Candle Making - Smooth Tops | How to Achieve

Curious about how to achieve smooth candle tops on your candles?

It’s not as easy as it looks to achieve lovely smooth candle tops —several factors come into play and can make or break that flawless surface. Here are some key variables to keep in mind:

Wax Type:

Not all waxes are created equal! For example, soy wax tends to frost and may give an uneven surface, while paraffin wax usually produces a shiny, smooth finish. Always check the manufacturer’s technical data sheets to understand how the wax behaves, the maximum fragrance load and recommended melt and pour temperatures .

Pouring Temperature:

The right temperature is crucial. If you pour the wax mixture too hot, and you may end up with sinkholes or other imperfections. Pouring at a lower temp can help produce a smoother surface , but don’t forget that room temperature and sudden drafts can also affect how the candle sets.

Candle Cooling Speed:

Slow and steady wins the race! Candles that cool too fast can crack, pull away from the glass or end up with uneven surfaces. Gradual cooling at room temperature is key to achieving a smooth candle surface.

Fragrance and Dye Load:

Less is more. Overloading your wax with fragrance or dye can lead to pitting and an uneven finish.

Stirring and Mixing:

Over-stirring after adding fragrance or dye introduces air bubbles, which can lead to uneven surfaces once the wax hardens.

Container Temperature:

A cold container can cause the wax to set too quickly, leading to wrinkles or an uneven surface. Preheating your containers helps the wax cool more evenly. You can also try wrapping them in aluminium foil to keep them the same temperature.

Room temperature:

Try to keep the ambient room at around 23 – 26 degrees Celsius when pouring candles. Keep a room thermometer handy so you can regularly monitor the temperature.

Humidity:

High humidity levels can interfere with how the wax sets, leaving you with a bumpy surface. Controlling the room or environment in which you are making candles is just as important.

Second Pour (Top-Off):

If you do all the right things and still don’t get a smooth finish on the first pour – don’t worry! I find that a second, very thin pour can help smooth out imperfections and give you a luxurious looking candle.

Managing these factors will help you achieve smooth candle tops but of course, practice (and a lot of patience!) makes perfect!