There are several common defects that can occur when making candles, and it can be frustrating to encounter these issues. Here are a few common defects and possible solutions for troubleshooting them:
Uneven burn: If your candle is burning unevenly or tunneling (burning down the center without melting the wax around the edges), this could be caused by a wick that is too small or too large for the size of the candle. Trimming the wick to the appropriate length and using the correct size wick for your candle can help resolve this issue.
Soot: If your candle is producing soot, this could be caused by a wick that is too large or by using wax with a high melting point. Using a smaller wick or a wax with a lower melting point can help reduce the amount of soot produced.
Wet spots: If your candle has wet or oily spots on the surface, this could be caused by using a fragrance oil that is not compatible with the wax you are using. To resolve this issue, try using a different fragrance oil or a different type of wax.
Cracks: If your candle develops cracks on the surface, this could be caused by the wax cooling too quickly or by using wax with a low melting point. To prevent cracks, try using wax with a higher melting point or cooling the wax more slowly by placing the mold in a cool place or covering it with a towel.
By understanding the causes of these defects and taking steps to prevent them, you can troubleshoot problems and create beautiful, defect-free candles.