Troubleshooting Taper Candles

Making taper candles can be a little complicated but it gets easier with experience. If you're having problems with your taper candles, then you've come to the right place. The following is a troubleshooting guide for taper candle making.

Blisters in Your Taper Candles

Possible Causes:

  • the candle wax was too hot
  • the candle was too hot
  • submersion time was too long

Possible Solutions:

  • reduce the candle wax temperature; 150 to 160° F for paraffin, 160 to 170° F for bayberry and beeswax candle wax
  • wait longer between dips
  • dip the candle in cool water after each dip
  • reduce the submersion time

Layers in Your Taper Candles Not Building Up

Possible Causes:

  • the candle wax was poured too hot

Possible Solutions:

  • reduce the candle wax pour temperature

Lumps in Your Taper Candles

Possible Causes:

  • melted candle wax was too cool
  • the candle was too cool
  • the candle was dipped too fast or carelessly
  • the candle wick was not primed properly

Possible Solutions:

  • roll the candle on a smooth surface while it is still warm to remove lumps
  • raise the candle wax temperature
  • reduce the time between dips
  • dip the candle quickly and smoothly, then remove slowly and evenly
  • soak the candle wick in candle wax for at least 30 seconds for the first dip

Poor Layer Adhesion or Air Pockets Between Layers in Your Taper Candles

Possible Causes:

  • submersion time was too short
  • the candle was too cold
  • the candle wax was too cool
  • the room temperature was too cool
  • the candle wax formula was not tacky enough

Possible Solutions:

  • increase the candle submersion time
  • shorten the time between dips
  • raise the candle wax temperature
  • raise the room temperature
  • add micro wax or beeswax to the candle wax

Taper Candle Cracks when Rolling or Braiding

Possible Causes:

  • uneven temperature throughout the candle

Possible Solutions:

  • re-dip the candle in candle wax or hot water until it is pliable

Case of the Candle Becoming Tapered

Possible Causes:

  • the candle was wax too hot
  • submersion time was too long

Possible Solutions:

  • lower the candle wax temperature
  • reduce the submersion time
  • dip the bottom of the candle only to build up extra layers