Problems and Solutions for the Craft of Candle Making
The first secret to making really good candles is to use quality products and supplies. Never try to save money on poor quality wax. Supplies, you will find, are not expensive, so buy good quality wax. Second, buy a good thermometer so you know when your heated wax is at the right temperature. Temperature of the wax will definitely affect the finished candle. Not hot enough, and it will not form or harden correctly. Too hot, and the finished candle will lose its luster and strength.Next, pay attention to your wick. The wick is the fuel supply line for the candle to burn, and if it is not the correct type or size, your candle will not burn properly. If you find the candle is smoking, then your wick may be too long or too large. Always trim the wick to about a quarter inch before you light a candle. If the flame is too small, and a crater forms in the candle"s center, then your wick size is too small. You can"t do much for a problem with wicks except melt it down and start over.
Many beginner candle makers try to hurry the cooling process. If you rush the cooling, you will find the candle hardness is damaged. Forced cooling may also result in bubles forming in the center of the candle. If this happens, it will affect how the candle burns. Always allow your candles to cool naturally, in a flat area out of sunlight and drafts.
With container candles, you may notice that the wax has pulled away from the glass jar in some areas. This is because the glass container was too cold when you poured the wax in. Always heat the jars just before you fill them, and you will find the wax will adhere to the sides, and will look smooth and glossy.
By remembering that there are some basic concepts involved in the craft of candle making, you will have much more success as you begin. Take the time to complete all the candle making steps correctly. Experiment to find out which methods work well for the kind of candles you choose to make. Start with just a few candles at a time while you are learning. Test your candles to see if you do have any issues with burning or appearance. If you do, simply re-melt the wax and start again.
Once you have mastered the basics of making candles, then it will be time to experiment with different types of candles and different waxes. The internet is a great place to find tips, frequently asked questions, and to troubleshoot your candle making problems.