Top 5 Candle-Making Mistakes and How to Avoid Them!

Candle making is a delightful and creative craft, but even experienced candle makers can run into a few hiccups along the way. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, avoiding common mistakes can save you time, money, and frustration. In this blog, we’ll explore the top 5 candle-making mistakes and share practical tips to help you create beautiful, high-quality candles every time.

1. Choosing the Wrong Wick

The Mistake:
Using the wrong wick size or type is one of the most common mistakes in candle making. A wick that’s too small won’t burn properly, leading to tunneling (where the wax only melts around the wick). On the other hand, a wick that’s too large can cause excessive smoke, soot, or even flare-ups.

How to Avoid It:

• Match your wick to the type of wax and the size of your container. For example, soy wax typically requires a larger wick than paraffin wax.
• Test different wick sizes to find the perfect fit for your candles.
• Check the wick recommendations provided by your wax supplier or refer to a wick size chart.

Pro Tip: Stock up on a variety of wicks from your trusted candle-making supplies store to experiment and find the best match for your candles.

2. Using Too Much or Too Little Fragrance

The Mistake:
Adding too much fragrance oil can cause your candle to burn improperly, while too little can result in a weak scent throw. Both scenarios can leave your customers disappointed.

How to Avoid It:

• Follow the recommended fragrance load for your wax type. Typically, this is around 6-10% of the wax weight.
• Use a digital scale to measure your fragrance oils accurately.
• Test your candles to ensure the scent throw is strong but not overpowering.

Pro Tip: Invest in high-quality fragrance oils designed specifically for candle making. These are formulated to blend well with wax and provide a consistent scent throw.

3. Not Prepping Your Containers Properly

The Mistake:
Skipping the step of properly prepping your containers can lead to issues like poor adhesion between the wax and the container, or even cracks in the wax as it cools.

How to Avoid It:

• Clean your containers thoroughly to remove any dust or residue.
• Preheat your containers slightly before pouring the wax to ensure a smooth finish.
• Use a heat gun to fix any imperfections after the wax has cooled.

Pro Tip: If you’re using glass containers, consider using a adhesive to secure the wick to the bottom before pouring the wax.

4. Pouring Wax at the Wrong Temperature

The Mistake:
Pouring wax at the wrong temperature can result in uneven surfaces, sinkholes, or frosting (a white, powdery layer on the surface of the candle).

How to Avoid It:

• Follow the recommended pouring temperature for your specific wax type. For example, soy wax is typically poured at around 55-65°C.
• Use a thermometer to monitor the wax temperature accurately.
• Allow your candles to cool slowly and evenly to prevent cracking or frosting.

Pro Tip: If you notice sinkholes or imperfections, use a heat gun to melt the surface and smooth it out.

5. Skipping the Cure Time

The Mistake:
Impatiently lighting your candle before it has fully cured can result in a weak scent throw and an uneven burn.

How to Avoid It:

• Allow your candles to cure for the recommended time, usually 1-2 weeks, depending on the wax and fragrance used.
• Store your candles in a cool, dry place while they cure.
• Be patient! The longer the cure time, the better the scent throw and burn performance.

Pro Tip: Label your candles with the date they were made so you can keep track of the cure time.

Conclusion

Candle making is both an art and a science, and even small mistakes can impact the quality of your final product. By avoiding these common pitfalls, you’ll be well on your way to creating candles that burn beautifully, smell amazing, and delight your customers.

At Wic Supplies, we’re here to support your candle-making journey with high-quality supplies and expert advice. Whether you’re looking for premium jars, or luxurious fragrance oils, we’ve got you covered. Happy candle making!