Why is my soy wax candle not smooth

If your soy wax candle is not smooth on top after cooling, you're not alone—this is a common issue in candle making. 

Here’s why it happens and how to fix it:

Common Causes of Rough or Uneven Soy Candle Tops

1. Pouring Temperature Too High or Low

Ideal pouring temp: ~120–140°F (49–60°C) depending on your wax.

Pouring too hot can cause pitting or sinkholes.

Pouring too cool may lead to rough, uneven surfaces.

2. Cooling Too Quickly

Soy wax is sensitive to temperature changes.

Cooling in a cold room or near drafts can cause cracking or bumpy surfaces.

Fix: Let candles cool slowly in a warm, undisturbed area. Avoid placing them near fans or windows.

3. Improper Stirring

Stirring too aggressively or not long enough can trap air bubbles.

Fix: Stir slowly and gently for 1–2 minutes after adding fragrance.

4. Wax Formula or Quality

Some soy waxes (especially 100% natural soy) are more prone to imperfections.

Blended soy waxes with additives (like paraffin or coconut) tend to cool more smoothly.

Fix: Try a soy blend if perfect tops are important to you.

5. Fragrance Load Issues

Too much fragrance oil can mess with the texture.

Some fragrance oils don’t mix well with soy wax and can cause separation or rough spots.

Fix: Stay within recommended fragrance load (typically 6–10%).

How to Fix Rough Tops After Pouring

Use a heat gun to gently re-melt the top layer and let it cool slowly again.

Optional: Use a warm spoon to smooth out the top manually (less ideal for large batches).