Brooke Martin
Candle sinkholes are small pockets of empty space that can form within candle wax when it hardens, usually near the wick or at the top surface of a candle. They are caused by uneven wax cooling, and can affect the candle's aesthetic appeal, burning quality, and overall integrity. To avoid candle sinkholes, it is important to control the temperature of the wax, the workspace, and the candle jar. Using a larger wick and creating a relief hole as the candle cools can also help prevent sinkholes. This guide will provide tips and tricks on how to avoid candle sinkholes and create beautiful, evenly burning candles.
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What You'll Learn
Avoid narrow and tall vessels
The shape of the vessel you use for your candle is important to consider when trying to avoid sinkholes. Narrow and tall vessels have the highest likelihood of sinkholes forming. This is because sinkholes are caused by uneven wax cooling, and the wax closest to the edges of the candle and the wick solidifies more quickly than the wax in the centre. The more the centre shrinks after the outside has set, the larger the sinkhole will be.
As such, wide and shallow vessels typically have a low likelihood of sinkholes forming, while wide and tall vessels have a moderate likelihood. The size of the vessel in relation to the wick is also important. If there is a large amount of exposed wick, this can cause the exposed side of the candle to become one long flame. This could be dangerous if the candle is in a tall skinny glass vessel, as it may cause the glass to overheat and shatter.
To avoid this, you could opt for a wider vessel, or use a larger wick. You could also try heating the glass before pouring the wax, as this will slow the cooling process and help the wax not to cling to the side of the vessel.
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Control the temperature of your workspace
Temperature is the number one culprit in the creation of a sinkhole. Therefore, controlling the temperature of your workspace is a key step in preventing sinkholes from forming in your candles.
The ideal temperature for your workspace is around 70°F (21°C). It is important to maintain a consistent temperature throughout the candle-making process, as fluctuations will impact your finished product. Work in a well-ventilated area, but avoid drafts or heavy airflow, as these can cause the wax to cool more quickly and unevenly, increasing the likelihood of sinkholes.
If your workspace is too cold, you can use a box to create a warmer spot for your candles. Insulated boxes made from cardboard and Styrofoam can help to maintain a consistent temperature. You can also use a heat gun or hairdryer to gently heat the surface of the candle and prevent sinkholes. However, be careful not to overheat any area, as this can cause the wax to warp or create new sinkholes.
In addition to controlling the temperature of your workspace, it is important to monitor the temperature of the wax and the candle jar. The wax should be poured at the right temperature, not too hot and not too cold, to ensure even cooling and prevent sinkholes. Similarly, allowing the candle jar to reach room temperature before pouring the wax can help prevent issues caused by temperature differences.
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Heat the glass before pouring
Heating the glass container before pouring the wax is a useful technique to prevent sinkholes in candles. Sinkholes are small pockets of empty space that form within candle wax when it hardens, usually near the wick or at the top surface of a candle. They occur due to uneven wax cooling, with the wax at the edges and around the wick cooling and hardening faster than the wax in the centre. As the wax in the centre continues to cool and contract, the sinkhole expands.
Heating the glass container before pouring the wax can help to prevent sinkholes by slowing down the rate at which the wax cools and hardens. This gives the wax in the centre more time to solidify before the wax at the edges becomes too hard, reducing the likelihood of sinkhole formation.
To heat the glass container effectively, use a hairdryer or heat gun to warm it up before pouring in the wax. Ensure that you keep the tool moving and avoid overheating any specific area, as this can cause the wax to warp or create new sinkholes. The ideal temperature for the glass container is around 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
It is also important to consider the temperature of the wax when using this technique. The wax should be poured at a cooler temperature, typically around 120-135 degrees Fahrenheit, as cooler wax tends to melt at a more even rate. Additionally, use a type of wax with a lower melting point, as these waxes are less prone to sinkhole formation.
By heating the glass container and maintaining the appropriate wax temperature, you can effectively reduce the occurrence of sinkholes in your candles.
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Create a relief hole as your candle is cooling
Creating a relief hole as your candle is cooling is an effective method to prevent sinkholes. This technique allows trapped air to escape and provides space for additional wax to fill any gaps during a second pour.
To create a relief hole, you will need to act while the candle is cooling and starting to harden but is still soft. Use a skewer or something similar, and carefully insert it into the candle, somewhere close to the wick, but not so close that you disturb it. Make sure to keep the wick straight. Then, simply remove the skewer and allow your candle to completely harden.
The number of relief holes you create is also important. For larger candles, consider creating two relief holes. However, be careful not to create too many holes, as this can affect the structural integrity of the candle.
After creating the relief hole, you can proceed with the second pour. Melt your wax about 10 degrees hotter than the temperature at which you initially poured your candle. This second pour will fill up the relief hole tunnel, allowing the air to escape.
In addition to relief holes, there are other techniques to prevent sinkholes. These include proper temperature control, choosing the correct wick size, and using a controlled cooling environment.
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Use a larger wick
Using a larger wick is one way to prevent sinkholes in candles. Sinkholes are small pockets of empty space that can form within candle wax when it hardens, usually near the wick. They occur due to uneven wax cooling, with the wax closest to the edges of the candle and the wick solidifying more quickly than the wax in the centre. This results in air bubbles becoming trapped beneath the surface, leaving a cavity.
A larger wick can help prevent sinkholes by increasing the heat transferred to the surrounding wax. This keeps the wax in a liquid state for longer, allowing it to cool at a more even rate and reducing the likelihood of air bubbles becoming trapped.
It is important to note that the size of the wick should be proportional to the surface area of the candle. If the wick is too small, it may not generate enough heat to prevent sinkholes. Conversely, if the wick is too large, it may cause excessive melting or uneven burning. Therefore, it is crucial to select an appropriately sized wick for your candle's dimensions.
Additionally, the type of wax used can also impact sinkhole formation. Different waxes have varying melting points and shrinkage rates. For example, harder waxes like pillar and votive waxes are more prone to sinkholes due to their higher melting points. On the other hand, softer waxes with lower melting points, such as single-pour container waxes, are less likely to develop sinkholes. Therefore, when choosing a wick, consider the type of wax used in your candle to ensure optimal burning performance.
By using a larger wick and considering the type of wax, you can effectively minimise the formation of sinkholes in your candles and improve their overall burning experience.
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Frequently asked questions
Sinkholes are small pockets of empty space that form within candle wax when it hardens. These cavities tend to dip down towards the centre of the candle. They can ruin the functionality of the candle by causing the wick to drown in wax.
Sinkholes form due to uneven wax cooling. The wax closest to the edges of the candle and around the wick cools and solidifies more quickly than the wax in the centre. This causes the wax to contract and creates a cavity.
To prevent sinkholes, control the temperature of the wax, your workspace, and the candle jar. Use cooler temperatures (e.g. 120-135 F) to pour the wax, as it tends to melt at a more even rate. Keep your workspace at around 70 F and avoid drafts, temperature fluctuations, and direct sunlight.
Softer waxes with lower melting points, such as single-pour container waxes, are less likely to develop sinkholes. Harder waxes like pillar and votive waxes are more prone to sinkholes due to their higher melting points.
To fix a sinkhole, gently melt some additional wax of the same type and temperature as the original pour. Pour it into the sinkhole until it reaches the candle's original level. Smooth the surface with a spatula and let the candle cool completely.
