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My Reward PointsWhile wet spots on candles are not flaws, they are typical signs of pure natural wax and a sign that preservatives are not present. These spots may appear during or after the candle-making process, depending on the temperature. Adhesion refers to how strongly wax adheres to a container surface, and candle manufacturers typically require wax to be in contact to fill as much volume as possible.
Wet areas are largely cosmetic, but candles used for decoration or without a container do not require strong adhesive characteristics. Wax producers create wax mixtures with additives to reinforce this behaviour. This blog will shed light on candle wet spots, their causes, and how to avoid them
What Are Candle Wet Spots?
Candle wet spots are patches on the sides of a candle that form due to temperature fluctuations. When the wax melts, it naturally converts into a liquid, but when placed in a jar and allowed to cool, it contracts, causing the wax to gently split from the jar. This contraction results in the moist area.
These spots may appear after a few weeks, depending on the temperature around the candle. Typically, the candle is held at a relatively constant room temperature, but once sent, temperature fluctuations can cause wet spot candles to appear.
What Causes Candle Wet Spots?
Candle wet spots can be caused by various factors, including temperature changes, uneven cooling, the type of wax used, the position of the wick, and the ideal temperature for pouring wax. Here is a brief explanation of what causes wet spots during candle making.
1. Temperature change
The temperature around the candle affects the appearance of wet spots, which may take weeks to appear. During storage, the candle's ambient temperature remains constant, but temperature changes can cause damp patches.
2. Uneven cooling
Uneven cooling during the candle-making process can cause wax to separate from the glass at different speeds in various areas, leading to uneven shrinkage and contraction, which may result in wet spots forming on the sides of the candle container.
3. Type of wax used
The type of wax used on candles can affect wet spot appearance, with poor adhesion or excessive shrinkage leading to damp spots. Higher-quality waxes like beeswax and soy wax make fewer wet spots.
4. Wick position
Incorrect wick centering and positioning can cause wet spots on candles, leading to uneven burning and temperature differences. Off-center wicks may also create uneven melt pools, further exacerbating the issue.
5. Ideal Wax Pouring Temperature
Wax pouring temperature, which depends on the workspace's temperature and the wax's appearance, can lead to candle wet spots. The ideal wax pouring temperature is 135°F, but some can reach 160-175°F.
How to Avoid Wet Spots in Candle Making?
Tips for how to avoid wet spots in candles:
- Clean containers before pouring wax.
- Pour at cooler temperatures and warm the container with a heat gun.
- Choose a wax that has no candle adhesion problems.
- Optimize storage and curing conditions to reduce temperature swings.
- Ship candles with ice packs in an enclosed container.
- Allow candles to cool gradually and evenly.
- Use a heat gun to smooth out damp spots if they appear.
- Use high-quality wax to reduce the probability of moist spots.
- Change the color of the jar to make the wet area less noticeable.
- Adjust the temperature of the wax pouring to match the room temperature.
- Preheat jars before pouring the wax.
- Wash and dry glassware to prevent debris or moist spots from settling flat.
- Manage the temperature of the glasses by preheating them before pouring the wax and letting them cool gradually.
- Place candles on a wire rack to cool evenly
- Pour the wax slowly into the glasses to prevent heat escape and air bubbles.
Conclusion
In the end, we hope you know how to get rid of wet spots in candles. Wet spots are a common issue, but understanding the science behind them can help reduce their frequency. Enjoy the warm glow of candles by understanding the physics behind them. Don't let wet patches dampen your excitement; they're a normal part of the candle-making process that you can avoid with care and attention.
Remember one thing, which we learn over the years while creating candles. The aroma of your scented candles will entice customers to return. Adhere to safety regulations, use a candle with a strong aroma throw, both cold and hot, and don't worry about moist areas.
FAQ
1. Do wet spots impact candle performance?
Wet spots in candles are cosmetic issues, not performance issues. You can avoid this concern and focus on aroma, as buyers are unlikely to notice these spots.
2. Can we fix wet spots after the candle is made?
To smooth out wet spots on a built candle, use a low-setting heat gun to gently re-melt the surface, being cautious not to overheat or burn the candle.
3. Which waxes are more prone to wet spots?
Certain waxes, like paraffin, can produce damp spots due to their cooling properties. Soy wax can also develop fewer wet spots under specific conditions.
4. Are wet spots a sign of low-quality candles?
Wet spots on candles are cosmetic issues, not indicative of poor quality. Candle making wet spots can arise from shrinkage, air bubbles, and temperature changes, and are often inevitable.
5. Do wet spots impact the fragrance throw of a candle?
Wet spots do not affect a candle's performance in terms of scent throw or burn time, but they can detract from the candle's aesthetic appeal.
