How to Fix Candle Sinkholes Without a Heat Gun? 6 Ways

Are you a crafter who spends hours making candles, carefully choosing the wax, fragrance, and color? Ready to light them up and enjoy the cozy ambiance. But wait, what’s that? A hole in your candle? A gap in your wax? And you don’t have a fancy heat gun to do it. Don’t sweat it! All you need to learn is how to fix candle sinkholes without a heat gun.

Sinkholes are common problems that many candle makers face. They are annoying, but they are not impossible to fix. This article will show you how to fix candle sinkholes without a Heat gun. We use simple tools and techniques that you likely already have at home. We will also explain why sinkholes happen and how to prevent them in the future.

What Causes Sinkholes in Candles?

Sinkholes are caused by air trapped in the wax during the cooling process. When you pour hot wax into a container, it shrinks as it cools, creating space for air to enter and form bubbles. Sometimes, these bubbles rise to the surface and pop, leaving behind holes. Other times, they stay inside the wax and create cavities.

Several factors can increase the chances of sinkholes forming, such as:

• Pouring the wax too hot or too fast
• Using too much fragrance oil or dye
• Using a wick that is too small or too long
• Cooling the candles too quickly or unevenly
• Moving or disturbing the candles while they are setting

Methods: Fix Candle Sinkholes Without a Heat Gun

If you notice sinkholes in your candles, don’t panic. There are some easy ways to fix them without using a heat gun. Here are some of them:

Method 1: Use a Hair Dryer

A hairdryer is a handy tool. It helps you melt the wax around the sinkholes and fill them up. Here’s how to do it:

• Power up your hair dryer and crank it up to the maximum heat.
• Hold it about 6 inches away from the candle and aim it at the sinkhole.
• Move it around in circular motions until the wax melts and covers the hole.
• Repeat for any other sinkholes you see.
• Let the candle cool down completely before burning.

Method 2: Use a Spoon

A spoon is another simple tool that can help you fix candle sinkholes. Here’s how to do it:

• Heat some leftover wax in a microwave-safe container until it is liquid.
• Use a spoon to scoop up some wax and carefully pour it over the sinkhole.
• Smooth out the surface with the back of the spoon or your finger.
• Repeat for any other sinkholes you see.
• Let the candle cool down completely before burning.

Method 3: Pour Some Extra Melted Wax Over the Candle

This method involves melting some extra wax and pouring it over the candle’s surface to fill the sinkhole. To implement this method, here’s what you need to do:

• Melt some extra wax in a double boiler or a microwave-safe container until it reaches the same temperature as your original candle. You can use a thermometer to check the temperature of the wax.
• Carefully pour the melted wax over the candle’s surface. You may need to use a spoon or a spatula to spread the wax evenly over the surface.
• Allow the candle to cool fully before snipping the wick and igniting it.

Method 4: Using Boiling Water

This method involves placing the candle in a pot of boiling water and letting the heat melt the wax and fill in the sinkhole. To use this method, you will need a pot of boiling water, a stove, and a pair of tongs or gloves to handle the candle.

• Add water to a pot and make it boil on the stove.
• Carefully place the candle in the pot of boiling water so the water level is below the top of the candle. You can use a pair of tongs or gloves to handle the candle.
• Let the candle sit in the boiling water for a few minutes or until you see the wax melt and fill the sinkhole.
• Carefully remove the candle from the pot of boiling water and let it cool completely before trimming the wick and lighting it.

Method 5: Using a Clothes Iron

Utilizing a clothes iron is another method to fix the candle’s skin holes. To start the manner, you will need a clothes iron, a piece of parchment paper, an ironing board, or a flat surface. Follow these steps:

• Place a piece of parchment paper over the candle surface, covering the sinkhole completely.
• Set your iron to a low or medium heat set and plug it in.
• Gently iron over the parchment paper. Until you see the wax melt and fill in the sinkhole. Be careful not to overheat or burn the wax or the paper.
• Remove the parchment paper and let the candle cool completely before trimming the wick and lighting it.

Method 6: Using a Crumpled Paper Towel

To use this method, you will need crumpled paper towels, extra wax of the same type and color as your original candle, a double boiler or a microwave-safe container to melt the wax, and a spoon to spread the wax. After collecting all the stores, you need to follow these steps:

• Stuff some crumpled paper towels into the sinkhole, and fill it up completely. Use more than one paper towel, depending on the size of your sinkhole.
• Melt some extra wax in a double boiler or a microwave-safe container until it reaches the same temperature as your original candle. Measure the wax temperature with a thermometer.
• Carefully pour or spoon some melted wax over the paper towels, and cover them completely.
• Allow the candle to cool fully before cutting the wick and burning it.

How to Prevent Sinkholes in Candles?

The best way to avoid sinkholes is to prevent them from happening in the first place. Here are some tips to help you stop sinkholes in your candles.

• Use high-quality wax that is suitable for container candles.
• Measure and follow the recommended temperature and ratio for your wax, fragrance oil, and dye.
• Use a thermometer to check the temperature of your wax before pouring.
• Pour slowly and evenly into your containers, leaving some space at the top.
• Use a wick that is appropriate for your container size and wax type.
• Cut your wick to about 1/4 inch before burning your candle.
• Cool your candles slowly and evenly in a draft-free area.
• Avoid moving or touching your candles while they are setting.

Conclusion

Candle sinkholes are a common problem that can compromise the quality and performance of your candles. However, there are some simple and effective ways to fix candle sinkholes without using a heat gun. We expect this article has helped you learn how to fix candle sinkholes without a heat gun and have some fun along the way. Happy candle-making!

FAQs

What is a sinkhole in a candle?

A sinkhole is a gap or air pocket that forms in the wax, usually around the wick or near the edges of the container. It can make your candle look unattractive and affect its burning performance.

What causes sinkholes in candles?

Sinkholes are caused by air trapped in the wax when it cools down and shrinks.

How can I prevent sinkholes in candles?

You can prevent sinkholes by using quality wax, measuring and following the right temperature and ratio, and pouring slowly and evenly. Use a suitable wick, trim the wick, and cool the candles slowly and evenly. Avoid moving or touching candles while they are lit.

How do you keep candles from sinking when cooling?

You can prevent candles from sinking when cooling by eliminating air pockets in the wax. You can do this by heating your candle jars and containers, pouring the wax at a cooler temperature, making holes in the wax while it cools down, and pouring the wax twice. This method will help you avoid and fix sinkholes in your candles.

How can I melt wax without a heat gun?

There are different methods to melt wax without a heat gun. You can use the oven, a candle, a radiator, a double boiler, or a microwave. Make sure to use heat-safe containers and watch out for hot wax. Don’t let it burn or spill.