Candle Problems
Following are common candlemaking problems and solutions:
| PROBLEM | POSSIBLE CAUSES | SOLUTIONS |
| Candle Smokes (all candles) | wick is too thick (it burns wax faster than it can melt it so the wick starts to burn) | use a thinner wick (see wick sizing chart) |
| Candle Drips (all candles) | wick is too thin (it cannot burn the wax it is melting so it overflows) | use a thicker wick (see wick sizing chart) |
| Splattering (poured / molded candles) | air cavities have formed in the wax and expand due to heat | pierce around the wick to expose cavities and fill with melted wax (may be necessary to do more than once) |
| PROBLEM | POSSIBLE CAUSES | SOLUTIONS |
| Candle Stuck in Mold (poured / molded candles) | Mold Releasant was not used enough or at all; mold was not filled to top | add 1 teaspoon mold releasant per pound of wax - if it still sticks, place in freezer to shrink wax (only when it's completely set); fill mold all the way to the top (any wax that may splash on the sides will stop the candle from coming out) |
| Candle is Dipped or Caved at bottom (poured / molded candles) | all wax shrinks when it cools | it is necessary to "top up" the candle as it cools until the surface is level (may need to be done several times) |
| PROBLEMS | POSSIBLE CAUSES | SOLUTIONS |
| Fractures & Cracks (poured / molded candles) | candle has been cooled too quickly, too soon, or for too long | reduce amount of cooling |
| Pit Marks (poured / molded candles) | water has gotten into the wax; wax has been poured into the mold too quickly; mold is dirty | keep any water out of wax; pour wax slowly into mold; clean molds before use |
| Spots Under Surface (poured / molded candles) | wax has been remelted too many times and has broken down | use fresh wax or decorate to cover imperfections |
| White Mottling (poured / molded candles) | too much oil in wax (sometimes added to acheive this affect - use 3% mineral oil) | reduce amount of oil added to wax or use a wax with less oil content (oil based scents will cause this too if too much is added) |
| Rippling Effect (poured / molded candles) | too much Polybar | add appropriate amount of Polybar (2%) |
| White Rings (poured / molded candles) | wax poured too cool | pour wax at a higher temperature (always use a thermometer to regulate temperature) |
| Caved Sides (poured / molded candles) | candle was not pierced early enough (air pockets cause sides to contract inwards) | poke a hole in well of candle (around wick) before wax hardens |
| White Dust on Surface of Beeswax Sheets (rolled candles) | Beeswax contains a natural oil that rises to the surface over time, forming a white "bloom" | gently warm wax with a hairdrier or wipe with a soft cloth (flat sheets only); apply a candle glaze to keep from re-surfacing |
Still stuck? E-mail us for help! candles@wicksandwax.com
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