How Do You Smooth The Top Of A Candle Without A Heat Gun?
Uneven or rough tops are a common issue that can occur when making candles. This happens when the top layer of wax cools and hardens at different rates, creating dips, peaks, craters, or texture on the surface. While it may seem like a purely cosmetic issue, smoothing candle tops is important for both functionality and aesthetics.
On a functional level, uneven tops can cause problems with properly lighting the candle wick. If the wick is positioned in a dip or valley in the wax, it may be more difficult to light initially. The uneven surface can also lead to tunneling, which is when the wick melts a deep hole down through the wax rather than burning evenly across the top. This leads to faster wax consumption and an irregular burn.
Aesthetically, the dips, hills, and texture of a rough candle top look unappealing and amateurish. Many consumers expect a smooth finish and will perceive uneven tops as a defect. Smoothing the top creates a clean, professional look and shows attention to detail in the candle making process.
While preventing uneven tops in the first place is ideal, there are methods for smoothing and fixing the tops of already poured candles. This improves both the function and appearance of the candle, creating an evenly burning surface that looks polished and intentional.
What Causes Uneven Candle Tops
There are a few key reasons that can lead to uneven candle tops:
One of the most common causes is shrinkage as the wax cools after pouring. As soy wax cools, it contracts and shrinks slightly which can result in depressions, pits, or uneven texture on the top of the candle. This is especially likely if the candle cools too quickly after pouring according to CandleScience.
Another factor is imperfect pouring. If wax is poured unevenly or not in a steady stream, it can create ripples or ridges on the top as it hardens. Quick temperature changes as the wax hits the container can also lead to an uneven finish.
Proper wicked wicks, pouring temperature, container choice, and cooling conditions can help avoid this, but uneven tops still frequently occur.
Tools Needed
There are some common household tools you can use to help smooth candle tops without needing specialty equipment like a heat gun [1]. Here are some of the easiest options:
- Spoon – A metal spoon with a straight edge can be heated over a stovetop and used to gently scrape and melt the wax.
- Knife – A butter knife can scrape and cut away drips or uneven wax.
- Popsicle stick – These are useful for scraping wax and getting into crevices.
- Nail file or sandpaper – For gently filing down rough areas on the candle surface.
- Kitchen torch – A small torch can be used to lightly melt the top layer of wax.
The key is using a gentle touch and going slowly to avoid over-scraping or melting too much wax. Simple kitchen and craft supplies like these make easy DIY smoothing tools.
Heating the Top Layer
To smooth the uneven surface of a candle, you first need to heat and soften the wax on the top layer. This allows you to easily scrape or melt away any bumps or ridges. You can use either a heat gun or a hair dryer for this step. Heat guns are ideal, as they concentrate a stream of hot air directly onto the candle’s surface (Candle Making 101: Smooth Tops). However, a hair dryer can also work in a pinch. Just be aware that the wider air flow may blow some hot wax around (How to Smooth a Candle Surface That’s All Bumpy).
When using either tool, hold it 6-12 inches above the candle and move it slowly back and forth over the top. Heat just until the wax softens, taking care not to overheat. You’ll see the bumps begin to smooth out as the wax liquefies. Work in sections, reheating areas that re-harden. The goal is to evenly heat the entire top 1/4 inch or so. Once softened, you can move on to scraping or melting techniques to complete the smoothing process.
Scraping Method
The scraping method is a simple way to smooth the top of a candle using just a spoon or knife. Here are the steps:
- Make sure the candle is completely cooled and solid.
- Use a spoon, knife, or other flat utensil to gently scrape off the uneven wax on top of the candle. Scrape in different directions to level out the surface.1
- Apply light pressure and go slowly to avoid gouging out too much wax at once.
- Continue scraping until the top has a smooth, even surface.
- For stubborn bumps, you can heat the spoon slightly to melt wax as you scrape.
- Wipe away any wax shards using a paper towel.
- Let the candle sit for a few hours so the top can fully harden again before lighting.
The scraping method is simple but effective for smoothing small bumps and ridges on candle tops. Take care not to dig too deeply or scrape off too much wax at once. Work slowly and gently for the best results.
Melting Method
One way to smooth the top of a candle is by selectively melting just the top layer of wax using hot water or a lighter. Start by bringing a pot of water to a gentle simmer on the stove. The key is keeping the water hot but not boiling. According to CandleScience, boiling water may cause more bubbles and bumps in the wax top. Once the water is gently simmering, place the candle top down in the water just until the wax begins to melt. Remove the candle and gently smooth the top with your finger or a spatula. Be careful not to burn yourself on the hot wax.
Alternatively, you can use a lighter or candle flame to gently melt the top layer of wax. Hold the flame just above the surface of the candle and move it steadily back and forth. Be very careful not to set the candle wick alight when using an open flame. The key is melting just enough to level the wax. Once a thin layer of wax is melted, smooth the top with your finger or a spatula. Allow the candle to fully cool and harden again before trimming the wick.
Selectively melting only the top layer of wax allows you to smooth the surface while retaining the pillar shape of the candle underneath (https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/how-to-smooth-candle-surface/). This takes practice and a gentle hand to avoid over-melting, but can help smooth uneven tops without specialized tools.
Wick Trimming
After smoothing the top of the candle, you may need to trim the wick before lighting to ensure proper burning. As referenced in this YouTube video, trimming the wick to 1⁄4 inch before lighting can help create an even burn and prevent issues like tunneling.
Some Reddit users, like in this r/settlethisforme thread, recommend always trimming the wick of a new candle to promote a cleaner burn. Others note that an untrimmed wick is more likely to mushroom or curve, creating an uneven flame.
For best results, as outlined by Harlem Candle Company, trim the wick every 4 hours of burn time. Use sharp scissors or a wick trimmer to neatly trim the wick to 1⁄4 inch.
Trimming to the proper height after smoothing the top helps sustain an even burn and prevents issues like sooting. Always trim wicks before lighting, and as needed while burning, for optimal performance.
Avoiding Future Unevenness
There are several tips to help avoid uneven tops when pouring future candles:
Pour the wax at lower temperatures. According to thewaxchandler.com, pouring soy wax around 135-145°F will allow the wax to cool and set up more evenly, reducing unevenness on top.
Pour the wax in multiple smaller pours instead of one large pour. Doing several smaller pours allows each layer to cool and set up before adding the next, reducing unevenness.
Avoid drafts or quick temperature changes as the candle sets up, as drastic shifts can cause uneven cooling. Let the candle fully set up in a stable environment.
Trim wicks to 1⁄4 inch before each burn to promote full wax pool melt. According to CandleScience, short wicks prevent even melting and exacerbate unevenness.
Choose wax with a higher melting point if pouring large candles, as the slower cooling of higher melt point waxes can reduce unevenness.
Always allow the wax pool to fully set up for at least 24 hours before burning to avoid tunneling or remelting. Premature burning can worsen unevenness.
When to Seek Professional Help
If your attempts to smooth the candle top cause damage or make the candle unsafe, it’s best to seek help from a professional candle maker. Signs that you should seek help include:
- The wax melted unevenly or too quickly, causing holes, cracks, or cavities in the candle.
- The wick became loose, fell out, or is off-center.
- Wax leaked down the sides, ruining the candle’s shape.
- You cut too deep while scraping and removed too much wax.
- The candle became lopsided or lost its form.
A professional can re-melt and repair candle damage properly with commercial equipment. Attempting repairs without proper tools risks further damage. Professionals also know techniques to evenly re-pour melted wax and center the wick. Don’t throw away a damaged candle before consulting a pro – in many cases, they can give it new life.[1]
Conclusion
In summary, the main methods for smoothing candle tops are heating, scraping, and melting. It’s worth putting in the effort to fix uneven candle tops to have beautifully finished candles. Properly smoothing the tops will provide a clean appearance and allow the candle to burn evenly all the way to the edges.
Heating with a hair dryer or heat gun softens the wax so it can be gently scraped smooth. Be careful not to overheat or scorch the wax. Melting the top layer of wax in a double boiler allows it to pool evenly when cooled. For excessive drips, scraping while the wax is still warm is effective.
Trimming the wick to be flush with the wax surface will also help the candle burn evenly across the top. Take steps like allowing adequate cure time and avoiding drafts when cooling to help prevent uneven candle tops in the first place.
With some patience and the right techniques, you can achieve smooth, professional-looking candle tops. The finished product will be worth the time and care put into proper smoothing and finishing.
