You can prevent air bubbles in candles by pouring the wax at the correct temperature and making sure your container is warmed. Air bubbles can sometimes still happen if you follow these steps, but the good news is they can still be fixed even if they do happen.
The reason why we don’t want air bubbles or imperfections in our candles is that it makes the candle look less appealing. If you are keeping the candle for yourself, this may not even be an important factor for you.
In this article, we are going to be discussing how you can make the perfect candles almost every time, and what to do if you still get air bubbles and other imperfections.
Why Do My Candles Keep Getting Air Bubbles?
Candles get air bubbles for a couple of different reasons. You can get air bubbles from the temperature of the wax is too cool when you pour it.
You can also get air bubbles around the sides of your container if you do not heat the container.
There are different temperatures you will want to pour your wax at, but this changes for different types of wax. Some examples of types of wax are soy, beeswax, and paraffin.
A good rule of thumb is to stay between 130 and 140 Fahrenheit, but you will have to play around with it a bit.
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What if I Want to Add Scent to My Wax?
You can add scent to your wax and this generally does not cause more air bubbles. When you add scent to your wax you want to pay attention to the temperature of your wax. Again, different types of wax will have different temperature points for adding scent but generally, it’s around 180 Fahrenheit.
You can also get air bubbles if you stir your wax too much while it is heating up. You want to heat your wax not only to have it become a liquid to pour it, but you want to heat it if you are adding scents to your wax.
If you stir it too much you can add air to your wax, which can be a problem when you pour it.
How Do You Prevent Bubbles in Candle Molds?
One way to prevent air bubbles from happening in your wax candles is to heat the vessel that it is going in. This can be a metal tin, a mason jar, or any glass vessel like a decorative bowl or cup.
A couple of minutes before you are ready to pour the wax into whatever vessel your using, you will want to heat it. You don’t want to have it so hot that you won’t be able to handle it, but you want it to be warm enough so that the wax can adhere to the sides and walls of the container.
Is There a Preferred Container to Use for Candles?
One of the great things about candle making is that many different vessels can be used and you can let your creativity shine when making candles. Some examples that we have seen candles be made out of are vintage teacups and old pieces of driftwood.
Most containers will be suitable for candle making as long as it can withstand heat and isn’t flammable.
How Do You Fix Air Bubbles in a Candle?
The good news is that air bubbles are easy to fix if they happen! A tool that all candle makers will have is called a heat gun. You can find heat guns online or at most hardware stores.
What you will want to do is even heat the areas around the container. When using your heat gun, do not leave it in one place as you risk breaking the vessel or burning it.
What you are doing here is reheating the wax to a liquid state, but only around the edges. Once it is heated through enough, then the bubbles can move to the top making the surface around the outside smooth again.
What About the Bubbles at the Top of the Candle?
The same method can be used to fix the bubbles at the top of the candle! You simply take your heat gun and evenly go back and forth along the top of the candle. This will heat the wax on the top enough to burst the bubbles and then your left with a smooth seamless finish.
Why Do You Want to Get Rid of the Bubbles?
If you are selling your candles or giving them away as gifts, air bubbles will make your candles look unprofessional. Air bubbles are a sign of a beginner or of someone who doesn’t know what they are doing. With these simple tricks to get rid of air bubbles, your candles will look the best that they can.
How Do You Prevent Sinkholes in Soy Candles?
Another problem that many people face when beginning to make candles is sinkholes. Sinkholes happen when the wax has cooled off too much and you pour the wax too quickly into the vessel. This makes a large air pocket and the wax sinks into itself.
How Do You Fix Sinkholes?
Sinkholes are very easy to fix and you can use the same methods you use when getting rid of air bubbles. You will want to poke small holes around the sinkholes and slowly heat the wax around the surface of the candle. The melted wax will go into the sinkhole to fill it up.
You can learn more and watch this youtube video that lists all the common mistakes when candle-making:
Final Thoughts
Candle making is a great hobby that almost anyone can start! It is easy to do, and you will have great home decor for a fraction of the price.
A benefit of candle-making is that you will always have great gifts for your family and friends! Candles are a great gift for any occasion as they are completely customizable.
If you start candle-making and you discover you are passionate about it, many candle makers make a full-time income selling their candles! Places like Facebook Marketplace and Etsy are amazing platforms to sell you candles!