Preventing Beeswax Candles From Cracking: A Simple Guide

Beeswax candles are a popular choice for those looking for a sustainable and non-toxic candle option. However, one common issue candle makers face is that their beeswax candles crack. This can be caused by a variety of factors such as cooling the candles too quickly, extreme temperatures, air bubbles, and the wax being too hot. To prevent cracks, it is recommended to cool the candles gradually at room temperature, use a thermometer to maintain the proper temperature, avoid over-stirring, and fill any cracks with extra wax. Other solutions include coating the mold with coconut oil, using a honey warming cabinet, and wrapping the molds in insulation.

How to stop beeswax candles from cracking

Use a thermometer to maintain the correct temperature

The temperature of your beeswax is critical to the success of your candles. Using a thermometer to monitor the temperature of your wax will help you to avoid issues such as cracking.

Firstly, when melting your wax, do not heat it over 200°F (93°C). At this temperature, the wax breaks down and does not act as it should. The ideal temperature for pouring beeswax is between 155-160°F (68-71°C). If you are making container candles, you may be able to get away with a slightly higher temperature of 180-185°F (82-85°C). However, if you are making free-standing candles, a higher temperature may cause issues with the wax sticking to the mould and cracking when removed.

You should also be mindful of the temperature of the room in which your candles are setting. If the room is too cold, your candles will cool too quickly, which can cause cracking. Avoid placing your candles in the freezer or near air conditioning units, as these will cause your candles to become brittle and break. Instead, maintain a steady temperature in the room to keep your candles at room temperature.

If you are making container candles, you can help to regulate the temperature of your wax by insulating your containers. One candle-maker wraps their containers in a towel, while another uses "lowball drink jackets", which are designed to prevent cocktails from sweating.

Prevent quick cooling by using a warming cabinet

The most common cause of beeswax candles cracking is cooling them too quickly. This can be caused by the environment, such as AC usage, or by the candles being placed too close together. To prevent this, it is recommended to use a warming cabinet to maintain a steady temperature and prevent quick cooling.

A warming cabinet is an insulated container that can be used to keep candles at a constant temperature, preventing them from cooling too quickly. This is especially useful in environments with high AC usage or during summer when heating may be turned off.

One method to use a warming cabinet is to fill it with bricks warmed to a specific temperature, such as 54°C, to act as a slow oven. The candles can then be placed inside the cabinet and left to cool slowly over a period of time, such as 12 hours overnight. This helps to insulate the candles and prevent quick cooling, which can lead to cracking.

Another technique is to use a combination of a warming cabinet and a heat gun. The warming cabinet helps to maintain a constant temperature, while the heat gun is used to re-melt the candle surface, smoothing it out and filling any cracks that may have formed during the cooling process. This two-pronged approach can help to create a smooth and even candle surface.

Additionally, it is important to ensure that the wax is not too hot when poured into the moulds, as this can also contribute to cracking. The ideal temperature for pouring beeswax is between 155°F and 160°F. By allowing the wax to cool slightly before pouring, you can help prevent cracks caused by quick cooling.

Avoid air bubbles by minimising stirring

Beeswax candles are a great, sustainable choice for your home. However, they can be prone to cracking, which is often caused by the presence of air bubbles. One way to prevent this is by minimising stirring during the candle-making process.

When making beeswax candles, it is important to be mindful of the formation of air bubbles, which can occur when too much stirring takes place. These air bubbles can become trapped during the cooling process of the candle, leading to an uneven surface and, eventually, cracks. To avoid this issue, it is recommended to minimise stirring as much as possible while still ensuring that the wax is properly mixed. Aim for smooth, slow and steady movements when stirring to prevent excessive air incorporation.

Additionally, the temperature at which the wax is poured is crucial. If the wax is too hot, it can contribute to the formation of air bubbles and cracks. The ideal temperature range for pouring beeswax is between 155-160°F (68-70°C). Allowing the wax to cool slightly before pouring can help achieve the desired temperature and reduce the risk of air bubble formation.

It is also important to maintain a consistent room temperature while your candles cool. Extreme temperatures, whether too high or too low, can cause cracks. Avoid placing your candles near a source of heat or cold, such as an oven or freezer, as this can lead to rapid cooling and cracking. Instead, opt for a steady, room-temperature environment for the best results.

In summary, to prevent air bubbles and minimise cracking in your beeswax candles, reduce stirring as much as possible, maintain a smooth and steady pouring process, and control the room temperature to ensure a gradual cooling process. With these techniques, you can create beautiful, even-surfaced beeswax candles that are sustainable and healthy for your home.

Coat the mould with coconut oil

One of the most common reasons for beeswax candles cracking is the wax cooling down too quickly. This can be prevented by maintaining a steady temperature in the room, keeping the candles away from the freezer, and ensuring that the candles are not placed too close together.

To prevent your beeswax candles from cracking, you can try coating the mould with coconut oil or another natural oil. This prevents the beeswax from sticking to the sides of the mould and causing cracks.

Firstly, ensure that your mould is clean. Then, coat the inside of the mould with a thin layer of coconut oil. You can use a pastry brush or your fingers to apply the oil, making sure to cover all the surfaces that will be in contact with the wax.

Coconut oil has a high melting point, so it is ideal for use in candle-making as it will not melt at the temperatures used for melting and pouring beeswax. It also has a pleasant scent that will not interfere with the natural fragrance of beeswax.

In addition to coating the mould with coconut oil, you may also want to try slowing down the cooling process by insulating your mould. You can do this by wrapping the mould in a tea towel or bubble wrap, or by placing it inside a length of plastic drainpipe filled with dry sand, as suggested by one candle-maker.

Use a heat gun to melt the candle surface

If your beeswax candles are cracking, one solution is to use a heat gun to melt the candle surface. This method helps to smoothen the surface and fill in any cracks. It is important to note that if you heat the beeswax over 200°F, the wax will break down and not behave as expected. The ideal temperature range for pouring beeswax is 155-160°F.

To use the heat gun method effectively, follow these steps:

• Ensure that your candle is made of 100% beeswax, as adding other components may affect the melting and cooling process.
• Inspect the candle for any visible cracks or imperfections on the surface.
• Turn on your heat gun and adjust the temperature setting to the desired level, keeping it below 200°F to avoid damaging the wax.
• Hold the heat gun at a safe distance from the candle and direct the hot air flow towards the cracked areas.
• Slowly move the heat gun in circular motions or back and forth to evenly distribute the heat and melt the wax surface.
• Continue applying heat until the cracks are filled and the surface appears smooth and even.
• Allow the candle to cool gradually at room temperature. Avoid placing it in front of fans or air conditioners, as rapid cooling can cause cracks.

By using a heat gun to melt the surface of your beeswax candle, you can effectively smooth out cracks and create a uniform appearance. Just be mindful of the temperature settings and always allow for gradual cooling to prevent further cracking.

Frequently asked questions