Ben Carter
Whether you're a candle enthusiast or simply enjoy a cozy ambiance, a scratched candle can be an eyesore. Luckily, there are ways to repair a decorative candle and fix common issues like candle tunneling, where a hole forms down the center, leaving unused wax at the edges. In this article, we'll explore how to fix a scratched candle, melt wax to fix tunneling, and repair broken decorative candles. With a few simple techniques, you can enjoy your candles to the fullest and maintain their aesthetic appeal.
How to fix a scratched candle
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause of scratches | Candle tunneling |
| How to prevent tunneling | Burn the candle long enough for the entire top surface of wax to melt |
| How to fix tunneling | Melt the outer wax surrounding the tunnel with an external heat source like a hair dryer or heat gun |
| Cover the candle's container with aluminum foil to capture heat and melt wax edges | |
| Use a match to melt the wax at the break site and push the pieces together |
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What You'll Learn
Use a match to melt wax and join broken pieces
Fixing a scratched candle can be done in several ways, one of which is by using a match to melt wax and join the broken pieces. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do this:
Firstly, examine the broken candle and identify the piece that has broken off. In some cases, a candle may break evenly, resulting in pieces that fit together perfectly like a puzzle. Before proceeding, use your fingers to brush away any loose wax particles from the break sites.
Now, take a match and light it. Carefully hold the exposed wax of the broken piece in the flame, allowing the heat to melt the wax. Ensure you hold the match very carefully to avoid any burns.
Once the wax starts to melt, use a toothpick and push it into the centre of the broken piece. At this point, blow out the match and discard it.
Next, light another match and hold it against the break site on the main candle, melting the wax at the point of the break. Again, once the wax has melted, blow out the match and put it aside.
Take the toothpick that is stuck into the centre of the broken piece and push it into the centre of the break site on the candle. This action will cause the wax of the broken piece to merge with the wax at the break site. Ensure that you push the broken piece into its appropriate place, stopping if there is a noticeable gap.
Finally, hold the repaired pieces together until the wax hardens and sets. If there are any gaps remaining, you can fill them by dripping wax of a similar colour into the crack. Allow each layer to dry before adding more wax until the crack is filled.
While this method may not result in a flawless repair, it can effectively fix a scratched candle, making the break barely noticeable.
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Use a hair dryer to melt wax around the edges
If your candle has been affected by "candle tunneling", which is when a candle burns down the middle but leaves unburned wax around the edges, you can use a hair dryer to fix this. Candle tunneling occurs when a candle isn't burned long enough on its first use or when the wick is too small for the container.
To fix this, you can use a hair dryer to melt the hardened wax around the edges of the container. This "resets the memory" of the wax, widening the melt pool to reach the edges. It is important to wear eye protection and clothes that can be washed if wax gets on them. Set your hair dryer to low speed and high heat and hold it at an appropriate distance from the candle. You can carefully scrape at the unmelted wax on the sides with a wick dipper or small metal spatula to help it melt faster. Continue heating until the wax has completely melted and smoothed over.
Then, relight your candle and let it burn for at least 30 minutes or until you can no longer see any tunneling. Set the candle aside and let the wax harden over the next few days. Depending on the type of wax, this can take between 2 days (paraffin) to 2 weeks (soy, coconut).
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Use aluminium foil to capture heat and melt wax
If your candle has tunnelled, forming a ring of unmelted wax around the sides, you can use aluminium foil to fix this issue. This method uses foil to trap heat inside the candle, increasing the temperature enough to melt the top layer of wax.
First, wipe away any dust or debris from the top of the wax with a clean, dry paper towel. Cut a piece of aluminium foil that is just big enough to cover the top of the candle. Cut out a small, one-inch hole in the centre of the foil. The hole in the foil should not be covered and should be placed directly over the flame. Light the wick and wrap the foil over the top of the candle.
Allow the candle to burn for a few hours until the top layer of wax has melted. The foil reflects heat back towards the glass, heating the wax from the sides while also being warmed by the flame on the wick. This method melts the wax more quickly and evenly, avoiding tunnelling without having to burn the candle for several hours each time.
It is important to note that the quality of the wax and the shape of the container might affect how well the foil method works. For larger candles, ensure the flame can still burn strongly and create enough heat to melt the wax. The opening in the centre of the foil should be large enough to allow plenty of oxygen in as it burns.
After removing the foil, be cautious as the metal and glass will be very hot.
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Remove excess wax with a spoon
If your candle has developed a sinkhole, or "tunnel", from uneven burning, you can fix this issue by removing excess wax with a spoon. This process is simple but may take some time, especially if the tunneling is severe. Firstly, you will need to melt the wax surrounding the tunnel to make the surface even again. You can do this by using an external heat source such as a heat gun or a hair dryer. This will melt the hardened wax around the edges of the container, allowing you to widen the melt pool. Make sure to wear eye protection and clothes that can be easily washed in case of wax splatters.
Once the wax has melted, you can begin to remove the excess wax with a spoon. Work carefully so as not to spill any hot wax on yourself. If the sinkhole is shallow, this process should be relatively quick and easy. However, if the tunneling is severe, it may be difficult to salvage the candle. In this case, you may need to spend a significant amount of time melting and removing the excess wax.
It is important to remove excess wax to prevent the wick from being drowned. By removing the excess wax, you can ensure that your candle will burn more evenly in the future. This method is particularly useful for scented candles, as it allows you to enjoy a clean and even burn. Overall, while fixing a scratched candle may take some time and effort, it is certainly possible to salvage your candle and improve its burning performance.
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Prevent tunnelling by burning for one hour per inch of diameter
Candle tunnelling is a common issue, but it can be prevented with a few simple tricks. Tunnelling occurs when a candle burns down the centre, creating a deep well or 'tunnel' surrounded by a ring of unburnt wax. This happens when a candle is not burned long enough during its first use, and the wax is not allowed to melt to the edge. The candle then ''remembers' how far it melted the last time and will aim to reach that point again.
To prevent tunnelling, it is important to ensure that the candle burns long enough on its first use to create a full melt pool that reaches the edges of the container. A good rule of thumb is to burn your candle for one hour per inch of its diameter. For example, if your candle has a diameter of 3 inches, you should let it burn for 3 hours. This will allow the wax to melt and pool to the edges, setting a good 'memory ring' and preventing future tunnelling.
It is worth noting that the quality of the candle can also influence how it burns. Good quality wax and a properly sized wick can help ensure a clean, even burn. Additionally, room temperature can play a role, as a room that is too cold may cause the candle to solidify quickly. Therefore, it is recommended to store candles in a stable, room-temperature environment.
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Frequently asked questions
Scratches in a candle refer to a common issue known as candle tunnelling, which occurs when a hole forms down the centre of the candle, leaving unused wax at the edges. To fix this, you need to melt the outer wax surrounding the tunnel to create an even surface. Here are some ways to do this:
- Use an external heat source, such as a heat gun or a hairdryer, to melt the hardened wax around the edges of the candle.
- Cover half of the candle's container with aluminium foil and light the candle. The heat will be captured by the foil and melt the edges of the wax.
- If there is excess wax around the edges, burn the wick until the wax softens, then scoop it out with a spoon.
To prevent tunnelling, you need to ensure that the entire top surface of the candle is melted before blowing it out, especially the first time you burn it. As a rule of thumb, burn your candle for one hour per inch of its diameter.
If this happens, it means the opening in the foil is too small. Widen the hole and try again.
If your candle has broken into pieces, examine the break. If it's a clean break, blow or brush away any loose wax particles. Then, light a match and hold it to the jagged edge of the broken piece until the wax melts. Push the two pieces together and hold them until the wax hardens.
To fill in gaps, drip wax from a like-coloured taper into the crack, allowing each layer to harden before adding more wax.
