Structural
Cosmetic~20 min to fixCandle surface cracks after cure
Cracking is a temperature problem. The wax shrinks faster than the surface can flex. Common in paraffin pillars and in soy candles cooled too quickly.
Written by Waxverse Studio
Why this happens
Cracks are a temperature-differential fault. The surface skinned before the core finished contracting, so the skin has nowhere to go but split. Cold cure surfaces, drafts, and excess additive load all amplify this.
Likely causes
- Cooled too fast (cold draft, cold surface).
- Cooled too slowly without surface support (paraffin).
- Excessive additive load (stearic, Vybar).
How to diagnose
- Note ambient temperature during cure.
- Inspect cracks for depth: hairline (cosmetic) vs deep (structural).
Change sheet · next batch
Fill in what you know. The change sheet below re-orders so the delta most likely to help your specific batch floats to the top.
ProcessChange
Warm cure surface
Avoid cold stone, metal, or draft-adjacent shelving.
ProcessChange
Heat-gun seal
Melt hairline cracks flush.
ProcessChange
Top-off pour
Fill deep pillar cracks with a second pour.
Take action
Related symptoms
- Sinkholes form around the wick after pour
Caverns under the surface as the wax contracts.
- Rough or grainy tops after cure
Surface looks pitted, not glassy.