BellaOnline Forums Hobbies and Crafts Candlemaking Candle Wax Seam Problems

I am making standard pillar mold candles. I don't usually melt enough wax in one sitting to fill the entire pillar from top to bottom. So I fill it part way, then melt more wax, then fill it the rest of the way.

I get these very obvious seams as a result. Any techniques to have it not make these strong seams? Or do I just have to melt a giant amount of wax all at once and pour it in all at once?





In this bottom image the candle on the far left was actually done with one pour and it did come out smooth and seamless.

Melting a larger batch of wax at once would be an easier task. But if you don't have a large enough double boiler for a particular candle mold then just do what I do sometimes. Melt your first batch of wax and transfer it to a container maintained at that particular wax pouring temperature. Be sure to monitor wax temperature. Then melt your remaining wax and combine the two batches, color, scent and pour for a seamless single pour.

I only have one crock pot so I only have one place to make the wax melt or to keep it warm. I don't have anywhere else to keep the wax at 200F or whatever temperature it is at Maybe I'm just stuck with seams then ...

Lisa, what is the boiling or fire point for wax?

It appears most of them are in the high 300s F, but some can be lower. None of them are as low as 212F which is why keeping the wax in a bath of boiling water makes it safe - the water never goes over 212F and therefore the wax can't get hotter than that!

The problem with wax is that you can't really tell when it is about to explode. It looks fine and molten and then it suddenly explodes. There are several horror stories on the web. So you really want to be absolutely sure you keep it down in that 212F or lower range.

Well you may have other options.
1)When I first started making candles there were some plastic temperature resistant bags I used to melt my wax. These were specifically made for melting wax. Transfer your melted wax into this bag and place it in a pot of hot water to maintain it's temperature while you melt your additional wax. One problem is it may be a bit messy during the transfer.
2)I have an old electric turkey roaster that has it's own temperature control. It used to roast a 25 pound turkey. Now it holds my wax. I just ladle my wax into my pouring pots. I bought it at a Goodwill store for $5.00.

The turkey roaster sounds like a crockpot - is it about the same?

Yes it is similar but has a larger capacity. Also the better ones have a more accurate temperature control. Temperature is easy to maintain and keep track of with your candle making thermometer.

I now have 3 or 4 candles which are "used up" but still have wax yet, as in the wick is gone but there are still "candle edges" to do something with. So I'll let you know if I have seam problems with this set!

Make sure the melted wax is combined well by stirring once completely melted. Making a more homogeneous blend.