FAULT

CAUSE

WHAT TO DO

Lumpy surface on candle

First dip too fast. Wax too cold while dipping.

While candle is still warm roll it on a smooth surface.

Candle spits whilst burning

Water in candle.

Pour off molten wax and relight candle. If this is not successful,  then remelt it.

White marks in layers of dip candles

Wax too cold whilst dipping.

An eight-second dip in wax at 93°C (200°F) may be successful.

Candle cracks whilst rolling

Uneven temperature throughout candle, i.e. the centre may be harder than the surface of the candle.

Re-dip candle until pliable.

Damaged or old candle

Age, dirt, fading, etc.

Rub over surface with nylon stocking and whil spirit. Decorate to cove flaws.

          Casting in molds

FAULT

CAUSE

WHAT TO DO

Air bubbles on surface

Poured too fast. Placed in water bath too soon. Dust in mould. Mould not tapped to remove air.

Pour slowly.

Wait for one minute

before placing in water

bath.

Clean mould.

Tap mould one minute 1

after pouring.

Cracks throughout candle

Candle allowed to become too cold before topping up.

I

Use water bath at room 1 temperate.

Seepage between candle and mold

Wax allowed to set and contract away from the side of the mould, allowing some of the topping-up wax to seep down the side.

Cut off the unwanted marks.

Loss of definition with a layered candle

Previously poured wax not set sufficiently to support the next layer. The surface should be rubbery.

Remelt. Remember that the resulting wax will be a combination of colours, usually brown.

Layers not joining

Wax poured too late or at too low a temperate.

Remelt.

Misshapen candle; sides caved in

Surface around wick not broken and probed soon enough. Air in centre of candle.

Keep surface constantly broken until candle is almost set.

Soap-like appearance

Too much stearin added.

Check proportion of wax mixture.

Candle will not come out of a rigid mould

Not enough stearin added. Candle topped up above the original level, causing seepage between candle and mould. Cooling too slow, resulting in insufficient contraction.

Place in hot water and melt candle out of mould. Alternatively, place in refrigerator for twenty minutes.

Candle will not come out of flexible mould

Candle left to get too cold before removal

Place in hot water and melt the candle out of the mould.

Ring of discolouration around top of candle

Dirty wax.

Take more care. Keep moulds and utensils clean.

Scaly marks on surface

Wax poured too cold for prevailing room temperature.

Use a water bath. Pour at a higher temperature.

Mould leaking from base

Careless wicking-up. Damaged mould.

Seal with mould seal. Place candle in water bath immediately.

Small bubbly line encircling candle

Mark of water-level from water bath. Water added after candle placed in bath.

Rub with nylon stocking. Fill water bath almost to top of mould level before putting mould in.