Candle Making Troubleshooting
Candle making is a rewarding craft, but even experienced makers can run into a few hiccups along the way. From uneven burns and frosting to sinkholes and wet spots, small issues can affect the final look and performance of your candles. Don’t worry — these are all common and easy to fix with the right know-how! Our troubleshooting guide is here to help you identify what went wrong, understand why it happened, and learn simple solutions to achieve smooth, even, and beautifully finished candles every time.
Poor glass adhesion in container candles occurs when wax pulls away from the sides of the jar, creating wet spots or air pockets. This cosmetic issue doesn’t affect safety or scent but can reduce a candle’s professional appearance.
Candle frosting is a unique, crystalline effect that often appears on the surface or sides of natural wax candles — especially those made with soy wax. It occurs as the wax cools and forms tiny crystals, giving the candle a frosted or snowy appearance.
Mushrooming occurs when a candle wick develops a carbon “mushroom” shape at the tip, often resulting in excess soot, uneven burning, or flickering flames. This common issue usually stems from wick size, wax formulation, or burning conditions.
Aftersmoke — the thin trail of smoke that lingers after blowing out a candle — is a common concern for candle makers and users alike. While it’s usually harmless, excessive aftersmoke can signal issues in your candle’s formulation, wick choice, or burning conditions.
Uneven Burn
Uneven candle burning, such as tunnelling or lopsided melt pools, is a common but fixable issue. It’s often caused by factors like incorrect wick size, drafts, short first burns, or improper trimming.
