Holes in the bottom of candles

[beemaiden]

Hi,
I hope someone can help me. Sometimes after my candle has set up a hole has formed in the bottom. I'm perplexed as to why this sometimes happens. I always pop any air bubbles as setting wick in place so why would an air pocket develop?

[HONEYDEW]

As the wax dries it shrinks, most candle books tell you to do a topping off pour awhile after the first pour to get rid of this. Also if you put the candle molds on a cookie sheet into the oven (set on the lowest setting) after you pour then turn off the oven and let them cool slowly this will sometimes help

[Bee Bliss]

The higher the wax temperature at the time of pouring, the more the wax shrinks as it cools. As was said, try to slow down the rate of cooling also.

[beemaiden]

What temp do you generally try to pour at?

[Bee Bliss]

It depends on the size of the mold or container. Pour at higher temps for the bigger (thicker) molds. Wax melts about 147* F. If you pour too cool, you will have "lines" in the candle. Sometimes you just need to experiment and keep track of what works best. Some molds I pour at 155* and some at 165*.
Edit: Of course, some inbetween those two temps.