Troubleshooting Jar Candles

A container candle or a jar candle is simply a non-flammable container filled with candle wax and a candle wick. This means making jar candles and container candles are quite easy but a few things can go wrong. The following is a troubleshooting guide for container candles and jar candles.

"Wet Spots" - (Candle Wax Pulls away from Glass in some Spots)

Possible Causes:

  • the candle wax formula is too hard
  • the container is too cold
  • the candle wax formula is not tacky enough

Possible Solutions:

  • use a softer type of candle wax or candle wax made specifically for jar candles
  • heat the container with hair dryer or in oven at 150° F before pouring the candle wax in it
  • add micro wax or beeswax to the candle wax

Poor Scent Throw

Possible Causes:

  • the candle wax formula is too hard
  • the melt pool is too small
  • too much additives used

Possible Solutions:

  • use a softer candle wax or candle wax made specifically for containers
  • use a larger candle wick, or multiple small candle wicks to maximize the melt pool size
  • use less candle making additives (e.g. Vybar) to allow more scent to be released

Sweating of Jar Candle

Possible Causes:

  • too much candle scent or oil
  • not enough candle making additives

Possible Solutions:

  • reduce the amount of candle scent used
  • use or increase Vybar 260

Mottling (Snowflakes)

Possible Causes:

  • lack of additives
  • too much candle scent or oil

Possible Solutions:

  • use formulated container candle wax
  • add candle making additives such as Vybar 260
  • reduce the amount of candle scent used

No Mottling in your Jar Candles

Possible Causes:

  • use of formulated candle wax
  • use of candle making additives

Possible Solutions:

  • formulated "one-pour" type candle wax will not mottle; use straight or blended candle wax
  • do not use candle making additives

Sink Hole or Shrinkage

Possible Causes:

  • candle wax contracts as it cools
  • the candle wax pour temperature is too high

Possible Solutions:

  • this is unavoidable to some extent, even with "one-pour" type candle wax
  • reduce the candle wax pour temperature; 160° F or lower is recommended for 127 candle wax

Colored Layers Bled Together

Possible Causes:

  • candle wax repoured too soon
  • candle wax repoured too hot

Possible Solutions:

  • wait until a thick surface has formed on your previous layer
  • reduce the candle wax pour temperature of layers

Bubbles in your Jar Candles

Possible Causes:

  • the candle wax was poured too fast

Possible Solutions:

  • pour the melted candle wax slowly and steadily

Rings Inside Glass - (a.k.a. Cold Pour Lines or Jump Lines)

Possible Causes:

  • the candle wax was poured too cold
  • the container was too cold

Possible Solutions:

  • raise the candle wax pour temperature
  • heat the container with hair dryer or in oven at 150° F before pouring in the candle wax