How to Fix the Most Common Candle Mistakes

Candle making is a craft with a learning curve, and even experienced makers run into the occasional imperfection. The good news: most issues are easy to fix with a little know-how.

If your candle tunnels, the wick may be too small or the first burn was too short. A full melt pool should reach the edge of the vessel before extinguishing. Frosting on the surface is common with natural waxes—it doesn’t affect performance, but adjusting your pour temperature can minimize it. Sinkholes often come from temperature fluctuations while cooling; a heat gun or second pour smooths the surface.

Weak scent throw can be a result of incompatible wax and fragrance combinations or pouring the wax at the wrong temperature. Soot and mushrooming indicate a wick that’s too large or a candle that needs more frequent trimming.

Troubleshooting is part of the craft, and understanding the why behind each issue helps you create consistently beautiful results. We include troubleshooting charts and best practices in our digital booklet to guide you through every step.