Reusing Wax Pucks: The Secret to Efficient Candle Making

The Importance of Wax Pucks in Candle Making

One of the most satisfying parts of making candles is revealing the giant disk of wax that forms at the bottom of the pouring pot after finishing production. This thick wax disc is commonly referred to as a "wax puck" in the candle making industry. Wax pucks range in size from a few inches across to over a foot wide depending on the capacity of the wax melting vessel used. Their satisfyingly smooth and rounded edges give wax pucks an appealing aesthetic that delights many a candle maker. But beyond just looking nice, wax pucks also have some important functions in the candle production process.

What Causes Wax Pucks to Form?

Wax pucks take shape due to the natural cooling process of wax. As hot melted wax is poured into candle jars and vessels, the leftover wax left in the pouring pot begins to slowly drop in temperature. The wax closest to the sides and bottom of the pot cool fastest, forming a hardened outer shell around the still liquid wax in the center. As the rest of the wax cools down, shrinkage occurs. This causes the solid outer walls to morph into a rounded shape at the bottom of the pot with very smooth edges.

Why Save and Reuse Wax Pucks?

While the formation of wax pucks may seem like a byproduct of candle making, these wax discs should not be tossed out! Wax pucks can and should be saved and reused in future candle batches. There are several key reasons why reusing wax pucks is a smart practice:

1. Cost Savings - Obviously, reusing wax instead of purchasing new wax saves money for a small candle business. Simply re-melt a wax puck and pour it into the next candle project.

2. Ease of Use - Dealing with a solid puck is much easier than handling larger chunks of cured wax. Pucks melt down smoothly and integrate well into new candles.

3. Sustainability - Reusing wax aligns well with environmentally-friendly business practices. Candle makers should aim to repurpose all leftover wax instead of contributing to landfill waste.

4. Pure Wax - Virgin wax pucks have not been blended with any dyes or essential oils yet. This makes them ideal for mixing into a variety of fragrance types without contamination.

Tips for Reusing Wax Pucks

To take full advantage of wax pucks, follow these tips:

- Allow wax pucks to fully harden/cure before second use. Fully-cured wax melts and adheres better.

- Store cured wax pucks in sealed bags or airtight containers to prevent dust and moisture from degrading wax over time.

- Only re-melt small portions needed instead of an entire wax puck at once to prevent waste from leftover melted wax.

- Screen melted wax pucks through a fine mesh strainer to catch any wick pieces, debris, etc. before pouring.

- Consider labeling each puck with the wax type before storing if using multiple wax varieties.

What To Do With Excess Wax Pucks

For candle businesses that accumulate wax pucks faster than they can reuse them, excess wax can be repurposed in a variety of ways instead of getting rid of them:

Make Wax Melts

Convert wax pucks into wax melts for wax warmers by pouring the re-melted wax into silicone molds. This small product can be easily sold alongside or packaged with candles.

Create Melted Wax Art

Try swirling melted wax pucks into abstract art designs as they harden for beautiful customized wall hangings to give as gifts or sell.

Coat Surfaces

Brush melted wax over wood, glass, metal, and other materials to waterproof and strengthen them. Try coating plant pots or wooden craft cutouts.

Make Fire Starters

Re-melt old wax and saturate cardboard egg cartons to make improvised fire starters. Once hardened, break into individual cups.

Donate To Other Candle Makers

Connect with other small candle businesses or crafters and see if they can reuse excess wax pucks for their own projects.

Troubleshooting Wax Pucks

While wax pucks allow for bulk wax reuse, some issues can arise:

Wax Too Soft

Freshly made and still cooling wax pucks may dent or bend too easily instead of holding a solid shape. Ensure wax has fully set before second use.

Loss of Scent Throw

If candle scent strength seems weaker from wax puck reuse, try adding a bit more fragrance oil into the next batch.

Change in Appearance

Impurities or color variations may appear melted and re-poured wax. Strain through a filter to remove debris if needed.

Get the Most From Each Wax Puck

With proper storage and handling, wax pucks can be an invaluable asset for cost-effective and eco-friendly candle production. Follow these best practices to reduce wasted materials and improve sustainability.

FAQs

What exactly is a wax puck?

A wax puck is the thick rounded disk of wax remaining at the bottom of a pouring pot after finishing candle production and allowing the wax to fully cool and harden.

Can I just throw my wax pucks in the trash?

Wax pucks should not be discarded! Allow them to cure completely and save them for melting down and repouring into new candles to reuse the wax.

How long can I store a wax puck for later use?

Properly stored wax pucks sealed in airtight bags or containers can be saved for many months without degrading in quality or usability for candle making.

What's the benefit of reusing my wax pucks?

Reusing cured wax pucks reduces wasted materials for a more sustainable candle business. It also saves money by not requiring purchase of new candle wax for every production batch.