Want to add some personality to your space? An eye-catching pair of marbled candles and vintage candlesticks will add excitement to your dining room or mantle.
As a fan of all-things marbled (including cheesecake), today I’m sharing my latest discovery: a DIY swirling method that allows you to easily marble three-dimensional objects (!). With the right paint and an organized workspace, you can easily create a swoon-worthy set of marbled candles in your own home.
You will need:

- A bucket or container large enough to fully submerge your candle
- One set of taper or pillar candles
- Enamel paint (I used Magic Marble brand)*
- Water
- Drop cloth and trash bags
- Newspaper (or paper towels)
- Stirring stick (a wooden dowel, skewer, or popsicle stick will do the trick)
- Gloves
- Acetone-based nail polish remover or mineral spirits
*For this project, you will need to work with a minimum of two and a maximum of three paint colors. I used black and white to create the candles in this tutorial; feel free to use any color combination you’d like.
Before you get started:

Enamel paint can produce fumes, and it can also be difficult to remove from unwanted surfaces. With this in mind, be sure to do your swirling in a well-ventilated area, with gloves on to protect your hands. Use a drop-cloth to protect your workspace, and line your bucket with a garbage bag if it’s one you wish to keep clean. (Tip: Nail polish remover or mineral spirits will help remove enamel paint spills, should they occur.)
Finally, I recommend having a pile of newspaper and a trash can nearby when you start dipping your candles – it will make the process much smoother (and cleaner!).
Step 1: Prepare the Marbling Water

Fill your bucket with enough room-temperature tap water to fully submerge your candles. Shake your paint bottle thoroughly and add a few drops of your first color to the surface of the water. Repeat this process with your second (and third, if applicable) colors. Use your stirring stick to swirl the paint on the surface of the water.
(Tip: Don’t take too long thinking about the design you want to make during these steps, or the enamel paint will start to dry – potentially ruining your design.)
Step 2: Dip the Candle

Holding the candle tightly by the wick, fully submerge in the water using a quick, steady pace and a circular motion. Before you remove your candle from the water, use newspaper (or a paper towel) to remove the remaining paint from the surface of the water. This will prevent a second layer of marbling to form on your candle as you remove it from the water. Remove the candle and give it a gentle shake to remove any excess water.
Step 3: Let it Dry


After dipping a candle, let it dry on a candlestick (or hanging from its wick) for at least an hour. To repeat this process with another candle, remove any paint residue from the water before adding more paint.


And that’s it! Now, simply style with vintage candlesticks and revel in your newly glam tablescape.
Process photographs by Romain Laurent. Styled photos by Clare McGibbon.
1 Featured Comment
Clare McGibbon from AWAYSAWAY said 5 years ago Featured
@SilverMagpieDesigns2 who asked: "That's a wonderful idea and I love the result, BUT, since you are using enamel paints, wouldn't burning the candles produce toxic fumes as well?" /// I recommend making sure that your coat of paint stays thin and letting your candles fully dry before using them. No fumes were released while I tested mine out. As with all candles, supervision while burning them is recommended. ///// @isewcute who asked: "Oh, and where did you get those lovely round faceted crystals in the last photo with the candle sticks? I love those!" /// Those crystals used to belong to my dad, who passed them down to me. They're definitely vintage so it might be worth a shot to search for something similar right here on Etsy!
117 comments
Zoui from XZOUIX said 5 years ago
wooow, the candles look great, i gotta try this! :::-)
Sue from SuesAkornShop said 5 years ago
I would LOVE to learn to make these. How fun!
benna and hanna from bennaandhanna said 5 years ago
Nice idea!
TropicalGarden from TropicalGarden said 5 years ago
Wow, amazing! I love the unexpected marble effect!
Jeannie from heartfeltwhimsy said 5 years ago
These candles are so pretty. Is it safe to light them with the enamel paint on them? I worry about the paint fumes being released when the candles are lit. Thanks anyway for a pretty idea.
Andrii from OakKitchenBoards said 5 years ago
Very beautiful!!! Cool :)
Michelle White from SPARKLESandSASS said 5 years ago
These are fabulous! Thanks for sharing :)
Michelle White from SPARKLESandSASS said 5 years ago
Now I know what to do with the leftover candles from my wedding :)
Tempy from UrbanGreyWhale said 5 years ago
These look so gorgeous!! Very clever :-)
Julia K Walton from FireHorseVintageHQ said 5 years ago
Nice effect! Thanks for the tutorial :o)
DecadesOfVintage from DecadesOfVintage said 5 years ago
Best tutorial EVER!
Megan from MegansMenagerie said 5 years ago
So pretty!
Megan Mills from theMakingMill said 5 years ago
these are so classy! i love the black and white :) thanks!
Francine from HomespunHeartofMine said 5 years ago
What a unique idea! Thank you for the tutorial....GREAT!!! :D
Margaret Dent from SilverMagpieDesigns2 said 5 years ago
That's a wonderful idea and I love the result, BUT, since you are using enamel paints, wouldn't burning the candles produce toxic fumes as well?
Yadaluk from Muntra said 5 years ago
Wow!! Great work and Very beautiful.
June from isewcute said 5 years ago
Those are so elegant! I've marbled paper before, but never thought of doing this technique on candles! Looks great!
June from isewcute said 5 years ago
Oh, and where did you get those lovely round faceted crystals in the last photo with the candle sticks? I love those!
Jacqueline from JacquelineTribble said 5 years ago
Great project, thanks for sharing!
Nadia B from BasicKnitwear said 5 years ago
Thank you for the tutorial! magnificent idea!
Sujata from TreasuredMemoryLane said 5 years ago
Wow! What a cool idea! Thank you for sharing.
Elena Bacheva from ArtStudioGraceAndBoo said 5 years ago
Cool :)
Charis Felice from HealingTarot said 5 years ago
Wow psychedelic candles ^_^ ! Really nice!
Katie Anne from MiddleCoast said 5 years ago
Love seeing this DIY articles :)
Jeanne S from EclecticSageVintage said 5 years ago
I'm a fan of marbled, too (particularly swirls of chocolate in food). These are very striking. Thanks for the tutorial!
Clare McGibbon from AWAYSAWAY said 5 years ago Featured
@SilverMagpieDesigns2 who asked: "That's a wonderful idea and I love the result, BUT, since you are using enamel paints, wouldn't burning the candles produce toxic fumes as well?" /// I recommend making sure that your coat of paint stays thin and letting your candles fully dry before using them. No fumes were released while I tested mine out. As with all candles, supervision while burning them is recommended. ///// @isewcute who asked: "Oh, and where did you get those lovely round faceted crystals in the last photo with the candle sticks? I love those!" /// Those crystals used to belong to my dad, who passed them down to me. They're definitely vintage so it might be worth a shot to search for something similar right here on Etsy!
Snazzy Living from Snazzyliving said 5 years ago
love it. Great work
Sara Ermisch from LeosLovelyTreasures said 5 years ago
these are gorgeous! The candle addict in me really wants to make them! :)
Vintage Gypsy Studios from BohemianGypsyCaravan said 5 years ago
Really classy look ! I like it !
ArcanaAntiquities from ArcanaAntiquities said 5 years ago
great post, thank you!
Hannah Jane from brightloud said 5 years ago
This looks like so much fun!
Madeleine Keller from ThoseGoodVibrations said 5 years ago
These are so cool looking! I have been really into all things marbled lately, I'd love to try these out. Also your process pictures are great and very satisfyingly composed :) great tutorial
Proton ThreeD from Proton3D said 5 years ago
great tutorial, thank you!
Yael Berger from TheJoyofColor said 5 years ago
beautiful,have to try it one day :)
Margaret and Alice from MargaretAndAliceShop said 5 years ago
Love this idea! I've been on a marble-design-making spree... Will have to try this.
Paula Mucha from ilPiccoloGiardino said 5 years ago
So pretty! I was wondering about the toxicity as well, thanks!
Priscilla from Gardenmis said 5 years ago
Love the look of these!
Olga Volkova from VolkovaAccessories said 5 years ago
Love these easy ways of making candles! Realy like to make these and some soap for my family and friends when not working on my accessories :) thats a fun time as well!
LivingVintage from LivingVintage said 5 years ago
Way cool.
accentonvintage from accentonvintage said 5 years ago
Great idea! Beautiful look!
Celeste Teaselworth from Teaselworth said 5 years ago
With regards to the fumes being released, you'd want to contact the enamel paint company, or check the label, to glean whether burning them would release toxic fumes. I would also like to point out that "fumes" doesn't just mean "something you can smell": The definition of "fumes" is "gas, smoke, or vapor that smells strongly OR is dangerous to inhale". Paint commonly contains all kinds of nasty chemicals, so it's safe to bet that these are just for looks, not for use. For your own liability, OP, recommend not burning.
Kashuen Collectibles from Kashuen said 5 years ago
I never thought of using this idea on candle. I had made some jewelry using a similar method. Interesting. Thanks for sharing.
Seipelo kele from seipeloart said 5 years ago
WOW GREAT!!!!!! Love it!
Relly from RelsFindsNapaValley said 5 years ago
Surely make a statement. Thanks for this terrific idea on marbled candles.
Rasa Rabaciene from PRINTDECOstudio said 5 years ago
Looks amazing! Thank you!
Amy Gunderson from amysfunkyfibers said 5 years ago
Very neat- loved the video too- just think of all the stuff you could dunk in there! Picture frames vases planters- fun!
Jeanne B from PruAtelier said 5 years ago
Beautiful effect! Love them!
Elizabeth from TwiceAsNice4u said 5 years ago
Off to try this NOW!! What a great DIY tutorial! Thank you for sharing this! Your very talented & I would love to see more of your great ideas.
VisionsOfToday from VisionsOfToday said 5 years ago
Cool affect.
Jeri Kidd from MontageDecor said 5 years ago
Love the marbled look! Always have. I marbled many columns and walls as a Faux Finisher - all my woodwork is marbled with 7 coats of colors in the brown /gold family. Can't wait to try this for myself. Jeri
Kristine Baltazar from homeofficemobile said 5 years ago
The step by step process of your candles makes the product look even more beautiful
DeUno from DeUno said 5 years ago
So beautiful! Thanks for sharing! Great idea!
Jenni from ThePaperLake said 5 years ago
Marbling is fairly simple and super unique. I love to marble paper.
Katerina Auge from ViragoShop said 5 years ago
WOW! Definatly should make that!
Dia Lucic from WaterPhysics said 5 years ago
this is SO cool!!! LOVE IT
Natalia from KMalinkaVintage said 5 years ago
Awesome idea! Love it :O)
Hajira Gibb from HajiraKG said 5 years ago
Great work and very beautiful :)
asia lee from nativeprideart said 5 years ago
Very beautiful.
mbbymaya from MBbyMaya said 5 years ago
Love it!!!
Sandra from patternific said 5 years ago
Great!
Georgia from JewelMeShop said 5 years ago
Amazing idea! Thanks for sharing!
NeatoKeen from NeatoKeen said 5 years ago
So cool...or I guess I mean hot!
ACR from IntoTheBluePaintShop said 5 years ago
Wow, I love these candles !!
ACR from WoodsyWools said 5 years ago
So pretty :-)
Bonnie and Abby from PersimmonPointe said 5 years ago
These are gorgeous! They look like fun to create.
thedesignsenchanted from TheDesignsEnchanted said 5 years ago
Lovely Candles!!
Rosita from pillowlink said 5 years ago
Really nice candles.mit looks simple to make them. Thank you for sharing..
Koltsova Maria from MariaKoltsova said 5 years ago
Beautifully it turns, thanks for the master class))
paula witmer from TrueVintageandMade said 5 years ago
Easy way to make plain into pizzazz!!
MatsaZ Zilih from 3xRE said 5 years ago
Awesome candles! They look like pop-art. Even if you don't light them, they are beautiful decoration.
Renee from RandMhandmade said 5 years ago
Looks like a lot of fun!!!
Jen Frisch from TimetheftEmpire said 5 years ago
Excellent, clear directions made this a really fun afternoon project with beautiful results. Thanks for sharing your knowledge!
Niki from CaramelAppleBooks said 5 years ago
These are super cool! Thanks.
vona giese from GieseDeseiGns said 5 years ago
nice, but be careful burning paint could be toxic.
Carissa Morrison from BellyFrecklesCo said 5 years ago
They are gorgeous but I wonder if anyone has any alternative ideas for the paint...I echo the concerns of my colleagues here -- won't the burning be unpleasant at best? Are these intended to be purely decorative? That changes everything, but then again, I never make a candle I won't burn.
Vintage De Mar from VintageDeMar said 5 years ago
Love the monochromatic look ! Black & White
Bandit from banditstreasures said 5 years ago
does the marbeling effect only work with tons of acrylic paint and waxed products?
Bandit from banditstreasures said 5 years ago
how much paint to you use....and do you change the paint and water each time? not very clear instructions to me.... how much paint for what size candle and only on waxed projects?
Bandit from banditstreasures said 5 years ago
wonderful pictures, wonderful project.....but ......... how much, how little, only with what? those are the questions for someone who wants to try it
Bandit from banditstreasures said 5 years ago
also, I have not read a post, that shows that anyone has tried your project......
Brainisms from Brainisms said 5 years ago
I'm glad you clarified this project in the comments. Thanks.
a casa con Manu from Acasaconmanu said 5 years ago
Un'idea geniale!!! grazie per averla condivisa con noi.
Cristy Ramos from ArtisanBathandBody said 5 years ago
Marvelous! Love it. Thank you very much for sharing.
Rebecca from VintageUnwined said 5 years ago
These are lovely...but extremely toxic. You are already starting with paraffin/petroleum based candles, and dipping them in enamel. I would NOT recommend burning these indoors; the carcinogens you would be releasing (toluene and benzene) are harmful enough, but then enamel as well?? I am not trying to discredit the creativity, or offend anyone, they are pretty, but they worry me.
allwood1 from AllWoodToo said 5 years ago
Love this! So pretty..Thanks for sharing!
Büşra DG from DGatelier said 5 years ago
Great!
Büşra DG from DGatelier said 5 years ago
I love this so much! I'm going to try this evening!
Büşra DG from DGatelier said 5 years ago
Thanks for sharing!
Tagetes from lovemyskinsoaps said 5 years ago
Very pretty, buy I would not burn them for health reasons. Besides mentioned chemicals theyight have some mineral pigments that are not approved for burning.
Joan Crasten from AmericanToyShop said 5 years ago
Wow! I haven't seen marbled candles like these in a long time. My uncle was in the candle business. He use to create marbled candles using the same process you did. That was back in the 1960's. They are so pretty!
Maha Saedaway from Sundrench said 5 years ago
you can use spry pant too
Raz from cornerworkroom said 5 years ago
Thanks for sharing. Classy looking candles. Loved the video and pictures.
aili sun said 5 years ago
That's a wonderful idea!
Qitta Design from QittaDesign said 5 years ago
Great... for me is possible to add a little bit of red color and the results could be more incredible
Lucie from FearlessPrint said 5 years ago
Wooooh gotta try this, it's the perfect gift!
Ferdi from ferceramics said 5 years ago
Great idea, thanks!
Angela Ohmke from RegalosOnline said 5 years ago
Very Elegant :)
Cristy Ramos from ArtisanBathandBody said 5 years ago
Beautiful, classy, amazing!
ElzyWool from ElzyWool said 5 years ago
Very beautiful! Gorgeous idea!
Nata Bells from DecorForBottles said 5 years ago
Very nice!
Sharon Cuevas from SCCandlesandSoaps said 5 years ago
Nice look but NEVER light the candles!! Fumes are flammable and or explosive.
Monika Kucharska from Monikagifts said 5 years ago
Great idea :) Well done :)
Lisa Smith from Yourlifeuncorked said 5 years ago
Thank you for the information. That looksso easy to make and the finished product is beautiful
Iris from VintageofTN said 5 years ago
Wonderful crafting idea with really nice results, but I'm concerned candles would be a hazard if lite.
Vera Noritsa from CobraQueensGift said 5 years ago
Nice idea!
mangache kamal from MyfurnitureDeco said 5 years ago
nice color effect
Katrina Dzerkale from Dominna said 5 years ago
really nice idea.
FuchsiaMoon from TheFuchsiaMoon said 4 years ago
Very pretty and LOVE the photo! Agreed that they are best used for décor purposes only. Keeping the home free from chemical exposure is very important. Would love to see another project post on using marble techniques!
OlgaMaria from JewelInspirations said 4 years ago
Great idea and very nice color effect!
TheMuckyDuck from TheMuckyDuck said 4 years ago
Love this!
One Stop Steampunk Shoppe from OneStopSteamShoppe said 4 years ago
Wow, cool tutorial! Nice animation! : )
LaPriscille Design from LPDBoutique said 4 years ago
Great post! Absolutely love the idea!
Valentina . from Exclusive72 said 4 years ago
Awesome. Great picks!
Jillian Brown from Terraromarific said 4 years ago
The video mesmerized me.
Flair Nouri from FlairPaintings said 4 years ago
Wow!! amazing :)
greenphilosophie from greenphilosophie said 4 years ago
Love it… Thank you… :)
Julia from JuliasMysticMoon said 1 year ago
Beautiful