How to Fix Candle Wet Spots

Every candle maker will eventually encounter the “problem” of wet spots in their candles. But should you be concerned about wet spots?

In this article, you’ll find out what causes wet spots, what you can do to fix them, and if you should be concerned with them.

What Causes Wet Spots to Happen In Candles?

Wet spots are a problem of container adhesion.

Candle wax expands as it heats and contracts as it cools. During this contraction process, adhesion issues may form, causing what appear to be wet spots.

When making a candle, during the cooling process, some parts of the wax may stick to the container, and some parts may not.

The parts of wax that don’t completely adhere to the container will form an uneven color, giving the appearance of a wet spot.

Let’s go over some additional factors that can increase adhesion problems.

Dirty Containers

Any dirt and debris can interfere with the candle wax properly setting to the container.

Wax Type

Certain waxes are more prone to adhesion issues and forming the appearance of wet spots.

Harder waxes tend to have more adhesion problems than softer waxes.

Air Bubbles

The uneven appearance around the sides of the candle that looks to be wet is just pockets of air. Wax pulling away from the container will leave pockets of air between the wax and the container.

Trapped air bubbles can also cause adhesion problems and lead to air pockets forming.

In addition to wet spots, air bubbles can lead to cracks in your candle.

Temperature

Temperature fluctuations around the candle can cause the wax to pull away from the container.

As we know, wax expands in the heat and contracts as it cools, and this happens during the candle-making process, storage, and shipping. Any temperature change can affect container adhesion.

How to Fix Candle Wet Spots

Forever eliminating wet spots may not be possible, but there are steps you can take to help fix container adhesion problems leading to wet spots.

Use Clean Containers

Make sure to clean your containers to remove any dirt and debris. You can use soap and water but ensure no moisture is in the container before use.

I like to use rubbing alcohol to wipe down the containers to catch any stubborn dust or paper towel debris.

Preheat Your Containers

Place your containers in the oven for a few minutes at ~100°F or use a heat gun.

The purpose is to achieve a uniform temperature in the candle container while reducing the temperature difference between the wax and the container.

Preheating your containers will help the candle cool evenly and reduce adhesion issues that stem from parts of the wax cooling faster than others.

Reduce Air Bubbles

The goal is to reduce air bubbles throughout the entire candle-making process. When adding fragrance, slowly pour into the wax, and while blending, gently stir.

Slowly pour the candle wax into your candle containers.

Gently tap on the container to release air bubbles.

Properly Cool the Candles

Don’t crowd your candles when cooling. Candles placed directly side by side will cause uneven cooling, with the sides of the container cooling at a slower rate than the rest of the candle.

Space the candles 4-5 inches apart to allow proper airflow around the candles. You can even try placing the candles on a rack to allow airflow beneath the candles and avoid solid surfaces from pulling heat from the bottom of the candle.

Stable Environment While Curing

Cure your candles in a stable environment.

Curing candles can take weeks to get the best scent and quality burn from your candles.

Keep your candles in a room with a steady temperature and avoid temperature fluctuations as much as possible to avoid adhesion problems.

Should You Be Concerned About Wet Spots?

The good news is that wet spots will not affect the performance of your candle, which I believe to be the most important part when making candles.

By performance, I mean it won’t affect cold or hot throws, wick performance, or how your candle burns.

If you stress about how your candles look, you can always cover the wet spot with a label or try experimenting with different containers.

Following the steps above to help fix wet spots is worth adding to your candle-making process, but wet spots are not worth losing any sleep, especially when they can form due to conditions out of your control.

You’ll find that you are a much harder critic of the candles you make than any customer. Most probably don’t even notice or assume it’s just part of candles…which is true.