Problems Making Soy Candles and How to Solve Them

Making soy wax candles is a creative and satisfying hobby, but it’s not uncommon to run into little problems along the way. Don’t worry, that’s normal! Even the most experienced candle makers run into some snags, but the good news is that there are easy solutions to most common problems.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the most common complications in making soy candles and give you practical advice on how to avoid or correct them.

Why does my candle have a white coating? Here's how to fix the frosting problem (Frost effect)

If you have noticed a white film on the surface of your soy candles, don't worry! This phenomenon, known as "frosting", is completely normal and will not affect the performance of your candle in terms of burning or fragrance. It is simply a cosmetic issue caused by the formation of small crystals on the surface of the wax.

What is frosting?

Frosting occurs when soy wax begins to crystallize naturally over time, creating a frosted or cloudy visual effect. Because soy wax is a natural product, this process is inevitable, especially if candles are stored in a cool environment or subject to temperature changes. However, there are some things you can do to minimize the effect of frosting.

Main causes of frosting:

1. Excess Oil in Wax : Adding too much essential oil or fragrance oil can accelerate the formation of crystals on the surface of the candle.
2. Cooling too quickly : When wax cools too quickly, crystals tend to form more easily, creating the frosted effect.

How to prevent frost:

1. Stir Melted Wax Gently Stirring melted soy wax too vigorously can speed up the crystallization process, leading to frosting. When adding fragrance oils, stir gently and on low speed to avoid frosting the wax more than necessary.
2. Preheating Glass Containers/Silicone Molds A great way to reduce frosting is to preheat your containers/molds before pouring your wax. You can do this using a hair dryer. This helps maintain a consistent temperature, reducing the likelihood of uneven cooling and therefore crystal formation.
3. Pouring Wax at a Lower Temperature Pouring soy wax at a lower temperature (around 55°C - 65°C) can reduce the formation of crystals during the solidification process. If you are using waxes formulated for molds, respect the specified pouring temperature which could be between 70°-75°. Slowly and evenly cooled wax forms a smoother surface that is less prone to frosting.
4. Allow spark plugs to cool slowly Gradual cooling is essential to prevent crystal formation. Allow spark plugs to cool to room temperature, preferably between 20°C and 25°C, in a draft-free environment. Drafts can cause rapid and uneven cooling, which can encourage frosting. Placing spark plugs on a cooling rack, rather than on a solid surface, allows the heat to be distributed evenly and reduces the risk of them cooling too quickly.
5. Avoid Temperature Changes Another technique to avoid frosting is to ensure that the candle does not experience temperature changes during cooling or storage. Avoid placing candles in environments that are too cold or subject to sudden temperature changes.

Wet Stains or Wax Flaking Off the Sides of Your Container? Here's How to Prevent Them!

If you’ve noticed wet spots on the sides of your candles in clear containers, don’t worry: this is a common and purely cosmetic issue. What appears to be moisture is actually the result of the wax separating from the glass as it cools. This happens because the wax cools at different rates in different parts of the container, causing some areas to separate while the rest remains attached to the glass.

What is wax peeling?

When wax cools unevenly, it can pull away from the sides of the container, leaving spots that look wet or empty. This is the most common sticking problem with pouring candles, but fortunately it does not affect the candle's burn or fragrance. Plus, these spots can easily be covered with a label.

How to prevent wet stains/wax peeling:

1. Clean and preheat glass containers Before pouring wax, make sure your glass containers are clean and dry. Wash the containers with soap and water, dry them completely, then preheat them slightly. You can preheat the containers with a hair dryer or in the oven at a temperature of about 35°C. This will help the wax to cool more slowly and evenly, reducing the risk of detachment.
2. Pouring Wax Slowly Pouring wax slowly is essential to avoid trapping air bubbles inside the container, which can contribute to the wax separating. After pouring, gently tap the sides of the container to release any trapped air bubbles. This will help the wax adhere better.
3. Space candles out while cooling When cooling, make sure candles are spaced well apart. Place candles about 4 inches apart to allow for better air circulation. Closely packed containers trap heat, causing uneven cooling. Leaving space between candles helps the wax cool evenly across the entire surface.
4. Using a cooling rack Another effective technique is to place candles on a cooling rack rather than a solid surface like a table. Solid surfaces can absorb heat from the bottom of the container, causing the bottom of the candle to cool too quickly. A cooling rack allows the heat to be distributed more evenly, reducing the risk of wax peeling off the sides of the container.

Rough or Uneven Surface on Soy Candles? Here's How to Fix and Prevent the Problem!

It can be frustrating to see a rough, uneven surface on your freshly cooled candle, especially after putting so much effort into making it. This is quite common when working with soy wax, but fortunately there are several solutions to avoid and correct these imperfections.

As soy candles cool, the wax begins to form solid crystals. Ideally, these crystals will be evenly spaced, giving the wax that smooth, creamy appearance that is typical of soy. However, if the wax cools too quickly, too slowly, or traps small air bubbles, the surface of the candle can be rough and unattractive.

Here are some techniques to prevent and correct these problems:

1. Avoid mixing too vigorously.

Over-stirring melted wax can trap air bubbles within the wax, which will result in imperfections in the surface once it cools. It is important to stir slowly and gently, especially after adding any fragrance oils or colorants. If you notice air bubbles after pouring the wax into the container, gently tap the container on the counter to raise the bubbles to the surface.

2. Adjust the pouring temperature

The pouring temperature of the wax is crucial to ensure even cooling. If the wax is too hot or too cold when you pour it, you are more likely to have imperfections on the surface. A good starting point is to pour the wax between 55°C and 65°C, but you may need to experiment to find the perfect temperature. Try adjusting the pouring temperature by +/- 5°C to help ensure even cooling and reduce the chance of rough surfaces.

3. Cover imperfections with a layer of wax

If you notice any imperfections on the surface of the cooled candle, you can easily correct them by pouring a thin layer of melted wax over the defective surface. Always keep a small amount of wax for these corrections. Just pour about 3 mm of melted wax on the cooled candle to hide the imperfections and obtain a smooth surface.

4. Use a heat gun

Another effective method for correcting small surface imperfections is to use a heat gun, or a hair dryer. This tool can heat the surface of the candle just enough to slightly melt the wax and make the imperfections disappear. Set the heat gun to a low temperature and hold it close enough to the container to heat only the area that needs correction. This is a quick and easy method for improving the aesthetic appearance of your candles.

My Candle Has Cracks: Causes and Remedies

Have you noticed any small cracks or fissures on the surface of your candle, especially near the wick? Don’t worry, this is a fairly common phenomenon in soy wax candles, and fortunately, it does not affect their functionality or the quality of their burn.

Why do cracks and fissures form?

The cracks, especially the circular ones about 2.5 cm from the wick, are mainly due to two factors:

1. Cooling and Shrinking of Wax : Soy wax tends to shrink slightly as it cools, which can cause cracking or pitting.
2. Trapped Air Bubbles : If small air bubbles become trapped in the wax, they can cause cracks once the candle hardens, creating small gaps.

How to prevent cracks and fissures?

Fortunately, there are a few simple steps you can take to prevent or correct this problem in your soy candles:

1. Tap the container gently : Immediately after pouring the melted wax into the container, gently tap the container on the work surface. This helps to raise any trapped air bubbles to the surface, reducing the risk of cracks. However, be careful not to tap too hard, especially if using glass containers, as this may cause them to break.
2. Keep the container elevated while cooling : Place the candle on a cooling rack rather than a solid surface such as a table. Solid surfaces can absorb heat from the bottom of the container, causing it to cool too quickly. The cooling rack allows for better air circulation around the candle, promoting even cooling and preventing cracks and crevices.
3. Pouring Hot Wax : Another trick to fix cracks and crevices is to pour an extra layer of hot wax on top of the candle. Melt some extra wax and pour about 3mm onto the surface of the cooled candle. This will fill any cracks or crevices and create a smooth surface. Pour slowly to avoid forming new air bubbles.
4. Using a Heat Gun : If you don’t have extra wax, you can use a heat gun or a hair dryer. Run it over the surface of the candle on a low heat until the top layer of wax is slightly melted. This will close up any cracks or imperfections. It may take a pass or two to get a perfectly smooth surface.

Why is my wax lumpy or wet? Causes and Solutions

If you’ve ever noticed that your soy wax is looking lumpy or wet, you’re not alone. This is a common problem when working with soy wax, which is a natural material that can vary slightly from batch to batch. Sometimes the wax may feel oily and flake, and other times it may feel overly dry or grainy. But there’s no need to worry; it’s something you can easily manage with a few simple steps.

The main causes of lumpy or wet wax

1. Natural Soy Variation : As a natural product, soy wax can change in appearance and consistency based on various environmental factors and the method of production. This variation can cause the wax to appear "lumpy" or "wet," especially if it has been stored for a long time or exposed to varying temperatures.
2. External Temperature : Temperature plays a crucial role in the behavior of wax. When wax is stored or processed in environments that are too cold or too hot, changes in consistency can occur, causing it to clump or appear oily.
3. Higher Oil Content in Wax : Some batches of soy wax may contain a slightly higher amount of oil, which can make the wax appear more “wet.” This is not a problem for the burn or performance of the candle, but it can affect the appearance.

Solution: Heat the wax to 85°C: If the clumping you notice in the wax is due to excess moisture, heat the wax to 85ºC - 90ºC and maintain this temperature for 5 -10 minutes to help the moisture evaporate.

Why is my wax fading?

If you are into candle making, you have probably noticed how the color of wax changes over time, especially when exposed to light. This can happen with both colored and natural candles: contact with light - both natural and artificial - and the composition of the scents used can significantly affect the final appearance. Vanillin, for example, is one of the main causes of wax discoloration, contributing to a yellowish coloration quickly, even in just 24 hours.

How to Prevent Wax Yellowing and Fading

1. Use a small amount of ivory colored food coloring

If your candles tend to yellow due to the vanilla in the fragrance, try adding a small amount of off-white candle color. This little trick can help neutralize the yellow tint, giving the wax a more natural, even appearance, similar to the color of soy.

2. Minimize the use of fragrances with vanillin

Vanillin, while beloved for its sweet fragrance, is known to cause yellowing and discoloration of wax. If you find that using a UV inhibitor or ivory dyes isn’t enough to maintain the color you desire, consider reducing the use of vanillin-based fragrances. Opt for floral and fruity fragrances with low levels of vanillin to preserve the visual quality of your candles.

3. Store candles away from light

To avoid color degradation, it is advisable to keep candles away from direct light, in a cool, dark environment. If possible, use a protective anti-UV wrap to reduce the impact of ultraviolet rays and ensure a longer lasting color.

Conclusion

Now you know the main problems that can arise when creating soy wax candles and you have useful tips to avoid or solve them. With a little care, you can obtain perfect candles that retain their beauty and quality over time.

Have you encountered any other problems while making your candles? Let us know in the comments! Share your tips and solutions to help other crafters.