Romantic Valentines Candles Ideas for Decor or Gifts
Did you know that you can paint candles? Doesn’t that sound fun! It’s a great way to make some easy decorations or gifts for an occasion like Valentine’s Day.
Here are 5 pretty Valentines candles ideas to give you inspiration. As long as you use the right paint, you can be as creative as your imagination allows.
If you aren’t sure of your painting skills with a brush, I’ll show you what I use to make it even easier to get a good result.
Here’s everything you need to know, including trending designs and essential tips to paint candles safely.
See the full step by step video tutorial
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If you’re coming over from My Thrift Store Addiction, welcome! Weren’t their drawer liners lovely?
Check out more ideas from my blogging friends at the end.
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5 Valentines Candles Ideas to Paint Step by Step
Materials you’ll need
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1: Supplies to Paint Candles for Valentine’s Decor pieces
The most important part of painting candles is using the right paint. Non-toxic, water-based acrylic paint is what you need.
You can use paint, or what I prefer, Posca pens. Posca pens are also water-based acrylic paint but are easier to design with as they are pens.
Taper candles make a romantic evening more special when used as a centrepiece. You could also use a pillar candle which gives you more space for the design.
These lovely red candles are perfect for Valentine’s Day or Christmas. White candles are the next best choice as the paint shows up more against the light background.
Step 2: Clean Candles Before Painting
The only step before getting to the creative part is to clean the candles first.
Simply use surgical spirits, or rubbing alcohol and wipe it across the surface. This removes the sheen and helps create a more absorbent surface.
Painted Valentine’s Candle with Heart Design
Even the most non-artistic amongst us is able to draw pretty heart-shaped candles designs like this one. I love the simple mix of two pinks in contrast against the red.
It’s best to have a simple repeating pattern or narrow design to see all of it without rotating the candle.
Now, the hard part, you have to wait until you light the candle. This is to give the acrylic paint time to cure. Allow the paint to dry for at least 24 hours, before lighting the candle.
Romantic Rose Design Painted Candle
This is the most detailed design of the five painted candles.
It’s a good idea to test out your design on paper before painting it on the candle. Then you can simplify or change the design if you don’t think it will work well.
Posca pens come in fine and broad shapes, so thinner tips make it much easier to get a precise line.
The brighter colours stand out more against the red of the candle. Typically, I would make rose stems using a darker green, but this more pastel green works better.
This is such a pretty candle design. It gives a Beauty and the Beast feel.
But you could adapt this design to other favourite flowers. And they’d probably last longer than a bouquet of roses too!
XOXO Anthropologie Candle Dupe
This design inspired the rest.
I saw that Anthropologie had candles with simple Xs and Os on them. The crosses are purple and the noughts are light pink.
With a simple design like this, you could use normal acrylic paint and a paintbrush. But for anything more ornate or precise, the Posca pen is really helpful.
Personalise Painted Valentine’s Day Candles
Writing words is the easiest way to personalise a candle. And Valentine’s Day or a birthday is the perfect opportunity for this.
You can write a name, date, or special quote to show someone what they mean to you. Painting words with a pen is so much easier than using a paintbrush.
If you’re using a pair of candles for Valentine’s Day candle centrepieces, you could have something special on each one. Either names on one side or a date on the other candle.
It’s a very flexible craft to get creative with.
You should also trim down the wick before lighting it. To burn well, a wick should be about 1cm or 1/4 inch.
Rainbow Heart Pretty Candles
When doing a design that relies on placing it centrally, it’s helpful to start with the middle part of the design. For these rainbow hearts, I painted the blue first.
It’s also important to keep the paint at least 1 inch away from the candle’s wick. Also, some of the bottom of the candle will be hidden by the candle holder. This is good to remember when working out where to place your design.
Depending on the colours you’re using, you may need multiple coats of paint to get good coverage.
The three hearts on the left have two coats of paint. The hearts on the right have one coat of paint with the Posca pen.
The more simple the design, the more effective it will look. Especially over candlelight when you will be able to see fewer details.
Painting taper candles is a fun, creative way to celebrate Valentine’s Day.
Whether you want to paint candles as a fun Galentine’s gift or make a meaningful design for a loved one, there are endless ways to get creative.
If you loved this project, you’ll love these projects too:
valentine’s door wreath
conversation heart coasters
homemade soy candles
Pin it for later – 5 Valentines Candles Ideas to Paint
Creative Craft Hop
Now it’s time to check out this amazing Gift Tin from The Painted Apron. When you’re done, please remember to visit these other amazing talents below:
DIY Christmas Ornaments With Travel Decals
Air-Dry Clay Heart Napkin Rings for Valentine’s Day
DIY Dollar Store Drawer Liners
Hi there! I'm Rachel Bowyer, a passionate DIY enthusiast with a knack for transforming the old into something beautifully new. With a deep love for furniture painting, refinishing, and the art of crafting. I've been documenting my DIY projects and restoration journey since 2018. I specialise in techniques like decoupage, stencilling, and decor transfers. Join me as we explore the world of creativity and home improvement, one project at a time.
So perfect for a romantic Valentine’s dinner and a project that anyone can master! I had no idea that Posca worked on wax; I definitely have to give this a go.
Thanks, Sara. Posca pens are so good. I discovered them when I lived in Japan and am so glad they’re easy to buy here too now.
How adorable is your candle. I have painted candles but never added details. I will now. Thanks for sharing Rachel.
Thank you, Terrie.
Rachel, these are SO pretty! I love the different designs you created. (The roses are my favorite!) Blessings, Cecilia @ My Thrift Store Addiction
Thanks, Cecilia. There are so many ideas you could do, it’s fun to think about.
What a cute idea Rachel~ I have painted a lot of things, but have never thought to paint a candle! I love the Posca paint pens. Thank you for the detailed tutorial and the tips and tricks! Love these!
Thanks, Jenna. Yes, it’s not something you’d automatically think about painting.