Candle making is a delightful and creative hobby, but even experienced candle makers occasionally encounter challenges. Don't let these common issues deter you from crafting beautiful candles. With a bit of troubleshooting and some helpful tips, you can overcome these hurdles and enjoy a smoother candle making experience.
1. Tunnelling
Issue: Tunneling occurs when your candle burns down the centre, leaving a thick outer layer of unmelted wax.
Troubleshooting Tip: To prevent tunnelling, ensure your wick is the right type and size for your container and wax type. Allow your candle to burn until the entire surface melts during the first burn; this establishes a "memory burn" that prevents tunnelling. If it persists, consider "wicking up" with a larger wick for a better burn.
2. Bumpy Tops
Issue: Surface imperfections can manifest as bumpy tops in your candles.
Troubleshooting Tip: To achieve a smooth surface and minimise imperfections, ensure you pour your wax at the right temperature. Use a thermometer to gauge the temperature accurately. Stir your wax thoroughly before pouring to eliminate air bubbles. If you encounter bumpy tops, there are two effective solutions for flawlessly smooth finish:
- Use a heat gun to gently melt and level the surface after cooling.
- Try the double pour method: pour a second layer of wax once the first layer has partially set.
3. Wick Issues
Issue: Problems with your wick can lead to uneven burning, tunnelling, or poor scent throw.
Troubleshooting Tip: Ensure your wick is appropriately sized for your container and wax type. Use a wick holder to keep it centered during pouring and cooling. If you encounter issues, consider experimenting with different wick types and sizes. Sometimes, the solution might be to "wick up" or "wick down" for a better burn.
4. Scent Throw Issues
Issue: Sometimes, your candles may not release the desired fragrance when burning.
Troubleshooting Tip: Ensure you're using high-quality fragrance oils designed for candle making. Measure your fragrance oil accurately, as using too much or too little can affect the scent throw. Also ensure your wick is appropriately sized for your container and wax type.
5. Frosting
Issue: Frosting is a common occurrence in soy candles and appears as a white, powdery substance on the surface. It's a natural effect of using plant-based wax, and happens when the natural wax molecules form visible crystals on the candle's surface.
Troubleshooting Tip: To minimise frosting, pour at the correct temperature, cool your candles slowly and avoid temperature fluctuations. You can also try experimenting with natural additives, such as coconut oil, if frosting bothers you.
By understanding these common issues and applying these troubleshooting tips, you'll be better equipped to tackle challenges in your candle making journey. Remember that practice makes perfect, and with each candle you create, you'll gain valuable experience and improve your candle making skills. So don't be discouraged by the occasional hiccup—embrace the learning process and enjoy the art of crafting beautiful candles.
For a seamless and rewarding candle making journey, consider The Good Vibes Project Candle Making Kits. Our eco and vegan-friendly kits include all the essential equipment you need, such as a thermometer, a melting and pouring jug, premium blends of fragrance and essential oils, pre-weighed contents and the appropriate wicks for the included containers. The step-by-step instructions will guide you through the candle making process, providing helpful recommendations, correct temperatures and other tips to ensure your candles turn out perfectly. With our thoughtfully curated kits, you'll quickly elevate your candle making skills.