Troubleshooting Soy Container Candles

Example of Candle Burning ProblemsMaking container candles can be a frustrating experience when things go wrong. It is important you get to know the wax you are working with, and some of the inherent issues that go with it.


Here are some of the most common issues we are contacted about, and our recommendations for solving them:


 

Wet-Spots/Glass Adhesion Issues
  • Jars were not heated or environment where wax is poured is too cool. Use a space heater if necessary to make ambient temperature is at least 70 degrees F.

  • Candles cooled down too fast. Making sure your environment is warm will assist with allowing the candles to cool slowly.

  • Note that soy does tend to pull away from the jar with fluctuating temperatures so even if you are able to get a candle with good adhesion, if it hits a cooler temperature, it will likely develop wet spots.

There is wax left on the sides of the container.

  • The candle was burned for short periods of time. Burn the candle for at least 1 hour per inch in diameter.

  • The meltpoint of the wax is too high. Use a wax suitable for containers, such as GoldenBrands 464, Blended Wax BW917, or NatureWax C-3. Be sure you are using a container blend and not a pillar blend. Pillar Blend (or PB wax) is designed for free standing candles, like votives and pillars.

  • The wick is too small. This is the most common issue. Use the proper sized wick for the diameter of the container.


The candle has white snowflake-like spots, also known as frosting.

  • The wax has a high oil content or too much fragrance oil was added. Do NOT add Vybar to soy! If you are using soy wax, decrease the amount of fragrance oil you are using.

  • If you are using Soy wax, this can also be a function of the brand of soy wax you use, especially when using color. Some manufacturers pride themselves on this look -- they consider it to be an "antique" look. Some candle makers actually prefer it. if you do not, try different brands or remove color from your wax.


The flame burns a tunnel down the center of the candle.

  • The wick is too small. Use the proper sized wick for the diameter of the candle.

  • Too much or the wrong type of additives were used. Use the least amount of additives necessary for the desired effect. Do not use additives that will harden the wax. Additives are not recommend for soy waxes.


The wick smokes excessively.

  • The wick is too large. Use the proper sized wick for the diameter of the candle. Drop down a wick size.

  • The wick needs trimming. Keep the wick trimmed to ¼".

  • There is a draft. Don't burn the candle in a drafty area.

  • You may have added too much fragrance. Be sure you are sticking with the recommended amount of fragrance per pound of wax.


The wick drowns in melted wax.

  • The wick is too small and won't consume the melted wax quickly enough. Use the proper sized wick for the diameter of the container.


The flame is small and dies out.

  • Too much dye or fragrance oil was used. Solids in some dyes and fragrance oils may clog the wick if too much is added. Do not use micas in wicked containers as they do tend to clog the wick. Micas are fine for wax melts.