Beeswax Candle Making Problems
Making beeswax candles can be a fun and rewarding experience. However, like any craft, there can be some difficulties along the way. Here are some of the most common issues beginners face when making beeswax candles, and how to tackle them.
Wax Hardening Too Quickly
Pouring melted wax into a container and having it solidify before you finish working can be incredibly frustrating. This is often caused by the wax cooling too quickly after being poured, but there are a few ways to prevent this.
- Use a thick-walled container: A thick container will take longer to cool and therefore give you more time to work with the wax.
- Add a temperature stabilizer: A temperature stabilizer, like paraffin wax, can be added to beeswax to help regulate the cooling process and prevent the candle from hardening too quickly.
- Pour in smaller batches: Pouring the wax in smaller batches will reduce the surface area exposed to air, which helps to prevent it from cooling too quickly.
Wax Cracking After Cooling
Candles that are cold yet still pliable can form cracks due to heat shock if exposed to sudden temperature changes. To prevent this, try to ensure the candles are kept out of direct sunlight or other sources of intense heat and are only lit when the room temperature is stable.
Candles Have No Scent
If you’ve used a scentless beeswax, or if the scent has dissipated over time, the candles won’t smell. To add a scent to your beeswax candles, you can use essential oils or fragrance oils. These should be added after the candle has cooled to ensure that the scent doesn’t dissipate when the wax is hot.
Important: Make sure to only use oils specifically designed for use in candles, as not all oils are safe for burning.
Low Burning Rate
Beeswax candles can have a slow burning rate, due to the wax’s high melting point. To increase the burn rate, you can add a small amount of a high-melt wax, such as soy or coconut, to the beeswax. The additional wax should be added in small amounts until you reach the desired effect.
Summary of Beeswax Candle Making Problems
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Wax hardening too quickly |
|
| Wax cracking after cooling | Keep candles out of direct sunlight or other sources of intense heat |
| Candles have no scent | Add essential or fragrance oils after candle has cooled |
| Low burning rate | Add a small amount of a high-melt wax |
Making beeswax candles takes time and patience, but the end results are worth the effort. Armed with these tips, you’ll be able to tackle most of the common issues that arise and create beautiful, wonderfully scented candles.
Welcome to my candle making blog! In this blog, I will be sharing my tips and tricks for making candles. I will also be sharing some of my favorite recipes.
