Candle Pinhole Problem
Troubleshooting Guide

Pinholes appear as tiny holes or dimples in the wax - much like it would look if you tapped the wax with a pin point. Normally they only occur on areas in contact with the mold. We have found several causes for pinholes, and sometimes it is a combination of causes. Eliminate them one at a time until the problem is corrected.

Mold Release
Using too much mold release or using a vegetable based mold release can sometimes cause pinholes.

Prevention - Use a silicone based mold release and use it sparingly.

Dirty Molds
Dust and dirt can sometimes cause pinholes.

Prevention - Make sure your molds are clean.

New Molds
New metal and silicone molds can sometimes cause pinholes the first few times they are used. This is due to oils and other residues leftover from the manufacturing process, or used to prevent rusting during warehousing (metal molds).

Prevention - New metal and silicone molds should be poured a bit hotter than normal - 195 to 200 degrees F. the first two or three times they are used. Cleaning the mold before use will reduce or eliminate this, however I find it easier to just pour the mold with scrap wax several times before making candles in it.

Chemical Reaction
Sometimes pinholes are caused by a chemical reaction between the scent oil and stearic acid. Since this usually occurs in metal molds, it may actually be a three way chemical reaction with certain scent oil / stearic combinations reacting with the metal. This problem rarely occurs when using a vybar based wax formula.

Prevention - Try switching scent oils. If that doesn't cure it, try switching hardeners. We recommend using vybar as a replacement for stearic.

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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