Jessie Taylor
Candles are a great way to set the mood and create a cosy atmosphere, but sometimes they can be a little tricky to work with. One common issue candle makers face is shrinkage, which can cause the candle to pull away from the sides of its container, leaving behind wet spots and an uneven surface. While all waxes have some level of shrinkage due to the structure of their polymer chains, there are several techniques to minimise this effect and create a more aesthetically pleasing candle. This includes pre-heating containers, adjusting pouring temperatures, and utilising specific wax blends.
Characteristics of preventing candle shrinkage
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wax type | Harder waxes like beeswax, paraffin, and soy experience more shrinkage than softer waxes. |
| Temperature | Higher temperatures during pouring can increase shrinkage. It is recommended to use lower temperatures and pre-heat containers to minimize shrinkage. |
| Techniques | A second pour, remelt, or re-pouring technique can be used to fill in shrinkage gaps. Poke holes around the wick and gently heat the wax to level it. |
| Additives | Mixing beeswax with other waxes like soy, coconut, or paraffin can reduce shrinkage, but it may alter the scent and purity of the beeswax. |
| Container | Pre-heating containers and ensuring they are dry can help reduce shrinkage and prevent wet spots. |
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What You'll Learn
Pre-heat containers before pouring wax
When making candles, it is important to pre-heat your containers before pouring in the wax. This is because all waxes have some level of shrinkage, and heating up the containers can help to lessen the amount of shrinkage that occurs during the cooling process.
As wax cools, it releases heat and begins to contract, taking up less volume. By pre-heating your containers, you can ensure that the wax cools more slowly, reducing the amount of shrinkage. This technique is especially important when working with pure beeswax, which is known for its significant shrinkage rate of up to 10% when transitioning from a liquid to a solid state.
To pre-heat your containers effectively, you can place them in an oven set to a temperature of around 70°C (158°F). Alternatively, you can leave the containers in a tray of hot water to heat them gently. Once the containers are heated, you can proceed to pour in the wax. Keep in mind that the wax should be as cool as possible while still being molten to minimize shrinkage.
It is worth noting that while pre-heating containers can help reduce shrinkage, it may not completely eliminate it. Beeswax, in particular, is known to be challenging to work with and may still exhibit some shrinkage or sticking to the container, even when using this technique. However, by combining pre-heating with other methods, such as a second pour or adjusting your wax blend, you can further minimize the shrinkage of your candles.
Additionally, remember to exercise caution when handling hot containers and wax to avoid any accidents or injuries. Candle-making can be a fun and rewarding process, but it requires careful attention to ensure the best results and safety.
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Use a blend of waxes
While all waxes experience some level of shrinkage, beeswax is known to shrink more than most other waxes. Its shrinkage can be as high as 10% when transitioning from a liquid to a solid state. If you are set on using pure beeswax, pillars are generally better than jars as beeswax doesn't work well in jars from an appearance standpoint.
To reduce shrinkage, you can use a blend of waxes. Beeswax is generally used in blends in small portions of up to 5-10%. You can mix in pure soy, coconut, or paraffin wax to help adjust the shrinkage. However, blending with other waxes will cause you to lose the "pure beeswax" label, and the unique scent of natural beeswax will also be diminished. For example, palm is often used in beeswax blends due to their similar qualities, but it is not recommended due to its massive environmental impact.
If you are using harder waxes like paraffin, you may experience a greater amount of shrinkage. Harder waxes require higher temperatures and will contract more when cooling. To reduce shrinkage, you can blend paraffin with softer waxes or other materials like soy.
In addition to using blends, you can also reduce shrinkage by pre-heating your containers before pouring the wax. This lessens the amount of shrinkage during the cooling process. You can also lower the pour temperature to allow less shrinkage as the wax cools.
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Poke holes around the wick
When making candles, you may notice that the wax shrinks and pulls away from the container or vessel, leaving behind wet spots where the wax has not adhered to the glass properly. This is due to the change in volume that occurs when wax is heated and cooled. When wax is heated and liquified, it expands and takes up more volume. As it cools and releases heat, it contracts and takes up less volume.
To prevent this issue, it is recommended to pre-heat your containers or vessels before pouring the wax. This will lessen the amount of shrinkage as the wax cools. Additionally, you can try to release the heat from the wax slowly. This can be done by covering the wax or leaving it in an oven that has been turned off to cool slowly.
However, if you notice sinkholes or craters forming around the wick as the wax solidifies, you may need to take additional steps. In this case, it is suggested to poke holes around the wick. This technique helps to release the heat from the centre of the candle and prevent the wick from being pulled away from the centre. After poking the holes, you can gently heat the surface of the wax with a heat gun until it becomes level again. It is important to be cautious when using this method.
It is worth noting that different types of wax have varying levels of shrinkage. Harder waxes, such as beeswax and paraffin, tend to contract more when cooled compared to softer waxes. Therefore, if you are using a blend of waxes, adjusting the ratio can help minimize shrinkage. For example, adding soy, coconut, or paraffin wax to beeswax can reduce its shrinkage, but it will also affect the purity and scent of the beeswax.
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Keep candles covered while cooling
Keeping candles covered while cooling is a crucial step in preventing shrinkage and ensuring a smooth and aesthetically pleasing finish. Here are some detailed instructions to achieve this:
Firstly, it is important to understand why candles shrink. All waxes have some level of shrinkage due to their polymer chain structure. When wax is heated, it unravels and expands, increasing in volume. As the wax cools and the heat is released, it begins to contract and takes up less space. This contraction during the cooling process is what leads to shrinkage.
To minimise shrinkage, one effective technique is to pre-heat the containers or moulds before pouring the wax. This can be done by placing the empty containers in an oven or a tray of hot water to ensure they are above room temperature. By doing this, the wax will cool more slowly, reducing the amount of shrinkage.
Another important factor is the temperature of the wax when it is poured. It is recommended to pour the wax at the lowest possible temperature while still in a molten state. This slower cooling process will help minimise shrinkage and prevent cracks from forming.
Additionally, covering the candles while they cool can be beneficial. Similar to pre-heating the containers, covering the candles helps to slow down the release of heat, giving the wax more time to cool gradually. This gradual cooling reduces the likelihood of shrinkage and promotes a consistent finish.
In conclusion, keeping candles covered during the cooling process is a simple yet effective method to minimise shrinkage. By following these steps, you can create candles that not only look aesthetically pleasing but also burn more effectively, ensuring a positive candle-making experience.
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Lower the pour temperature
When making candles, it is important to consider the pour temperature of the wax, as this can significantly impact the final product's appearance and overall quality. Lowering the pour temperature is a crucial technique to reduce shrinkage and create a smooth and aesthetically pleasing candle.
All waxes undergo some level of shrinkage due to their polymer chain structure. When heated, the wax molecules expand and unravel, increasing their volume. As the wax cools and solidifies, it releases heat and begins to contract, occupying less volume. This process is more pronounced in harder waxes, such as beeswax and specific types of paraffin wax. Lowering the pour temperature can effectively minimise this contraction and the resulting shrinkage.
To achieve a lower pour temperature, it is recommended to allow the wax to cool slightly before pouring it into the container. This technique slows down the release of heat from the wax, reducing the amount of contraction and preventing the wax from shrinking away from the container. It is a delicate balance, as pouring at too low a temperature can result in an uneven surface or cracks in the candle.
Additionally, pre-heating the containers before pouring can further reduce shrinkage. This ensures that the wax remains in a molten state for longer, allowing it to adhere better to the container walls. However, it is important to note that even with these techniques, some shrinkage may still occur, especially with pure beeswax, which is known for its significant expansion and contraction properties.
By understanding the behaviour of wax and implementing controlled pouring temperatures, candle makers can minimise shrinkage and create high-quality candles with a professional finish. Lowering the pour temperature is a simple yet effective technique to enhance the overall appearance and performance of the candle.
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Frequently asked questions
All waxes have some level of shrinkage due to the structure of the polymer chain that binds wax. Beeswax is a very tough and flexible wax with a high shrinkage rate. To reduce shrinkage, pre-heat your containers above room temperature before pouring. You can also try doing a remelt or a second pour to fill in the sides.
Allow the first pour to completely solidify, then poke holes around the wick. Melt some more wax and allow it to cool slightly before filling the crater and creating a smooth top.
Yes, you can try pre-heating your containers before pouring the wax to lessen the amount of shrinkage. You can also try to pour the wax at the lowest possible temperature as lower temperatures result in less shrinkage.
