FAQ – Candle Making Questions Answered
If you are a newbie candle maker, these may be some of the questions you need answers to. If you have others, please use our ‘Contact Us’ page, and we will do our best to answer you.
What is the basic equipment needed for candle making?
You will need the following basic equipment:
a double boiler or its equivalent, a wax or sugar thermometer, kitchen scales, measuring cups and spoons, dipping /pouring can and bowl, wicking needle or large darning needle or skewer, molds,
What materials will I need?
wax and wax additives, wicking, wax glue and mold seal
dye powders (optional), oil based scents (optional)
Why does my dipped candle look lumpy?
You either dipped too fast with the first dip, or the wax was too cold.
What causes a candle to sputter and flicker while burning?
There is probably water in the wick. Make sure the wick is sealed at the bottom of the mold before you put the candle in the cooling bath. You could also have allowed water to get into the liquid wax.
How can you clean a dirty candle?
Use a nylon stocking and white spirit to gently rub over the candle.
What causes air bubbles on the surface of a molded candle?
Air bubbles can occur if the wax is poured too fast, or if it is placed in the water bath too soon. Did you tap the mold to remove air, right after pouring?
What causes cracks in a molded candle?
The candle was allowed to become too cold before topping up, or your water bath for cooling was not at room temperature (you don’t want icy water).
In pouring a molded candle, what keeps layers from joining?
The wax is poured too late, or at too low a temperature.
What causes a soap like appearance to a molded candle?
Too much stearin can cause this look.
What do you do if a candle will not come out of a mold?
This may be because there was not enough stearin in the wax.
If the cooling is too slow it will cause insufficient contraction. In a flexible mold, if the candle does not come out easily,usually its because you have let the candle get too cold before removal. Place the candle in hot water and melt the candle out of the mold.
What causes a ring of discoloration around the top of a candle?
Dirty wax is the cause, so clean all utensils and molds well before using them.
Why is there a sink-hole in my candle’s center?
This is natural shrinkage as the candle cools. Poke holes around the wick, and top up the candle with melted wax as it cools.
Why is the flame too small?
You have used too small a wick.
Why does the wick drown out and not stay lit?
The wick is either too small, or it is clogged with dye pigment. You may need to re-melt the wax, and use a larger wick.
