terracotta safety

[jade]

Is it safe to burn a pillar candle on a terracotta saucer that's usually under a flower pot?  Would we need to treat the saucer in any way?  I'm wondering - since water soaks through a flower pot, would wax soak through the saucer as the candle melts.  We want to use them for candlelight decorations at an event & there will be rocks or shells around the base of the pillar on the saucer.   Thanks for any help.

[TallTayl]

It 'could' soak the porous terra cotta with wax. Whether or not that could cause the saucer to become a torch, I am doubtful.

 

Test a bunch long before the event under adverse conditions to see what happens. You could probably seal the saucers well enough for a short term use with some spray sealant at hobby stores or spray paint.

 

In any event, when I use saucers I fill them with a good half inch of sand or salt to catch any possible drips and help level and stabilize the candle. 

[Trappeur]

Yes, it  definitely "will" soak through the terracotta!   Ask me how I know?............................

 

Trappeur

[TallTayl]

What kind of wax? Beeswax pillars would do ok if made well. 

 

If the candles are made so they don't drip that would be helpful.

 

clear glass containers on the terra-cotta saucer will solve everything. 

[joym]

Coating them thoroughly with Mod Podge will work.  I usually give two coats.

 

[Clear Black]

I say grab a tera saucer and test in a safe spot. Just be aware like Trap says that it will soak through. Doesnt hurt to at least test and see for yourself.