Can you use resin for candle holders?
It depends on the type of resin. Standard epoxy resin should not be used for holders containing a real naked flame unless the resin manufacturer specifically states that the product is suitable for this application. Heat can soften or damage some epoxy resins. For real candles, a purpose-made heat-resistant material such as a suitable eco-resin may be a better option. Battery-operated LED candles are the safest choice for decorative epoxy resin candle holders.
Which materials can you use with real flame?
| Material | Real flame | LED candle | Suitable for candle holder? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard epoxy resin | ⚠️ Not recommended | ✅ Yes | Check manufacturer |
| Heat-resistant epoxy | ⚠️ Check manufacturer | ✅ Yes | Product dependent |
| Eco resin | ✅/⚠️ Product dependent | ✅ Yes | Check manufacturer |
| Jesmonite | ⚠️ Product/finish dependent | ✅ Yes | Check manufacturer |
| Glass | ✅ | ✅ | Yes |
| Ceramic | ✅ | ✅ | Yes |
Battery operated candles and Epoxy Resin
LED or battery operated lights release far less heat and are a great way of creating beautiful candle effects with epoxy resin pieces.
But, what if you want the real deal and love the effect a real flame gives?
Eco Resin Candle Holders
Eco Resin like Jesmonite, Eco Pour H2O and ResinCrete are all highly heat resistant and safe to use with real wax candles.
Our little tealight house was made with the following:
- Eco Pour H2O – Get 20% off using code RESINFORBEGINNERS
- House mould from Amazon
How we made it:
It was so so easy! Simply pour your Eco Pour powder in to a glass or silicone jar and add water according to the weight ratio.
All you have to do it mix until smooth and pour in to your mould then wait 20 minutes before un-moulding.
You can add a huge range of colours to make your own little town of houses 🙂
@resinforbeginners Reveal at end 😍 Watch us pour and unmould a teeny house tealight holder made with tge amazong EcoPour H2O from @Just4youonlineUK. It took under 30 minutes to make this simple but stunning piece. Absolutely love it 💙 All you need is EcoPour powder and water then youre good to mix, pour and go. Head to our website for tutorials ans discount codes. #resinpourvideo #asmr #asmrvideo #ecopourh20 #ecopour #ecoresin #resin #jesmonite #quickcrafts #ecofriendlygifts #ecofriendlychristmas #ecofriendlyresin #resinforbeginners #resintutorial ♬ Little Houses – Helen Hummel
Resin & Candle Safety FAQs
Can you put a real candle in a resin candle holder?
It depends on the type of resin and the specific product. You should not assume that a standard epoxy resin candle holder is safe for use with a naked flame. Heat from a candle can build up and potentially cause the resin to soften, deform or become damaged.
If you want to use a real candle, choose a material specifically recommended by the manufacturer for candle holders and follow their instructions. A battery-operated LED candle is the safest option for decorative epoxy resin holders.
Can epoxy resin withstand candle heat?
Not all epoxy resins are designed to withstand the temperatures produced by a burning candle. Some specialist epoxy resins have higher heat resistance than standard formulations, but heat resistant does not automatically mean suitable for direct contact with a naked flame.
If you are making a candle holder from epoxy resin, check the manufacturer’s technical information and intended applications before using it with a real candle. Candle accessories need to withstand heat and flame safely during their intended use.
Can you use heat-resistant epoxy for candle holders?
Some heat-resistant epoxy products may be suitable for particular candle-holder applications, but you should always follow the manufacturer’s specific guidance. The term “heat resistant” alone isn’t enough to confirm that a resin is suitable for direct exposure to candle heat or flame.
For a decorative resin candle holder, an LED candle is a safer choice unless the resin manufacturer specifically confirms that the product is suitable for use with a real candle.
Is eco resin safe for candles?
Some eco-resin products are suitable for making candle holders, but it depends on the exact product. Eco resin is a broad term covering different materials and formulations, so you shouldn’t assume that every eco resin is suitable for use with a naked flame.
Always check the manufacturer’s instructions for the specific eco resin you are using. For example, Jesmonite states that its AC100 and AC730 products have an A-grade fire rating and can be used to make candle jars and holders, while also advising makers to carry out appropriate testing for their intended application.
Can you put a tealight in resin?
You should be particularly careful with tealights because they can become very hot. Fire safety guidance recommends using tealights in suitable, heat-resistant holders rather than placing them directly onto potentially unsuitable surfaces.
If your resin product has not been specifically designed and tested for use with a real tealight, use a battery-operated LED tealight instead.
Can you use Jesmonite to make candle holders?
Yes, certain Jesmonite products can be used to make candle holders. Jesmonite states that AC100 and AC730 have an A-grade fire rating and can be used to make candle jars and holders. However, Jesmonite also points out that it cannot test every possible use and recommends that makers carry out appropriate testing for their intended application.
The type of candle, holder design, thickness, finish and how the product is used can all affect its performance, so always follow the manufacturer’s guidance.
Are LED candles safe to use with epoxy resin?
LED candles are the safest option for epoxy resin candle holders. They don’t have a naked flame and produce much less heat than a burning candle, reducing the risk of damaging the resin.
They are particularly useful when you want the appearance of a candle flame without exposing a resin project to the heat and flame of a real candle. Fire and rescue services also recommend flameless candles as a way of reducing the risk associated with candle fires.
Can you make a candle directly inside an epoxy resin mould?
You should not assume that an epoxy resin mould or container is suitable for making and burning a candle simply because it can withstand some heat. A candle creates a sustained source of heat, and the container needs to be suitable for that particular application.
If you want to make a candle vessel, use a material and product specifically recommended for candle making and follow the manufacturer’s guidance. Candle containers and accessories need to be designed and tested to withstand the heat produced during burning.
What is the safest candle to use with a resin holder?
For a decorative resin holder where the material has not been specifically approved for use with a naked flame, a battery-operated LED candle is the safest choice.
If you want to use a real candle, use a holder made from a material specifically intended for candle use and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Never leave a burning candle unattended, and always place it on a suitable heat-resistant surface.
Is resin flammable?
The answer depends on the particular resin formulation. You should never assume that a resin is non-flammable simply because it is described as heat resistant.
Candle accessories are exposed to both heat and potentially direct flame, which is why recognised candle-accessory safety standards include requirements relating to flammability, stability, cracking and heat performance.
Always check the manufacturer’s technical data and intended use before using a resin product close to a naked flame.
Can you use resin around a candle?
Resin can potentially be used as a decorative element around a candle, but the amount of heat reaching the resin and its distance from the flame need to be considered. Don’t place uncured or unsuitable resin directly next to a naked flame.
If you are unsure whether your particular resin is suitable, an LED candle is the safer alternative.