How to avoid a blow out on chunk candles

[jwahlton]

I do like the looks of chunk candles (especially after seeing the recently posted ones). I've made a few (years ago) but I do recall getting a blow out on one of mine. After it burned a bit it started leaking thru the sides. So what did I do wrong, and how do you overcome that?

[Donita]

Since you made them awhile ago you probably don't remember exactly what you did. That is important. Try to keep notes. I have been making chunk candles for several years and don't have that problem. I have poured cool and poured hot. It might be the wax you are using and the size of your wick. What do you remember. I use a preblend wax for my chunks, but I use to make my own blend. I pour over the chunks with 4045 straight paraffin. I don't pack my chunks in...... If I want a smooth finish, and there aren't a bunch of colors going on, I use my heat gun on the outside of the mold as I tap. Otherwise I leave them alone because I "crackle" the finish on my chunk candles. The only thing that makes sense to me, and anyone else please chime in, is that if the chunks are hard and the overpour is too soft, the overpour would melt first and leave a space for a blowout. The chunks and overpour have to melt at the same rate. Donita

[Tallbabydoll]

I'm thinking that you might have had an airpocket (a gap in the wax) near the side and the melted wax found it and even if you had a smooth finish it may have been thin. The melted wax hit that thin layer and melted it, causing it to leak out the side. I always tap the mold after I pour the overpour, and push down on the top chunks to make sure I get out any air trapped inside. Also like Donita pointed out, it's important to use chunks and overpour that have the same MP so it burns evenly. HTH

[jwahlton]

Thanks