Chloe Adams
Soy candles are a popular alternative to traditional paraffin wax candles, but they can be prone to cracking. This is often caused by the wax cooling too quickly, which can happen if the candle is placed on a solid surface such as granite or marble, or in a cold environment like a country with high AC usage. Another cause of cracking is air bubbles becoming trapped in the wax during the processing or pouring stage. This can be avoided by gently stirring the wax to release the air bubbles, and by pouring the wax slowly.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause of cracks | Air bubbles being trapped in the wax |
| Wax shrinking as it cools | |
| Wax cooling too quickly | |
| Extreme temperatures | |
| Glass containers placed too close together | |
| Too much liquid poured into containers | |
| Solution | Gently tap the sides of the candle container to release air bubbles |
| Allow candles to cool gradually at room temperature | |
| Elevate candles on a wire rack while they cool | |
| Use a heat gun to melt the surface and fill in the cracks |
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What You'll Learn
Air bubbles in the wax
To prevent air bubbles, gently stir the wax to release the trapped air. Continue stirring until the crackling stops and there are no visible bubbles. Be careful not to stir too vigorously, as this can create more air bubbles. If you notice a lot of crackling, heat the wax to 85-95°C to help release the trapped air.
Another way to prevent air bubbles is to control the cooling process. When the wax cools too quickly, it can shrink and pull away from the container, causing cracks. To avoid this, ensure your candles cool at room temperature (ideally 70-76°F) in a draft-free space. Placing candles on a wire cooling rack can also help them cool evenly, as solid surfaces can draw heat from the bottom of the candle, causing rapid cooling and shrinkage.
If you notice cracks due to air bubbles, you can use a heat gun to gently melt the surface and fill in the cracks. Alternatively, you can reserve some wax to re-melt and use it to cover imperfections.
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Wax cooling too quickly
The wax cooling too quickly is one of the most common causes of cracks in soy candles. This is due to a combination of wax shrinkage and tiny air bubbles becoming trapped in the bottom of the container as the wax cools. The trapped air bubbles cause the wax to sink slightly after it has hardened, leaving a small void. This is more likely to occur when candles are placed on solid surfaces, such as granite or marble, which can draw heat away from the bottom of the candle, causing it to cool too quickly.
To prevent cracks caused by rapid cooling, it is recommended to place candles on a wire cooling rack rather than directly on a counter or tabletop. This allows airflow around the candles and helps them cool evenly, reducing the likelihood of cracks. It is also important to maintain a steady room temperature and avoid placing candles near sources of cold air, such as freezers or air conditioners, as extreme temperatures can cause the wax to become brittle and more prone to cracking.
Additionally, preheating glassware before pouring wax can help reduce the formation of crystals once the wax hardens. However, it is crucial not to heat containers above 100°F (37.8°C) for safety reasons. Pouring the wax at a lower temperature can also reduce crystal formations. Adjusting the pour temperature in small increments of 5°F (2.8°C) is recommended.
While it is important to allow candles to cool gradually, it is also essential to stir the wax gently during the cooling process. Stirring helps release trapped air and prevents the formation of air bubbles, which can contribute to cracking. If there is excessive crackling or foaming, the wax can be heated to 85-95°C to release any remaining trapped air.
In some cases, cracks caused by rapid cooling can be repaired. One method is to use a heat gun to gently melt the surface of the candle, smoothing out imperfections and filling in cracks. Another approach is to reserve some wax during the initial pouring process and use it to re-melt and cover any cracks or imperfections on the cooled candle.
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Glass containers placed too close together
When glass containers are placed too close together, heat is trapped on adjacent sides. This causes the sides of the jar to cool more slowly than the rest of the candle. As the candle cools, the wax begins to form solid crystals, and the wax may shrink and pull away from the glass. This can result in cracks, a rough and uneven surface, and even a thin crack in a circle about 1" from the wick.
To prevent this, it is recommended to keep a distance of 2-3 inches between each candle while they cool. Elevating the candles on a wire rack or placing a towel underneath them can also help to ensure even cooling. It is important to allow enough airflow around the candles and to avoid placing them on solid surfaces, especially granite or marble, which can draw heat from the bottom of the jar and cause the wax to cool too quickly.
Another way to prevent cracks is to preheat your glassware before pouring the wax. This can be done in a warm oven set to a low temperature, ensuring that the containers do not exceed 100°F. Maintaining a steady room temperature of 70-76°F is ideal for cooling soy candles.
If cracks do occur, they can be filled by remelting some wax and pouring a thin layer over the top of the candle. This will smooth out any imperfections and create a uniform surface. A heat gun can also be used to gently melt the surface and fill in any cracks.
While cracks may be unsightly, they do not typically affect the performance of the candle. However, if the wick is too close to the side of the glass, it can cause the glass to get too hot and potentially shatter. Therefore, proper wick placement is crucial to ensure the safe burning of the candle.
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Extreme temperatures
To prevent cracks caused by extreme temperatures, it is recommended to maintain a steady room temperature and avoid placing candles near sources of extreme heat or cold. Allowing candles to cool gradually and evenly is crucial. Using a wire cooling rack instead of a solid counter or tabletop can help achieve this, as it promotes airflow and prevents heat from being drawn from the bottom of the candle.
Additionally, preheating glassware before pouring wax can help reduce the formation of crystals that contribute to cracking. However, it is important not to heat containers above 100°F (37.8°C). Maintaining a consistent pour temperature is also essential, with incremental adjustments of 5°F (2.8°C) recommended.
The presence of air bubbles can also contribute to cracking. When wax cools too quickly, air bubbles can become trapped, causing the wax to shrink and form cracks. To release air bubbles, gently tap the sides of the candle container or use a heat gun on a low setting to slightly melt the wax.
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Excess fragrance oil
One of the most common issues with soy candles is surface cracking. This is often caused by the wax cooling too quickly, which results in the wax shrinking and pulling away from the glass. This can be avoided by ensuring that your candles cool at room temperature (70-76°F is ideal) and by placing them on a wire cooling rack, which helps the candle cool evenly. Solid surfaces, such as granite and marble, will draw heat away from the bottom of the candle, causing it to cool too quickly.
Another cause of surface cracking is trapped air bubbles in the wax. When soybean oil is processed into wax, it is constantly stirred and agitated, allowing air to enter the oil. This air can become trapped in the wax and is released when the wax is melted to create candles. If your wax contains excess air, you may notice a foamy appearance and bubbles rising to the surface. To avoid this, gently stir the wax to release the trapped air and continue until the crackling stops and there are no visible bubbles.
In addition to cooling the wax too quickly and trapped air bubbles, excess fragrance oil can also cause cracking in soy candles. Adding too much fragrance oil can cause the flame to burn off the excess oil, resulting in dark smoke. It is important to follow the recommended maximum fragrance percentage to avoid this issue.
Finally, it is worth noting that soy wax is a natural product and may vary from batch to batch. Sometimes the wax may be oily, resulting in clumping, or very dry. If the clumping is due to excess moisture, heating the wax to 85-95°C for 5-10 minutes can help evaporate the moisture.
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Frequently asked questions
Surface cracking is often caused by cooling the candle too quickly. To avoid this, allow the candle to cool down gradually at room temperature (70-76°F is ideal).
You can use a heat gun to melt the surface and fill in the cracks. Alternatively, you can save some leftover wax and re-melt it to cover imperfections in your cooled candle.
To prevent cracks, you should avoid placing candles too close together when cooling. It is recommended to keep a distance of 2-3 inches between jars. You can also place the candles on a wire cooling rack to encourage even cooling.
