Frequently Asked Questions

What are the basic materials needed for candle making? Basic equipment required is: a heat source to melt wax, a double broiler, thermometer, weighing scales, measuring implement, dipping can, bowl , iron, hairdryer, pouring implement, wicking needle, wick material, wax, additives, wax glue and mold seal.

What causes a lumpy surface on a dipped candle? This is usually caused by the first dip being too fast or the wax is too cold while dipping.

What causes a candle to spit while burning a dipped candle? There is water in the candle. Try to pour off the molten wax and try relighting. If this does not work, the candle needs to be remelted.

What causes a candle to crack during rolling of a dipped candle? Usually an uneven temperature where the center of the candle maybe harder than the surface of the candle.

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, if it is placed in the water bath too soon, if dust is in the mold, or if the mold is not tapped to removed air one minute after pouring.

What causes cracks throughout a molded candle? Candle is allowed to become too cold before topping up. A water bath should be room temperate.

In pouring a molded candle, what keeps layers from joining? If the wax is poured too late or at too low a temperate.

What causes a soap like appearance to a molded candle? Check your wax mixture, if too much stearin is added it can cause this look.

What do you do if a candle will not come out of a  mold? For a ridged mold, there is not enough stearin added, the candle is topped up above the original level causing seepage between candle and mold, or cooling is too slow causing insufficient contraction. For a flexible mold, if the candle does not come out easily, the cause is usually leaving the candle to be 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 be sure all utensils and molds are clean.