Soy Wax Candle Solidification and Swelling Issues

Based on your description, the uneven surface and swelling around the wick when using high melting point soy wax are common issues in candle making, often related to the cooling process and the interaction between the wax, fragrance oil, and wick.

Here's a possible explanation and some troubleshooting tips:

• Crystallization / Frosting: Soy wax is prone to crystallization on the surface as it cools, creating a frosty or snowflake-like appearance. This is a natural characteristic of soy wax and doesn't directly affect burn quality, but it does make the surface look uneven.
• Pour Temperature: The temperature at which you pour the wax into the container significantly impacts solidification. Pouring too hot or too cold can lead to inconsistent cooling and an uneven surface. Finding the optimal pour temperature for your specific wax is crucial.
• Cooling Rate: If the candle cools too quickly or unevenly, it can cause uneven contraction, leading to sinkholes or an uneven surface. Allowing the candle to cool slowly at a consistent room temperature, away from drafts or temperature fluctuations, can help achieve a smoother surface.
• Fragrance Oil Load and Type: Some fragrance oils can affect the crystallization structure of the wax, and using too high a fragrance load for the specific wax can contribute to uneven solidification or oil leaching on the surface.
• Wick Size: Swelling or "mushrooming" at the tip of the wick after burning is often caused by the wick being too large for the container and wax type. This leads to the wick pulling up too much wax to burn cleanly. Testing different wick sizes is essential for a proper burn and to reduce smoke and mushrooming.

Troubleshooting Tips:

1. Adjust Pour Temperature: Experiment with pouring the wax at different temperatures to find the sweet spot for your "high melting" soy wax.
2. Control Cooling: Allow the candle to cool slowly in a room with a consistent temperature. Avoid placing it in drafty areas or near windows/air conditioners.
3. Test Wick Size: If you're experiencing mushrooming around the wick, try reducing the wick size. A proper burn test is the best way to find the right wick.
4. Check Fragrance Load: Ensure the amount of fragrance oil you are using is within the recommended range for your specific wax, and consider slightly reducing the amount if the problem persists.

Since soy wax has unique properties, experimenting with these different variables is key to achieving a beautiful candle surface and a good burn.