Common Candle Making Mistakes and How to Fix Them

Making soy wax candles is a creative and enjoyable activity, but we can quickly run into problems that affect the quality of the final product. In this article, we will present the most common mistakes made when making soy candles and ways to effectively fix them.

1. Frosting - crystallisation of the candle surface

Frosting is a natural property of soy wax, which occurs due to the crystallisation of the wax on the surface. Natural waxes crystallise sooner or later, so eliminating this problem is not a long-term solution. Crystallisation is a natural phenomenon that will always occur over time if we use natural ingredients without added additives. Crystallisation does not affect the quality and burning of the candle.

How to eliminate it during candle making?

• Pouring wax at a lower temperature (depending on the type of wax)

• After pouring the candle, cool it slowly and at a stable room temperature (we recommend a room temperature of 25 degrees)

• Make wax mixtures, such as a mixture of soy and coconut wax, which reduces the appearance of the frosting effect.

Approaches to preventing crystallisation always depend on the properties of the wax we are working with. The appropriate temperature and method are learned through experience and knowledge of the materials we are using. Unfortunately, there is no quick and reliable recipe; candle making requires a lot of time, testing and patience.

2. Wax does not stick to the walls of the jar

After the candle hardens, empty spaces may remain on the walls of the jar, which affects the aesthetics.

How to prevent this?

• Before pouring, heat the jars in the oven; do not exceed the temperature for pouring wax.

• Cool the candles slowly in a draft-free room.

• Try reheating the candle with a heat gun or hair dryer.

3. Tunnel effect (incorrect use of the candle)

The candle burns only in the middle, with unused wax remaining on the sides.

How to prevent it?

• Preventive: when lighting for the first time, let the entire surface of the wax melt to the edge of the jar.

• Use a wick that is appropriately sized for the diameter of the candle.

• If you blew out the candle too soon and a tunnel has formed, you can wrap the candle in aluminium foil to ensure that the candle captures more heat when relit and melts more evenly.

4. Cracks on the surface of the candle

The surface of the candle is not smooth, but contains cracks, which can affect the appearance and burning.

How to prevent them?

• Pour the wax at the correct temperature (follow the instructions of the wax manufacturer).

• Cool the candles evenly, without sudden changes in temperature, in a warm room!

• If cracks appear, you can remove them later by heating the surface of the candle with a heat gun, being careful not to overheat the wax as it will become lumpy.

5. Poor scent intensity (cold and hot throw)

The scent of the candle is not intense enough, despite using the highest permitted percentage of oil.

How to improve the scent?

• Use fragrance oils optimised for soy wax or candles (6-10% recommended).

• Add fragrance at the appropriate temperature (according to manufacturer's instructions), stir for at least 2 minutes, before pouring the wax into the jar.

• Let the candles sit for at least a week before lighting to allow the scent to develop. A longer curing time will give better results.

• The flashpoint of a fragrance, the temperature at which a fragrance becomes flammable, can help us find fragrances that are suitable for use in the wax we are using.

Candle making is a demanding process that requires a lot of time, testing and patience. Every ingredient, temperature and method of making affects the final product. With the right technique and perseverance, you will eventually create perfect candles that will provide a pleasant atmosphere and a long burn time.