Dipped candles by definition (see above) are pairs of candles on which wax has been built to a certain thickness by repeatedly dipping a single wick into the melted wax.

There is, however, another kind of dipping — called “overdipping.” Overdipping, put simply, is submerging a finished candle in a final wax bath either to layer a candle with color or to put a layer of super-hard wax on the candle, with a higher melting point than the wax in the center of the candle, to prevent dripping. This process makes the wax on the outer layer burn more slowly than the wax at the center of the candle. The wax closest to the wick is consumed by the wick's flame before it can pool and drip over the side of the candle, or, in the case of pillars, make a crater or deep pool of melted wax that will extinguish the wick.

Overdipping in a higher melting point wax creates a hard shell on the candle, which protects its surface. It can also serve to cover up any surface blemishes on finished candles. Or, it can be used to change the color of a tinted candle. You can even make a half-and-half (say, blue and white) effect by overdipping only the bottom half (or other portion) into the colored wax. Quite dramatic color effects can be obtained by overdipping, such as adding strongly contrasting colors over white. As the candle burns, the contrast is revealed. Or, you can overdip a second color over a first color — for example, a red over a pink — for an unusual effect in the burning candle.

Overdipping rolled candles will seal them together and prevent them from coming unrolled (which can happen in hot weather or an overheated room). Simply overdip your rolled candles in clear wax. This process gives a nice, finished look to the rolled candle; it is especially recommended if you have rolled the candle into a spiral shape.

Overdipping is also useful for creating decorated candles. By overdipping the finished candle in plain paraffin, which is translucent and won't affect color, you can adhere small decorations, such as beads or sequins, to the candle's surface.

Additionally, candles can be overdipped with the same wax you used to make them if you add l0 percent of the hardening agent microcrystalline.