How to Fix Common Candle-Making Problems: Tunneling, Frosting and Weak

Candle making is one of those crafts that feels simple at first but quickly shows you how much technique goes into creating a clean, strong, beautiful candle. Even experienced makers run into issues like tunneling, frosting or a weak scent throw. These problems can be discouraging, but the good news is that they all have clear causes and reliable solutions.

Whether you’re new to candle making or improving your small business products, understanding what leads to these issues can help you create candles that burn evenly, smell amazing and look professionally finished. Here is a practical guide to identifying the most common problems and how to fix them using the right methods and materials.

1. Tunneling and how to prevent it

Tunneling happens when a candle burns straight down the center, leaving a ring of unmelted wax along the sides. This reduces burn time, weakens scent throw and makes the candle look unfinished.

The main reason tunneling happens is an undersized wick. If the wick doesn’t generate enough heat to melt the full surface of the wax, it burns down the middle instead. Another common cause is not allowing a full melt pool on the very first burn. Because soy wax has a “memory,” the first burn sets the pattern for the rest of the candle’s life.

To prevent tunneling, start by choosing the correct wick size. For soy candles, especially those made with Soy Wax 464, proper wicking is essential. Using a wick that matches the jar diameter, fragrance load and wax type makes a dramatic difference. Rama Candles’ 100% cotton wicks are designed for even burning and are available in multiple sizes to fit different jars.

It also helps to let your candle burn long enough during the first use for the melt pool to reach the edges of the jar. Keeping your candles away from drafts while cooling also improves consistency.

If tunneling has already begun, you can often fix it by using the foil method. Simply wrap the top of the jar in foil, leaving a small opening above the wick, and let it burn. The trapped heat encourages the wax around the edges to melt and even out.

2. Understanding frosting and why it happens

Frosting appears as white, cloudy patches or crystal-like textures on soy candles. Many beginners think it’s a mistake, but frosting is actually a natural characteristic of pure soy wax. It doesn’t affect performance, scent or safety, and some makers even like the natural, rustic look.

Frosting forms when the wax cools too quickly or when the temperature changes during curing. Cold jars, drafts and high pour temperatures can also increase the chance of frosting.

To reduce frosting, try keeping your workspace at a stable temperature, especially while candles cool and cure. Warming your jars slightly before pouring can also help. Pouring Soy Wax 464 at a more moderate temperature, typically between 120°F and 140°F depending on your fragrance load, tends to produce smoother tops with less frosting.

If frosting appears after the candle cures, you can lightly warm the top surface with a heat gun for a cleaner look. It won’t prevent frosting permanently, but it can soften its appearance.

3. What causes weak scent throw and how to improve it

A weak scent throw is one of the most disappointing issues for candle makers. When a candle smells great in the bottle but barely noticeable when lit, several factors may be at play.

The most common reason is adding fragrance oil at the wrong temperature. For soy wax, the ideal time to add fragrance is around 185°F. This allows the fragrance to bind properly with the wax and prevents it from burning off or separating.

Mixing thoroughly is just as important. Stirring for at least two minutes ensures the fragrance disperses evenly throughout the wax. Using high-quality, candle-safe fragrance oils also plays a big role. Oils specifically formulated for candle making, like the fragrance oils offered by Rama Candles, are designed to perform well in hot and cold throw without causing separation or poor burning.

Another key factor is curing time. Soy candles need time for the wax and fragrance to settle together. Allowing your candles to cure for at least 7 to 14 days will noticeably improve scent intensity.

Wick size also affects scent strength. A wick that’s too small won’t create enough heat to release fragrance effectively, while an oversized wick may burn too hot and reduce scent quality. Testing different wicks is one of the most valuable steps in perfecting your candle formula.

Bringing it all together

Candle making is both creative and technical. The more you understand how wax, fragrance, wicks and temperature work together, the more consistent and professional your results will be. Issues like tunneling, frosting and weak scent throw are not signs of failure. They are simply part of the learning process and can be corrected with a few thoughtful adjustments.

High-quality materials also make a meaningful difference. Rama Candles supplies Soy Wax 464, premium fragrance oils, 100% cotton wicks, liquid candle dyes and a wide range of candle jars to help makers at every level create beautiful, high-performance candles.