and curing so use care.

The first thing you are going to do is fold your silicone mold until it flaps over. Then roll it down to the lip of the mold leaving a 1/4 of an inch of space. Once you are there you are going to flip it around and place your fingers inside the silicone flap and pull it over the lip of the mold. Once you get your first section over, slide your fingers through the flap and lightly pull upwards until the entire silicone flap is over the lip. Once it’s completely over, lightly pull or roll the rest of the mold until it is entire off the vessel leaving the inner portion of the silicone mold. Then take your hand and squeeze the inner portion of the silicone mold near the upper base of the concrete candle jar and twist. You will hear a popping sound. That sound is the releasing sound you will hear, which is an indicator that it is ready to be pulled out. Then gently pull it out.

VOILA!

Step 7: Enjoy

Congratulations you now have a new concrete candle jar. As happy as you are you have to realize that your concrete candle jar is still drying and curing. In fact, concrete takes 28 days to cure going from 3000 PSI to 9000 PSI (Pounds per Square Inch) over that time. You don’t have to wait 28 days to seal your concrete candle jar but you do have to wait until before sealing.

If you want to learn how to make a concrete candle jar check out this video here.