Expert: Mary E Webster - 1/20/2002

Question
hi! my sister just started making candles and she's only done a couple, but when the candle is done the middle area around the wick is a little sunken in. how can she prevent this or is it something she's doing wrong? thanks for your help!

Answer
Actually, all wax contracts as it gets hard.  (Just as water expands as it gets hard--frozen.)  This is a good thing.  This is what candle makers often do:

When the wax skims over and starts to set up, make a hole where the wax is dipping down, around the wick.  (We usually used a metal knitting needles or a thick wire.)  Keep opening the hole as the candle sets up.  While the candle is still warm. but nearly set up, pour in more wax.

The number of re-pours depends on the size of the candle. the type of wax, and the temperature that the candle was poured at.  

Good luck.

Mary Webster