Candle Making Basics
Calculating the right amount of wax and fragrance is essential for successful candle making. Wax weight varies by type due to different densities, and fragrance load should never exceed your wax's maximum recommendation.
Wax Types Comparison
| Wax Type | Max Fragrance | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Soy Wax | 10-12% | Container candles |
| Parasoy | 10-12% | Better hot throw |
| Paraffin | 6-10% | Pillars, votives |
| Coconut | 10-12% | Luxury candles |
| Beeswax | 6-8% | Natural, pillars |
| Palm Wax | 6-8% | Crystal patterns |
Container Size Guide
| Container | Wax (approx) | Burn Time |
|---|---|---|
| Tealight | 0.5 oz | 4-6 hours |
| Votive | 1.5-2 oz | 10-15 hours |
| 4 oz Tin | 3.5 oz | 20-25 hours |
| 8 oz Jar | 6-7 oz | 40-50 hours |
| 16 oz Jar | 12-14 oz | 80-100 hours |
Wick Selection Guide
| Container Diameter | Recommended Wick |
|---|---|
| 1-2 inches | Small (ECO 2, CD 3) |
| 2-3 inches | Medium (ECO 6, CD 8) |
| 3-4 inches | Large (ECO 10, CD 12) |
| 4+ inches | Multiple wicks recommended |
Candle Making Tips
- Double boiler: Never heat wax directly - use a double boiler
- Temperature: Add fragrance at 185F, pour at 135-145F for soy
- Cure time: Let candles cure 1-2 weeks for best scent throw
- First burn: Burn until full melt pool reaches edges
- Wick trimming: Trim to 1/4" before each burn
- Testing: Always test new fragrance/wax combinations
- Storage: Store candles away from sunlight and heat
Common Candle Problems
- Tunneling: Wick too small - try larger wick
- Drowning wick: Wick too small or fragrance load too high
- Sooting: Wick too large, needs trimming
- Wet spots: Normal shrinkage - not a defect
- Frosting: Natural in soy - embrace it or use additives
- Poor scent throw: Increase fragrance load or cure longer