How to Make Candles with a Perfectly Smooth Top (No More Sinkholes!)

One of the most frustrating issues in candle making is getting uneven, rough, or sunken tops after pouring. A candle’s surface should be smooth, level, and visually appealing, but factors like temperature, pouring technique, and wax choice can cause imperfections. If you’re tired of sinkholes, rough textures, or wax shrinkage, this guide will show you exactly how to create candles with a flawless, smooth top every time.

1. Why Do Candles Get Sinkholes and Uneven Tops?

Sinkholes and rough tops are usually caused by how wax cools and contracts inside the container. Here are the most common reasons:

a) Wax Shrinkage During Cooling

• As wax cools, it contracts. If the cooling process is too fast or uneven, it creates air pockets inside the candle, leading to sinkholes.

b) Pouring Wax at the Wrong Temperature

• If the wax is too hot or too cold when poured, it may not set correctly, leading to rough textures or depressions.

c) Rapid Temperature Changes

• If a candle cools too quickly (e.g., in a cold room), the surface can crack, sink, or form an uneven texture.

d) Poorly Mixed or Overheated Fragrance Oils

• Adding fragrance oils at the wrong temperature or using too much can disrupt the wax’s structure, leading to surface imperfections.

Pro Tip: Understanding these causes will help you prevent imperfections before they happen.

2. Choosing the Right Wax for a Smooth Finish

Different waxes behave differently when cooling, so choosing the right one can improve your results.

Best Waxes for a Smooth Top:

• Soy Wax: Prone to frosting, but can have a smooth top if cooled properly.

• Coconut Wax: Naturally creamy and smooth, making it an excellent choice.

• Paraffin Wax: Less prone to sinkholes but requires precise temperature control.

• Blended Waxes: Soy-paraffin or soy-coconut blends often produce smoother finishes.

Pro Tip: If using soy wax, add a small percentage of coconut wax to improve texture.

3. The Best Pouring Temperature for a Smooth Surface

The temperature at which you pour your wax is one of the biggest factors in preventing sinkholes and uneven tops.

Recommended Pour Temperatures by Wax Type:

• Too hot? The wax may shrink excessively as it cools, causing sinkholes.

• Too cool? The wax may set too quickly, creating rough or bumpy surfaces.

Pro Tip: Pour wax when it is slightly cooler than usual to allow even setting.

4. How to Prevent Sinkholes and Uneven Surfaces

a) Preheat Your Candle Jars or Molds

• Warming containers to 90-100°F (32-38°C) prevents sudden cooling and uneven setting.

• Use a heat gun, warm oven (at low temp), or place jars near a heat source before pouring.

b) Pour Wax Slowly and Steadily

• Pour in a thin, steady stream to avoid trapping air bubbles.

• Pour at a slightly lower temperature to prevent excessive shrinkage.

c) Allow Candles to Cool at Room Temperature

• Avoid placing candles in a cold environment.

• Keep them away from drafts, fans, and open windows.

• Let them cool slowly and evenly to prevent rapid contraction.

d) Use a Second Pour (Top-Off Layer) If Needed

• If you notice a small sinkhole after cooling, heat additional wax to a slightly lower temperature and pour a thin top layer to fill imperfections.

Pro Tip: A second pour is especially helpful for soy wax candles, which tend to shrink more.

5. Fixing an Already Uneven Candle Surface

If your candle has sinkholes, rough tops, or cracks, don’t worry! Here’s how to fix them:

a) Use a Heat Gun to Smooth the Surface

• Lightly heat the top layer of the wax using a heat gun or hairdryer on low heat.

• Allow the wax to melt slightly and self-level for a smooth finish.

b) Do a Thin Top-Off Pour

• If the candle has a deep sinkhole, reheat a small amount of wax and pour a thin layer on top.

• Match the original wax temperature to ensure proper adhesion.

c) Gently Warm the Surface with a Lighter (For Small Imperfections)

• Hold a lighter 1-2 inches above the candle and gently warm the surface to even it out.

Pro Tip: Avoid overheating the entire candle, as this may cause wick displacement or fragrance loss.

Perfect Your Candle-Making Skills

Achieving a perfectly smooth candle top takes practice, but by following the right pouring temperatures, cooling methods, and troubleshooting techniques, you can consistently create high-quality, professional-looking candles.

In my Candle Making Course, I teach detailed techniques to prevent sinkholes, master wax pouring, and troubleshoot common candle-making issues. You’ll also get a complete list of recommended suppliers for high-quality wax, wicks, and fragrance oils.

Want to create flawless, smooth candles every time? Join my Candle-Making Course (click here) and perfect your candle-making skills!

Happy candle making!