How much resin for a candle holder
The candle holder is the seasonal resin gift: a thick piece in a tall mold that takes far more mix than it looks. Since the mold is filled in one go, running short mid-pour leaves a visible line. Here are the grams by size, which resin handles that height and how to use it with a candle without ruining it.
Resin per candle holder and set (solid cylinder: subtract the candle cavity)
| Candle holder | 1 pc | Set of 3 | Set of 6 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ø7 cm · 3 cm tall | 140 g | 420 g | 840 g |
| Ø8 cm · 4 cm tall | 243 g | 729 g | 1458 g |
| Ø10 cm · 5 cm tall | 475 g | 1425 g | 2850 g |
How to calculate resin for a candle holder
A cylindrical candle holder is a circle times its height: π × radius² × height. A Ø8 cm, 4 cm tall holder is ~201 cm³, which at deep pour density (~1.10 g/ml) is about 221 g, 243 g with a 10 % margin. The tea light cavity (Ø4 cm, ~2 cm deep) takes about 25 cm³: subtract 25-30 g. The table calculates the solid cylinder, so it is your safe ceiling.
Which resin for a tall mold
At 3-5 cm tall, a regular coating resin (max ~1.5 cm per layer) forces you into 3 or 4 layers, with lines between pours. A deep pour like Artline Wood PRO takes up to 6 cm per pour: you fill the mold in one go and it cures slowly without overheating. It needs longer before demolding, so plan gifts a few days ahead.
Candles and heat: using it safely
Craft epoxy resin is not heat resistant: near a flame it softens, warps and can scorch. Always keep the candle in its metal cup or in a glass insert fitted into the cavity, never touching the resin directly, and leave at least 1 cm of wall around it. For decorative pieces that stay lit for a long time, an LED candle is the safe option.
Example: set of 3 candle holders as gifts
- Mold
- Ø8 cm cylinder
- Height
- 4 cm
- Mix/piece
- ≈ 243 g
- Tea light cavity
- − 25-30 g
- Total set of 3
- ≈ 650 g
Note: Figures include a 10 % margin. If the mold has a shape (hexagon, cube), measure its capacity with water in ml and multiply by 1.1.
Want the exact amount for your piece, with the A:B ratio and layer plan?
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Frequently asked questions
How much resin do I need for a candle holder?
For a Ø8 cm, 4 cm tall cylinder, about 243 g of mix with margin, minus 25-30 g for the tea light cavity. A smaller Ø7 × 3 cm one is around 140 g.
Can you put a lit candle in a resin candle holder?
Yes, with protection: keep the candle in its metal cup or a glass insert, with neither the flame nor hot wax touching the resin, and at least 1 cm of wall. Craft epoxy softens with heat. For long use, an LED candle is better.
Which resin is best for candle holders?
A deep pour (Wood PRO type), because it takes up to 6 cm per pour and you fill the mold in one go. With a crystal coating resin you would have to pour in 1.5 cm layers and wait between each one.