Candle Horizontal Lines Problem
Troubleshooting Guide

There are several causes of horizontal lines in candles.

Single Horizontal Line
This is a very common problem that is easy to correct. This is usually caused by making the second pour to a higher level than the first pour. If doing multiple pours, this may actually be several horizontal lines in extreme cases.

Prevention - Do not pour secondary pours to a higher level in the mold than the first pour. Use the following procedures to avoid this problem.

Metal Votive Pouring Procedure.
This procedure positions the pouring line at the edge of the candle where it is not visible.

1. Place the molds in a tray to catch spillage for reuse.
2. Make the first pour until overflowing.
3. Position the wick if not using auto wick pins.
4. Allow to cool until wax is firm, yet still warm. If not using auto wick pins, periodically grasp the wick and tug gently up and to the center.
5. Make second pour allowing wax to overflow molds.

Most Other Molds Procedure

1. Make first pour to 1/4 inch from top of mold.
2. Poke several relief holes near the wick. This will help bond the second pour.
3. Allow wax to cool until hard.
4. Make the second pour stopping 1/4 inch below the first pour line.
5. When cool, remove from the mold and level the base using a heated pan or electric griddle.

One Or More Spaced Horizontal Lines
This only applies if you used a water bath during the molding process. The line or lines are usually fairly far apart. This is a fairly common problem that is easy to correct. This is caused by using a water bath that has not been properly prepared before hand. The lines appear at the water level(s).

Prevention - The water bath must be prepared to the proper depth before needed. Use the following procedure:

1. Plug or seal the mold's wick hole
2. Add mold weights.
3. Hold the mold in the water bath container.
4. Add water until the water is 1/2 inch from the top of the mold.

Many Horizontal Lines
Usually fairly close together. This is a fairly common problem that is easy to correct. This is usually caused by a pouring temperature that is way too low trapping a lot of air against the mold. The wax alternately flows and solidifies causing a series of horizontal lines to appear in the finished candle. This is commonly accompanied by air bubbles.

Prevention - Increase the pouring temperature. For room temperature metal molds 185 degrees F. is about right. If the molds are exceptionally cool a higher temperature may be needed.

If this does not help with your problem, please search our knowledgebase. If the answer is not in the knowledgebase, click here to submit your question.

Disclaimer: The information presented here is accurate to the best of my knowledge and common candle making practices as of the time of this writing - January 2006. The author and the publisher accept no liability for the use or misuse of any of the information presented in this article. This article is presented for informational purposes and is used at your own risk.

Author: Bob Sherman

Publisher: Bobby's Craft Boutique Inc.

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