Troubleshooting Votive Candles

Votive candles are usually small. This makes making votive candles rather simple but sometimes things go do wrong. Here's a list of common problems and solutions that can help you out when things do go wrong.

Poor Scent Throw on your Votive Candles

Possible Causes:

  • melt point of the candle wax was too high
  • not enough candle scents were used
  • the candle scent is not compatible with the candle wax (e.g. essential oils)
  • the candle scent evaporated before the candle was poured
  • too much candle making additive were used

Possible Solutions:

  • use candle wax with approximately 130° F melting point
  • use up to 1.5 oz. of candle scent per lb. of candle wax
  • only use candle scents made specifically for candles
  • add candle scent only about one minute before pouring the candle wax, and mix well
  • use less candle making additive (e.g. Vybar) to allow more candle scent to be released

Pits in the Votive Candle

Possible Causes:

  • dirty or dusty candle mold
  • dirty candle wax
  • candle mold was too cold
  • candle wax pour temperature was too low
  • lack of candle making additives

Possible Solutions:

  • inspect and clean the candle molds before use them
  • keep the candle wax clean
  • warm the candle mold to at least room temperature
  • increase the candle wax pour temperature; 170° F is recommended for a smooth finish
  • use or increase candle making additives such as Vybar 260

Bubbles in the Votive Candle

Possible Causes:

  • the candle wax was poured too fast
  • the candle cooled too fast
  • the candle mold was not tapped
  • the candle wax pour temperature was too low
  • lack of candle making additives

Possible Solutions:

  • pour the melted candle wax slowly and steadily
  • cool the candle at room temperature, or use a warmer water bath
  • tap the candle mold gently a minute after pouring to release the air bubbles
  • increase the pour temperature of the candle wax; 170° F is recommended
  • use or increase candle making additives such as Vybar 260

Mottling - (Snowflake Effect in the Candle Wax)

Possible Causes:

  • lack of candle making additives
  • too much candle scent used
  • too much oil used in the candle wax
  • the candle cooled too slowly

Possible Solutions:

  • use candle making additives such as Vybar 260
  • reduce the amount of candle scent
  • use candle wax with lower oil content
  • use a cool water bath to reduce the cooling time

No Mottling in the Votive Candle

Possible Causes:

  • use of candle making additives
  • not enough candle scent or parol oil
  • candle wax problem
  • candle cooled too fast

Possible Solutions:

  • do not use candle making additives
  • increase the amount of candle scent or parol oil used
  • some types of candle wax do not mottle; use a candle wax that is recommended for mottling
  • insulate or warm the candle mold to extend the cooling time, or use a warmer water bath

Votive Candle Sweating

Possible Causes:

  • too much candle scent or parol oil used
  • lack of candle making additives

Possible Solutions:

  • reduce the amount of candle scent or parol oil
  • use or increase candle making additives such as Vybar 260; it allows the candle wax to hold more candle scent or oil

Frost Marks in the Votive Candle

Possible Causes:

  • the candle stuck to the candle mold
  • pour temperature of the candle wax was too low
  • the candle mold was too cold
  • too much stearic used

Possible Solutions:

  • use kemamide release powder and silicone spray
  • increase the pour temperature of the melted candle; 170° F is recommended for a smooth finish
  • warm the candle mold to at least room temperature
  • reduce stearic percentage

Votive Candles won't Release from the Candle Mold

Possible Causes:

  • lack of candle mold release
  • repoured above the original fill line
  • the candle wax did not contract enough
  • the candle wax formula is too soft
  • the candle cooled too slowly
  • the candle mold is dented or misshapen
  • the candle is not finished cooling

Possible Solutions:

  • use kemamide release powder and silicone spray
  • do not repour the candle over the original fill line
  • use candle making additives such as Vybar 260 or stearic to increase shrinkage and harden the candle wax
  • place the candle mold and candle in refrigerator for 20 minutes
  • heat the candle mold and stuck candle in the melting pot until the candle releases from the mold (last resort)
  • throw the candle mold away if damaged
  • wait until the candle has cooled completely before attempting to remove it from the candle mold

Rings Around the Votive Candles - (a.k.a. Cold Pour Lines and Jump Lines)

Possible Causes:

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

Possible Solutions:

  • raise pour temperature of the melted candle wax; 170° F is recommended for a smooth finish
  • warm the candle mold to a least room temperature, or heat it up with a hair dryer

Also check the link on Troubleshooting Pillar Candles for other problems and candle solutions for candle molds.