When pouring candles, why does the center of the candle sink in as the wax cools?

Posted on December 7, 2009, 4:52 pm, by Brenda, under candle.

whenever I pour a candle, after letting the wax cool I notice the center of the wax (at the wick area) has sunken in. I don’t know what to do to avoid this issue.

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4 Comments

  1. radiat0rd0g says:
    December 7, 2009 at 5:02 pm

    It’s called contracting. ya heat up stuff it expands. maybe your wax is a bit too hot get it just pourable.

  2. empty-nester 2002 says:
    December 7, 2009 at 5:10 pm

    I’m sure there is a complicated explaination that involves molecular cohesion and such, but I solve the problem by saving some of the wax and doing a second pour to fill the dip.

  3. Mark C says:
    December 7, 2009 at 5:55 pm

    This is normal.. It depends on the type of wax. Some require a repour while others don’t. If you are coloring the wax, save some extra or you won’t be able to match colors.

  4. sandy s says:
    December 7, 2009 at 6:23 pm

    Hi, I use to make the candles for my shop. It is a lot of fun and a lot of work. The wax shrinks, you can’t help it. It is better to pour in about 3 pourings. Cut your wick long enough to wrap around a piece of wire to keep your wick centered, wait until the shrinking is complete before you make the second pouring, etc.. You can make votives using Dixie cups. After the wax is completely cooled, and you are ready to take the votive out of the cup, put in freezer for about 10min. (no longer, or they will crack), than peel the cup away. Presto, votives! Good luck!

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