eris Posted December 3, 2014 Share Posted December 3, 2014 I've recently moved into a new area (with a slightly different climate to where I was previously) and the first batch of beeswax pillars I made here worked really well - I was so excited, never had such a successful batch, thought I'd moved into candle making heaven. A couple of weeks later and I am trying to make a second batch and have had a 100% fail rate, it's very frustrating! The only thing I can think of that is significantly different between this failed batch and the successful one is the humidity (ambient temp is similar, pouring temp is the same, same batch of beeswax, same moulds being used etc.) First time the humidity was very low, around 10-20% and this time it's up around 80-90% because we've had storms all week. Have other people had problems pouring beeswax candles in high humidity? Is there any way around it or should I just wait until the humidity drops before making more? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TallTayl Posted December 4, 2014 Share Posted December 4, 2014 Where I live humidity can run in the 90% all summer. Never had any differences pouring pillars. What problems are you having? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eris Posted December 4, 2014 Author Share Posted December 4, 2014 Hi TallTayl,A thin section of wax is sticking to the mould and peeling away from the candle when I remove the candle from the mould - never had this happen before (usually cracking around the wick is my biggest problem) and suddenly it's happening to every candle. I use metal moulds and I don't use a mould release of any sort (have never needed it and want to keep the candles as pure as possible). I've tried a few different things to fix the problem like cleaning the moulds, wiping a thin layer of vegetable oil on the inside of the mould before pouring etc but nothing has worked so far, still keep having the same problem. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TallTayl Posted December 5, 2014 Share Posted December 5, 2014 I always use a silicone release spray. Always. The sticking and thin layer of wax can be caused by temperature problems as it is poured and the cool rate. Beeswax does not need to be heated much beyond melt point to mold. Too hot and it does not shrink away from the metal molds correctly. The only time I have major sticking even with release spray is when I am not paying attention and the wax is too hot. The sticking can also happen when filling voids in the mold, as some liquid wax can spill into the gap between the candle and the mold. Makes them a bugger to release. You mentioned cracking around the wick. That tells me you're probably pouring a bit hot and not poking enough relief holes or big enough relief holes. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
simplybeelightful Posted March 31, 2015 Share Posted March 31, 2015 You probably won't like it but my recommendation would be to get rid of your metal molds and buy some good silicone molds. I lightly spray my silicone molds when my candles start to stick a little bit (usually about every five of six candles), pour around 160 degrees and in a very warm room with no fans going. The longer the candle cools, the better your results will be. If done right, you usually don't have to poke relief holes in the top. Good luck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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