First pillar - what's the deal?

[LJA]

I have only made container candles and tarts up to now, and tried to make a "rustic" pillar last night. I don't hate the results (they are just for me) but clearly this is not how it's supposed to go.

I used 1343 wax with 3 TBS of stearic per pound. To me, it looks like the stearic didn't melt sufficiently or something. Heated to almost 190 and poured at 180 into a chilled mold.

Also the layer of wax that I poured to top off didn't stick and peeled right off the bottom of the candle. My guess, is I waited too long or didn't pour it hot enough.

So, experienced, awesome chandlers.....what'd I do wrong? TIA

http://i623.photobucket.com/albums/tt314/LoriJ/rustic.jpg' alt='rustic.jpg'>

[jeanie353]

I think your candle mottled. If you want to get rid of that, you may want to check Peak, CW, CS or BCN. I believe they all give directions using 1343 on how to keep it from mottling. I don't use that wax, so I could be wrong. Many on the forum do so they may chime in and correct me, if I'm wrong to help ya out.

I do the 2nd pour at 5-10 degrees higher temp than the main part of the candle was poured it. HTH and GL

ETA: Just remembered, I think it is BCN that gives some easy instructions on that.

Edited May 4, 2013 by jeanie353

[puma52]

I LOVE the look of your mottled candle! I have had several folks order candles because they loved that look! Agree w/Jeanie above on the 2nd pour, I pour at least 10 degrees hotter.

[LJA]

Thanks guys! I'm gonna give it another try and pour cooler next time and use your suggestions. So this is a mottle huh? LOL! Who knew?!

Edited May 4, 2013 by LJA

[rjdaines]

Looks nice to me but it is mottled. A wax like 4625 won't mottle and makes a very nice pillar. I think I also see air bubbles near the top, so be careful about how you pour and introducing air.

[joym]

You can stop the mottle if you don't like it by adding Vybar to 1343.

[emilyspoppy]

In my humble opinion all have given sound advice to this point.

I actually like the looks of your candle. You should feel accomplished. I'd have never posted my first pillar attemp on a board like this. It's been many years, but if I can recall even our dog hid when I lit it.

I hope you have fun chandlering. I wish I still did.

Dave @ Charlotte Hall Country Candles

[cindym]

Try pouring @ 150 into a room temp mold. That's what I do for rustics.

Nice mottled pillar

http://www.candletech.com/techniques-and-ideas/cold-pour-rustic-candles/ these instructions say to pour into cooled molds, you can do that if you want, I don't. Have fun!

[LJA]

Thanks everyone! Great advice!

[Pam W]

Try pouring @ 150 into a room temp mold. That's what I do for rustics.

Nice mottled pillar

http://www.candletech.com/techniques-and-ideas/cold-pour-rustic-candles/ these instructions say to pour into cooled molds, you can do that if you want, I don't. Have fun!

Cindy is right - rustic = pour 150-160, mottles = pour 180-190.

[Scented]

I don't see that anyone told you to up the stearic amount, but make sure you've got 3 heaping T of it going per pound and pour on the very cool side, which was mentioned.

[LJA]

I did better on the second try. Now I can do mottles too! Thanks for all the great help!