LisaMW

Here are some photos of my divots. I don't know that the angle really shows their depth. The Blue one is Candlewic 141 and the red one is igi 4625. The 141 came out a bit better and at this point I think that's as flat as I can get the bottoms. Both of these candles had two final pours. one about 3 1/2 hours after to the first to fill the sink holes, and then a top of pour about a half later. There were holes poked before each pour.

I've been making pillar candles, some with igi 4625 others with 141, and I've mostly been using lx18 wicks. I've tried 27 ply on a few times with simular results. The lx 18 seems to have a smaller flame but they both seem to have a full melt pool by 2 hrs. I know these wicks are designed to curl and because of that it makes sense that one side of the pillar would melt before the other side, but I'm wondering if there is a wick that would give a more uniform melt? I'm sure this isn't all that important. I haven't had any overflow problems yet. It's really just something that I would find more visually appealing. I think I read somewhere about twisting the wick before you pour. Is that something that works? If so how tight of a twist?

Good to know. Thank you.

I'm still new to candle making and searching out the fragrances that I think I would like. I've had good luck and bad luck with that. I've been trying fragrances that are phthalate free. I noticed that Northwoods has a whole disclaimer on each of their fragrances saying that the fragrance in question is not on California's Prop 65 list of toxic chemicals. I don't notice other sites being so forth coming with that information. I think I've seen a few om candle science that they were updated to meet the requirements, but over all it doesn't seem to be a standard part of fragrance oil listings regardless of if it is or isn't prop 65 safe. So, my question is, is it important to find fragrances that comply or is it something that you don't worry about? The same question can be asked of wax. My two favorite supplier are the flaming candle and candlewick, and they don't seem to mention prop 65 anywhere. Candlewic has very little information on what's in their fragrances.

Thank you, So far none of my layered candles have come out well, so I'm looking for any advice I can get. I didn't think to look in the tutorial section.

Does any one know where to find a good tutorial on layered scented candle (same scent throughout)? I want to give layering a try but I'm curious how different the technique is compared to a single color candle. For instance do you still need to poke holes or are the layers small enough that relief holes wont make a difference? I'm currently assuming some relief holes are still necessary but how far down would you poke if using different colors? Also, what's the best way of separating out your wax, colors, and fragrance? I would think there are some layering techniques that are good for unscented candles that don't necessarily work for scented, and maybe others that wouldn't work for layering with different scents. I keep finding tutorials on unscented layered candles or jar candles with a single pour wax, so I'm wondering if there's any advice out there for scented layered pillars.

Hi everyone, I’m new to candle making. I’ve come across a problem that I’m hoping you can hep me with. I’m making pillar candles (3”X4.5”) and I keep ending up with divots on the bottom of the candles. I started with sink holes and through adjusting my timing on the second and third pour I’ve managed to get it down to a noticeable divot. I’m not sure if there’s even more timing adjustments I have to make or if there’s a way that I can smooth the bottoms out with, maybe with a heat gun, but I just can’t seem to get a perfect or nearly perfect bottom. I have had this problem with all the waxes I’ve tried. Mostly I’m using IGI 4625. I’ve also used ProBlend 650 and 450. The ProBlend waxes see to do a little better. Candlewic’s 4045 did the best and I want to try their 141 because I don’t much care for the mottled look, but that’s what came in the kit I bought from them. My current process is to: Heat the wax to 180 and add coloring and fragrance 1ounce per pound Pour at 170 just under the rim of the mold Poke relief holes after 60mins Second pour at 180 filled to just below first pour about 2 and a half hours after relief holes, 3 and a half hours from first pour Poke relief holes about 15mins after second pour Third pour about 15mins after poking relief holes Everything always looks good until about an hour after the third pour, about 4 and a half hours in to the process. Then I start to see the wax cave. Like I said it’s not a big divot, but it is clearly a divot. I would love to here thoughts on how I can smooth out the bottoms. Thank you in advance.