Expert: Mary E Webster - 3/22/2004

Question
Mary Webster,
I am starting my own candle company (poured container candles) and have just about gotten everything done to begin production on the line. I am, however, having a VERY consistent problem with my candles.  It seems that no matter HOW I pour the candles, they invariably end up (after completely cooling) with air pockets that show through the glass conatiners I am using.
I have tried:
pouring the wax hot...
waiting until it is "slushy" before pouring...
heating the glass containers and trying both ways....
putting them BACK in an oven AFTER they have completely cooled and shown air pockets...

I DO use the "double pour" method to get rid of the "hole" in the middle and that has worked well..

I use Vybar 260 (1 tablespoon per pound)...does that cause the wax to shrink when it hardens allowing the candle to "seperate" from the container showing air pockets?

I am so frustrated, and hope you have some suggestions....?

thank you in advance for any help you can be...and THANKS for this GREAT web-site!!

Jeff Smith
La Belle Bougie, LLC  (french for "the beautiful candle")

Dallas, TX

Answer
It sounds like you've been trying a lot of options.  

Just as water expands as it gets cold (becoming ice), wax contracts as it cools.  Therefore, it always pulls away from both the container and the wick.  Of course, you solve the wick problem by poking a hole near the wick and repouring.  My first suggestion would have been to heat the container before pouring, but it sounds like you've already tried that.

Sometimes there are additives that you can add to the wax so that you don't get bubbles.  Because I am not currently pouring container candles, I think you should contact Pourette to see if they have any suggestions.