Common Candle-Making Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Making candles at home is a fun and rewarding craft, but beginners often encounter issues that affect the quality and performance of their candles. Understanding these common mistakes can help you create better, longer-lasting candles. In this guide, we'll explore some of the most frequent candle-making errors and how to prevent them.

1. Using the Wrong Wick Size

Mistake:

Choosing a wick that is too small can cause tunnelling (when the candle burns down the centre without reaching the edges), while a wick that's too large can create excessive soot and flickering.

How to Avoid It:

• Match the wick size to the diameter of your candle container.

• Test different wick sizes before finalizing your choice.

• Consider the Wax and fragrance load type, as these affect burn performance.

2. Overheating or Underheating the Wax

Mistake:

If the Wax is overheated, it can discolour, burn off fragrance, or create air bubbles. If underheated, it may not mix well with fragrance oils.

How to Avoid It:

• Use a thermometer to monitor wax temperature.

• Follow the recommended melting temperature for your wax type (e.g., soy wax melts at 120-180°F, beeswax at 145-165°F).

• Add fragrance oils at the proper temperature (usually around 130-140°F).

3. Adding Too Much or Too Little Fragrance Oil

Mistake:

Adding too much fragrance can make the candle unstable, while too little may result in a weak scent throw.

How to Avoid It:

• Use the correct fragrance load, typically 6-10% of the total wax weight.

• Stir fragrance thoroughly into the melted Wax to ensure even distribution.

4. Improperly Placing the Wick

Mistake:

The candle may burn unevenly or extinguish itself if the wick isn't centred.

How to Avoid It:

• Secure the wick in the centre using a wick sticker or melted Wax.

• Use a wick holder or skewer to keep it upright while the Wax cools.

5. Pouring Wax at the Wrong Temperature

Mistake:

Pouring Wax when it's too hot can cause sinkholes and air pockets, while pouring too cold may lead to rough tops.

How to Avoid It:

• Follow the ideal pouring temperature for your wax type (e.g., soy wax: 120-140°F, beeswax: 145-155°F).

• Pour slowly and evenly to prevent air bubbles.

6. Not Allowing Candles to Cure Properly

Mistake:

Burning a candle too soon after making it can result in a weak scent throw and poor burn performance.

How to Avoid It:

• Allow soy candles to cure for at least 24-48 hours and paraffin candles for a few hours daily.

• Store candles in a cool, dry place while they cure.

7. Ignoring Wick Trimming

Mistake:

Leaving a wick too long can cause excessive flickering, soot, and uneven burning.

How to Avoid It:

• Trim the wick to ¼ inch before each burn.

• Use wick trimmers or scissors to maintain a consistent length.

Final Thoughts

Avoiding these common candle-making mistakes can help you create high-quality candles that burn cleanly and evenly. Take your time, experiment with different materials, and always test your candles before gifting or selling them. With practice, you'll master the art of candle making and enjoy beautifully crafted homemade candles!