Candle Making FAQ

How do I get started making candles?

There are numerous candlemaking techniques that can be learned. When first starting out, we recommend learning the basics of container candle making before moving onto more difficult techniques. Learning basic container candle techniques allows you to focus on the procedure of candle making while improving your skills.

We have a wonderful candle making video that teaches you the basics of soy candle making, while giving you some helpful hints. From container candles to pillar candles, we also sell a wide variety of candle making kits. These kits come with instructions and the ingredients you need to learn the process of candle making. Be sure to look into the assortment of candle making books and DVDs we offer that demonstrate candlemaking instructions for beginning through advanced candle makers.

How much wax do I need to make the number of candles I want to make?

In order to determine how much wax you need to make a certain number of candles, it is important to know the following:

• 1 pound of Paraffin wax by weight will equal approximately 20oz of liquid melted wax.
• 1 pound of Soy wax by weight will equal approximately 18oz of liquid when melted.
• 1 pound of Beeswax by weight will equal approximately 16oz of liquid when melted.

To determine how much wax a specific container or mold will hold, weigh the container/mold (write down that weight). Remove the container/mold from the scale and add water to the container/mold (when using a mold, be sure to securely plug the wick hole when doing this procedure). Place it back on the scale with the water in it (write down this weight). Now, subtract the first weight from the second weight. This number will tell you approximately how much wax you will need for that specific container/mold. Next, to determine how much wax you will need to make the number of candles you want to make, use the following example: You are using a container that holds 6oz. You would like to make 15 container candles using soy wax. Take the number of ounces your container holds and multiply it by the number of candles you want to make 6 x 15 = 90. This is the number of liquid ounces you will need (90oz). Now, divide that number of ounces by 18 (which is 1 pound of soy wax in liquid form) 90 / 18 = 5. This is the number of pounds of soy wax you will need to make 15 of your 6oz container candles.

Tip: Always figure a little high for your final measurement (it's easier to have some left over than to try and match the same color)

How do you calculate the burn rate of a candle?

In order to calculate the approximate burn rate of a candle use the following procedure:

First, find out the weight of your wax. For a freestanding candle, simply put the candle on a scale and that is how many ounces the candle weighs. For a container candle, weigh the finished candle. Then, subtract the weight of the empty container from the weight of the finished candle. This is how many ounces the candle weighs. (For example, the finished container candle weighs 16.5oz. The empty container weighs 6.5oz. 16.5 - 6.5 = 10. The weight of the wax is 10oz.)

Next, burn the candle an hour for every inch of the diameter. Be sure to use the diameter of the widest part of the candle. (For example, if the diameter is 3.5 inches, burn the candle for 3 1/2 hours straight to get the most accurate assessment). Write down your beginning time and ending time. Using this burn method, a properly created candle will burn a full melt pool to the edges. If the melt pool reaches the edge sooner, then the wick might be too large for the candle. If a full melt pool is not formed, then the wick is probably too small. At the end of your first test burn, weigh your candle again (for a container candle, be sure to subtract the weight of the empty container from this new weight). Write down the weight of the wax after your test burn and the total minutes burned. Let the candle re-harden and then begin the procedure again. Once the candle has been burned three or four times this way, you'll have a good idea of its burn time.

Note: The burn time won't be accurate until you have burned several of the same candles all the way through. To get an estimated burn time from your 3-4 test burns, total your minutes burned. Now, subtract the ending weight from the beginning weight (this is the total ounces of wax that were lost from the beginning of the first burn to the end of the last burn). Divide the total minutes by the total ounces burned. For example, if you burned the candle a total of 720 minutes and you lost 0.5 ounces of weight in the candle, the candle burned 1 ounce every 1440 minutes (720 / 0.5 = 1440).

Next, take your answer and multiply it by the total weight of your wax from the beginning. 1440 x 10 = 14,400 The total minutes of burn time for this example candle would be 14,400 minutes. Divide 14,400 by 60 to get 240 hours of estimated burn time. Be sure to be accurate, keep good notes, and most importantly observe.

How do you make the perfect candle?

Unfortunately, there is no such thing as the “perfect candle.” Candle making is an art. It takes time to test and refine candle making skills in order to achieve a beautiful candle that burns how you want it to, and, even then, no two candles will ever be identical. Given that you adequately research the products and the candle making steps, thoroughly test the items, and apply your own quality control procedures, you will be able to create and enjoy gorgeous, safe hand-made candles. If you do run into some problems, be sure to reference our candle making troubleshooting guide for assistance.

Can I use food coloring for my candles?

Food coloring will not work in candle making. Food colorings are water-based colors that will not mix with the wax. Instead, we recommend using Liquid Candle Dyes or Candle Color Dye Blocks. These colorants are oil-based and work great with many different waxes to create beautiful, long-lasting colors.

Can I use crayons to color my candles?

Crayons are not recommended for use in candle making. It is true that crayons are mostly dyed paraffin wax, but the other particles that make up a crayon could clog a wick, cause sputtering, or other numerous problems. When using a crayon to color a candle, you will not achieve the optimum burn. We recommend using liquid candle dye or candle dye blocks. These colorants have been specially created for the function of coloring candles, and they are ideal for creating a wide range of shades and colors.

What is the ideal burn pool depth of the wax as a candle is burning?

For container candles, the ideal burn pool depth to achieve is 1/4” to 1/2” within about 4-5 hours.

Can I use a Plastic Tealite Cup in my tart warmer?

Plastic tealite cups are made so that you can see the beautiful colored wax through the plastic. They are not to be used inside any enclosed holders such as tart warmers, tealite lamps, or tealite houses. The heat could build up and melt the plastic cup.

How long should you let a candle cure before burning it?

Candles should always be left to cure undisturbed at room temperature (about 70° F) for at least 24 hours before being lit. Candles should remain open during cooling. Larger candles may require longer times.

How long should you let a candle cure before shipping it?

Candles should always be left to cure undisturbed at room temperature (about 70° F) for about 4-7 days before shipping.

Can large candles such as a 12” x 12” be made?

Yes, an enormous candle such as that can be made. Pour the candle as you would normally. Due to the large size of the candle, you may have to do more than two pours. To find a wick, practice with some smaller candles first (this will save you time, money, and energy in the long run). Once you find a wick that gives you the burn, flame size, and quality you are looking for, measure the diameter of the burn pool for that wick. When you design the wick pattern of the large candle, overlap the burn pool diameters a tad to get an even burn. Be sure to leave about a half-inch wall on the candle as it burns down.

Fragrance Oils and Esscential Oils FAQ

How much fragrance should you add to wax?

We recommend using 1 1/2 ounces (also known as 3 tablespoons) of fragrance oil per pound of wax. We have found this to be a great ratio of fragrance to wax. You can go up or down from there depending on the fragrance load that your wax can hold. To find discover, for example, what a 6% fragrance load of 2 pounds would be, look at our measurements chart.

How much essential oil should you add to wax?

We recommend using essential oil by the drop. The recommended amount is no more that ½ ounce (also known as 1 Tablespoon) per pound of wax.

Are your fragrance oils diluted or “cut”?

No, our fragrance oil is 100% concentrated fragrance oil. They are not diluted or “cut” in any way.

Are you fragrance oils strong?

All of our fragrance oils are extremely concentrated. They have been tested, and we have found them to meet our high quality standards for fragrance oil. The word “strong” is an arbitrary term. Scents are subjective to each individual. Everyone's scent palate smells differently. For example, the cinnamon fragrance oil to one person could give them a migraine, while another person cannot smell it at all.

Which is better Essential Oil (E/O) or Frangrance Oil (F/O)?

Essential oil and fragrance oil are not necessarily better than each other. It all depends on personal preference. Some people prefer essential oils because they are derived from natural elements and can be used for certain remedial applications, whereas others prefer fragrance oils because they are synthetic and offer a wider array scents.

Why are some of my bottles of fragrance oils and essential oils fuller than others?

Our fragrance oil and essential oil are sold by weight, not volume. Therefore, some bottles will appear fuller than others.

Candle Wax FAQ

What's the best wax?

All of our candle making wax is great for creating high quality candles. To determine which wax best suits your purpose, here are a couple things to consider:

What type of candle are you making? You will need a wax that is formulated for one of the specifications below:

• Container: The candle will be poured into some form of container (ie. glass jar or metal tin)
• Pillar: The candle will be strong and free-standing
• Votive: The candle will be a short pillar that is approximately 1 1/2 inches in diameter and 2-3 inches tall

What type of wax would you like to use?

• Paraffin Wax: A wax that is a byproduct of petroleum
• Soy Wax: A natural wax that is created from the soybean
• Beeswax: A natural wax that is created by bees
• Gel: A wax that is a type of mineral oil that is a byproduct of petroleum

Also, you can use our wax selector flow chart to help you find the ideal wax.

What's the difference between one-pour and two-pour waxes?

Under optimal circumstances a one-pour wax is a wax that only needs to be poured one time for a great finished look. These waxes were invented for incredibly minimal shrinkage. A two-pour or multi-pour wax is a wax that expands when melted and contracts when cooled. This alteration causes the wax to sink and requires a second pour to create a smooth finish.

What is the difference between paraffin and soy wax?

Paraffin wax is a byproduct of petroleum, whereas soy wax is a natural wax that is created from the soybean. Paraffin wax has been around for decades, while soy wax was just created within the last few years. Soy wax is softer wax that burns cleaner, is environmentally friendly, and is virtually soot-free. Paraffin wax is generally more rigid; allows for vast creative flexibility and has various innovative uses.

Wicking FAQ

How do I find the right wick?

Candle wicking is the most difficult part of candle making. It is the most pertinent component of a candle and it must meld entirely with the other elements (for example, wax, fragrance, etcetera) in order to create an ideal burn. Finding the right wick takes patience and a lot of testing. Each recipe for a candle might need a different wick, even if you're using the same jar and wax. You might find a wick that works great in your 4 oz jar with chocolate fragrance and brown colored soy wax, but that wick might not work properly when you replace the chocolate fragrance with the graham cracker fragrance. In order to find a wick that works best for your purpose, you need to know if you are using a paraffin wax or a natural wax. You also need to know the diameter of the widest part of the mold or container you are using. Once you know this essential information, you can then use our candle wicking chart to determine which wick matches the wax you are using and the diameter of your candle. The Wick Chart is for recommendation purposes. Always test your wicks to see if they will give you the safe burn that you are looking for.

How do you double wick a candle?

In order to double wick a candle, first measure the diameter of the widest part of your container or mold. Then, take that measurement and divide it by 2. Next, use that number as your new diameter, look at our candle wicking chart to find a wick that meets that diameter's size. (For example, you have a container that is 8 inches in diameter. 8 / 2 = 4 Look at the chart to find a wick that would work well in a 4 inch diameter container. Then, use 2 of those wicks to double wick your container candle.)

Is there lead in your wicks?

No, all of our candle wicks are lead free. Using the element lead in wicks was officially banned in the United States in 2003. If you are looking for a wick with a metal center we offer zinc wicks.

What is a burn rate of a wick?

When looking at our candle wicking chart, the burn rate is the number of grams of wax that is consumed per hour by the wick. The higher the burn rate number, the hotter the flame will be.

What do the three sets of number on the cotton core and zinc core pre-tabbed wicks mean?

The first number is the thickness of the wick. The bigger this number, the thicker the wick. The second number is coded for the speed of which the string (all wicks start out with very thin string) goes through the wicking machine gears. The faster it goes through the machine, the tighter the wick is wicked, which should slow the wick from burning too fast. The last number is a code for the temperature of the wax as the string (wick) goes through the various gears. This temperature varies according to the previous numbers.

What is mushrooming?

Mushrooming is when carbon and/or other substances build up on the end of the wick interfering with combustion. Mushrooming can cause sooting and give off odors.

What is tunneling?

Tunneling occurs when the wick is too small or when the candle is burned for short periods of time. The candle will burn down the middle and leave a wax shell around the outside. Container candles will leave wax attached to the sides of the glass and pillar candles could collapse inward.

What happens if you choose a wick that is too large for the candle?

In container candles, if a wick is too large, it will burn quicker and produce deeper burn pools. It may also cause sooting and short burn times. In pillar candles, guttering may also occur (wax leaking through the side of the candle).

How short should I keep the wick trimmed?

We recommend keeping wicks trimmed to 1/4 inch.