Question about rustic/layered candles...

[BrySC]

I've seen a few pics in the gallery forum of candles that were rustic and layered. I tried one, but it didn't work. The layers didn't adhere to each other. To get the rustic effect, you have to pour at low temps...but to get the layers to adhere, you need higher temps. So how do you get both???

Thanks!

[barbaranj]

This thread may help you.

http://www.candletech.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3538&highlight=layered+rustics

[Sara]

Yeah, that's a great thread. I don't use a thermometer but rely mostly on touch/feel and sight. As with most things, once you start making them you start to know when the right time is. Look for the outer edges to cool and a good skin forming on the inner part. If you tilt the mold from left to right you will see a wave of wax moving underneath the skin. It should not break through at this point, but still be flexible.

As for the pouring part, it is more of a timing thing for me. I have my wax, scent and color mixed and ready in the pot, if a skin forms you can gently mix it back in or heat it a bit, but not too much. So much of making rustics is in the timing for me (maybe because I don't use a thermometer?).

[Scented]

Pour all your layers at whatever temp ends up working for you Bry, since there is no set temp, only a guestimating range of say 140-160 ... when you're on the very last pour, just poke relief holes all the way around, make them a little large, and refill. Wax can be too cool to adhere with other wax. It doesn't just fall off because it doesn't like the other layer. If you keep your temps consistent, you shouldn't have to worry about much. The 4 relief holes, make sure to poke through all the layers. It just helps more with adherence. Hope that made sense to you!

[BrySC]

Thanks for the responses...and the link to that thread was VERY helpful. I knew y'all could get me going in the right direction.