If you’ve ever poured a beautiful candle only to find frosting or mysterious “wet spots” on the glass later, you’re not alone. These visual quirks are among the most common issues faced by candle makers - both beginners and experienced alike. But don’t worry, they’re completely natural and don’t affect the performance of your candle.
What Is Wax Frosting?
Frosting is a white, powdery, or crystalline layer that forms on the surface or sides of natural wax candles, particularly soy or coconut blends. It’s simply your wax returning to its natural crystalline structure as it cools and hardens.
Why it happens:
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Temperature changes during pouring or curing
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Rapid cooling of the candle
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High humidity in the workspace
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Natural behaviour of plant-based waxes
Frosting is a sign your wax is 100% natural. It doesn’t affect burn quality, scent throw, or safety - it’s purely aesthetic.
Tips to reduce frosting:
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Preheat your glassware to reduce temperature shock
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Pour wax slowly at a slightly lower temperature (around 50–60 °C, depending on your blend)
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Allow candles to cool gradually in a stable environment
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Avoid placing freshly poured candles near open windows or fans
What Are Wet Spots?
“Wet spots” are uneven patches that look like air bubbles or oily streaks between the wax and the container wall. Despite the name, they’re not caused by moisture or oil leaks. Instead, they occur when the wax contracts slightly as it cools and pulls away from the container.
Why it happens:
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Uneven cooling or temperature changes
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Pouring wax that’s too hot
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Containers that are too cold or not properly cleaned
Tips to prevent wet spots:
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Warm your containers before pouring
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Pour at a steady, moderate temperature
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Let candles cool at room temperature - avoid moving them
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Make sure containers are clean and dry before pouring
Insights from the Candle-Making Community
Experienced candle makers consistently agree that frosting and wet spots are natural traits of soy, coconut, and other plant-based waxes - not formulation errors. These effects are almost always linked to temperature fluctuations and wax adhesion behaviour during the cooling process.
Why Frosting and Wet Spots Happen
Temperature variation is the biggest factor. As wax expands and contracts during cooling or environmental changes, it can detach slightly from the glass, leaving pale, cloudy areas that shift over time.
Fast cooling or cold jars make this more noticeable. Pouring hot wax into room-temperature or air-conditioned glass can cause the wax to shrink faster, increasing the likelihood of wet patches and frosting.
Because of their crystalline structure, soy and other natural waxes are more prone to this effect. Frosting is simply the wax re-crystallising as it stabilises - proof that you’re working with a natural material, not a synthetic one.
Best Practices Shared by Seasoned Makers
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Warm containers before pouring with a heat gun, hair dryer, or oven (around 76 °C) so the glass and wax are similar in temperature for better adhesion.
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Slow the cooling process by insulating poured candles in boxes, coolers, or slightly warmed ovens to help them cool evenly and gradually.
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Adjust pour temperature to roughly 57–63 °C for many soy waxes to balance adhesion and control crystal formation.
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Keep your workspace free from drafts or A/C - consistent room temperature helps prevent uneven shrinkage.
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Choose frosted or amber jars, darker containers, or wraparound labels to disguise small imperfections.
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Some makers add a small amount (around ½–1 tsp of coconut oil per pound of wax) to improve adhesion, though results can vary between formulas.
A Helpful Reminder
Frosting and wet spots are completely normal. They don’t impact burn performance, scent throw, or safety, only appearance. Even professionally made candles can display them under certain conditions. Many makers eventually stop chasing visual perfection and instead focus on what matters most: a clean burn, strong scent, and a beautifully presented candle.
Final Thoughts
Frosting and wet spots are a natural part of working with high-quality, plant-based waxes. They’re signs of authenticity, not flaws. With mindful temperature control, patience, and attention to cooling conditions, you can minimise them while maintaining the clean, modern look of your handmade candles.
