Should You Stir Candle Wax While Melting?

ByLily King

Should You Stir Candle Wax While Melting?

Candle making is an art and a science. To achieve the perfect burn and scent throw, every step in the process matters. One question that often comes up is whether you should stir candle wax while it’s melting. The answer is not as straightforward as you may think.

In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of stirring melting wax. You’ll learn when it’s recommended to stir and techniques to stir properly. We’ll also cover alternatives to stirring and tips for troubleshooting.

Whether you’re a beginner looking for best practices or an experienced chandler seeking to refine your technique, read on to unlock the secrets of stirring wax for making candles that truly shine.

Pros of Stirring

Stirring melted candle wax helps it melt faster and more evenly by distributing the heat throughout the wax (source). As the wax melts, stirring prevents the bottom from overheating and burning. Stirring also allows any additives like fragrance or dye to blend in smoothly and evenly into the wax.

stirring wax helps it melt evenly and prevents burning

When melting wax, areas directly touching the bottom of the melting container tend to get hotter. This can lead to burning or scorching if not stirred. Gentle stirring distributes the heat so no single area gets too hot (source).

Many people add fragrance, dye, or other ingredients to their melted wax. Stirring helps incorporate additives fully without leaving concentrated pockets of color or scent. Thorough mixing leads to a consistent product.

Cons of Stirring

Stirring melted wax can introduce air bubbles into the wax. As the Craft Server forum discusses, “Too vigorous agitation can produce air bubbles in your melted soy wax, which can lead to imperfections in your finished candles.”[1] The bubbles are created when air gets whipped into the wax while stirring. When the wax cools and hardens, the air bubbles remain trapped, creating an uneven look with small holes on the surface.

Stirring vigorously can also risk spilling hot wax. The wax should be stirred slowly and carefully to avoid splashing or splattering molten wax outside of the melting container. As Lone Star Candle Supply advises, “Don’t melt your wax in the microwave: When melting your wax in the microwave, you will not be able to monitor the temperature of the wax. It may not melt evenly and stirring vigorously to mix can cause hot spots that splash.”[2] Gentle, occasional stirring is safest when melting wax to avoid messes or accidents.

When to Stir

When melting wax, it’s recommended to stir occasionally after the wax is mostly melted (Harlem Candle Co). Stirring helps maintain an even temperature and blend any colorants or fragrance oils. However, you should avoid stirring the wax while there are still solid chunks, as this can introduce air bubbles into the wax which can cause issues like sinkholes in the finished candle (Supplies for Candles).

Wait until the wax is about 80% melted before giving it a gentle stir with a spatula or chopstick. Stir in a folding, up-and-over motion rather than vigorously whisking to minimize bubbles. Continue stirring periodically as the last bits of solid wax melt to help blend the wax without whipping in too much air.

How to Stir

When stirring melted candle wax, it’s recommended to use a chopstick, spoon, or dedicated wax stirrer rather than a sharp or metal object which could scratch the wax vessel. Stir gently in a figure 8 or zig zag motion to fully incorporate any color or fragrance without creating bubbles or foam.

According to candle making experts, “Use a chopstick, spoon, or dedicated wax stirrer to gently mix melted wax rather than a sharp implement that could scratch the wax melting vessel” (how to properly melt candle wax ⚡️ – YouTube). Gentle stirring in a zig zag pattern is ideal to fully blend wax without creating bubbles.

Alternative Options

There are a few alternative options to consider instead of directly stirring wax on the stove or in the microwave. One popular option is to use a double boiler instead of direct heat (Harlem Candle Company, 2022). The double boiler setup allows the wax to melt gradually and evenly, reducing the need for stirring. The indirect heat prevents the wax from getting too hot or scorching on the bottom.

Another alternative is to use a wax melter that has a built-in stirring mechanism or agitator (Craft Server, n.d.). These devices are designed for candle making and keep the wax moving while it melts, eliminating the need to manually stir. Wax melters with agitators ensure even melting without hot spots or burning.

Making Custom Blends

One of the best reasons to stir melted candle wax is when creating custom candle blends. Stirring helps evenly distribute and incorporate any scents, colors, or glitter throughout the wax so they are spread evenly in the finished candle. When adding fragrance oils or liquid candle dyes, be sure to stir thoroughly immediately after adding to fully integrate.

When adding multiple colors, stir between each addition to blend the colors together smoothly. Stirring can help achieve an ombre effect or a multi-colored swirl design. Just avoid over-stirring, which can actually introduce more air bubbles. Stir just enough to achieve the color blending and distribution you desire. The more you stir, the more uniform the color and the fewer visible swirls or gradients there will be. Find the right balance for your preferred finished effect.

The same goes for glitter or other additives like berries or dried flowers. Stir gently to distribute evenly and prevent clumping without churning up air bubbles. Go slowly and give the glitter or accents time to fall throughout the wax. With the right stirring technique, you can create beautiful custom candle blends with your favorite scents, colors, and decorative touches.

Troubleshooting

If you encounter problems with your candles, there are some troubleshooting steps you can take. One common issue is getting air bubbles in the wax. According to the Soy Wax Troubleshooting Guide on CandleScience.com, air bubbles can be removed in a few ways (https://www.candlescience.com/wax/soy-wax-trouble-shooting-guide/):

  • Heat up the wax again until it reaches a liquid state and then let it cool slowly. This allows the air bubbles to rise to the top.
  • Use a heat gun to gently pop larger bubbles at the top of the candle.
  • Avoid creating bubbles by mixing the wax gently and pouring carefully.

Another common candle issue is colors or scents not mixing properly. According to LifenReflection.com, you can fix this by (https://www.lifenreflection.com/how-to-fix-candle-problems/):

  • Melting the candle wax again and stirring thoroughly to fully incorporate any unmixed elements.
  • Making sure to add color and fragrance when the wax is completely liquid.
  • Stirring gently to avoid introducing air bubbles.

Taking the time to properly mix and stir the wax when making candles can prevent many issues down the line. If problems do occur, remelting and stirring again should resolve color or scent mixing problems.

Conclusion

In summary, gently stirring candle wax while it melts can help optimize hot throw by thoroughly incorporating fragrance oils. However, too much stirring can actually introduce air bubbles, so moderation is key. The ideal time to stir is right after adding fragrance at temperatures around 185°F. Use a spoon or paddle specifically designed for candle making to gently fold the wax rather than vigorously mixing. If you want to create custom scent blends, combine multiple fragrances in a separate container before adding to the wax. With some care and experimentation, stirring melted wax can help homemade candles release a stronger, more appealing scent.

Based on the research, gently stirring wax after adding fragrance is recommended. Stir slowly at 185°F using a proper candle making spoon to fully incorporate oils without creating bubbles. However, excessive stirring should be avoided. Making custom fragrance blends in a separate container first allows more control over scent combinations.

References

This article was written based on careful research of candle making guides and tutorials from experts. Key sources consulted include:

  • The Candle Making Bible by Janice Cox – This book provides comprehensive information on all aspects of candle making.
  • CandleScience.com – As a leading supplier of candle making materials, their website has extensive how-to guides.
  • National Candle Association’s Candle Making pages – The NCA is the leading US industry group, and their website covers candle making basics.
  • SoapQueen.com’s Candle Making section – This site shares abundant step-by-step visual guides on candle projects.
  • DIY Natural’s Candle Making archives – This lifestyle site offers many tips focused on natural candle ingredients.

In addition to consulting these expert sources, the information in this article reflects the author’s 25 years of experience making candles.

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