Candlemaking is my fav self-care hobby! It’s a sensory journey that can transport us to cherished memories or help us to create new ones. I believe a well-crafted candle/melt has the power to tell a story.

This candle-making journey began for me as a form of self-care, a passion project where I ventured into the fascinating world of wax, wicks, and fragrance oils. A hobby to satisfy the scientist in me… or perhaps, the pyro. I never realized how oh-so-addicting playing with wax would be!

Starting with wax melts and wickless candles, I gradually evolved into creating wicked candles, because that is where the challenge is. Anyone can make a candle. Whether from a candle kit at the hobby store, or from a candle supply store, they make it easy for anyone to make their own candle. However, the question is: Is it a good candle?

In this article, we’ll talk wax, wicks, and fragrance, exploring the nuances of choosing the right wax and wick. We’ll delve into the advantages of paraffin and soy waxes and demystify the art of selecting the perfect wick. Excited?! I am! Join me in this exciting adventure, and let’s tell our story, one candle fragrance at a time.

Candle Making 101- Selecting The Ideal Wax

If you’ve ever watched YouTube videos or conducted a quick online search on candle making, you might have noticed that the basic instructions seem deceptively simple: 1. Prepare your container with your chosen wick, 2. Melt your wax to around 180 degrees F and add fragrance oils and color, 3. Pour the melted wax into your container and allow it to set. Trim the wick and Voilà, you’ve made a candle! But, here’s the real question: Is it a good candle? How does it burn? Is the wick the right size, or have you stumbled upon that elusive perfect match (a unicorn in the candle-making world!)?

While the process may appear straightforward, crafting a good, properly burning candle requires a series of trials and tests. Experienced chandlers often hold tightly to their secret recipes, offering only basic guidance and expecting newcomers to put in the effort to refine their craft.

To begin your journey, you must decide on the type of wax project you want to create to determine what type of wax to use. (For example: pillar candles require a different type of wax than a container candle) After determining the type of candle to make, you must choose a wax to go with the project. Unless you live under a rock, you have likely heard the soy vs. paraffin debate in the candle-making world. My advice? Do your research and make an informed decision. Even better, try both! Experiment with a slab of paraffin and 10 pounds of soy to see which one resonates with your creative process. Personally, I prefer a para soy container blend. Why, you ask? Well, let’s start by laying down the facts.

Paraffin and soy waxes, when used as intended, are both non-toxic. However, both can produce soot if wicked improperly, exposed to drafts or if the wick isn’t kept trimmed to a quarter of an inch (sometimes even an eighth of an inch). For a deeper scientific perspective, I recommend reading the article “Are Soy Candles Soot-Free?“

The Perks (To Me) of Paraffin Wax:

• Affordability: Paraffin’s affordability may bring a smile to your face, even though the overall cost of candle making can add up. (And who labeled paraffin as unnatural? Technically, it comes from the Earth!)
• Scent Absorption: Paraffin wax excels at absorbing and retaining fragrances, resulting in candles with long-lasting, powerful scent throws, both cold (CT) and hot (HT).
• Beautiful Smooth Finish: My container candles, made from paraffin, achieve a smooth, creamy top every time. They also retain color beautifully, even dark jewel tones, a feat impossible with soy.

Paraffin Wax Examples I’ve Tested

1. IGI 4630 Paraffin Wax:
   • Characteristics: This paraffin wax is known for its excellent scent throw and adhesion. It has a smooth texture and is easy to work with, making it suitable for container candles. It has a lower melting point, which helps with even and clean burns.
   • Best Use: Ideal for scented container candles
2. IGI 4633 Paraffin Wax/J-223:
   • Characteristics: IGI 4633 is a specialty blend designed for use in container candles.
   • Best Use: Particularly suitable for making container candles. ~Not a “one-pour” wax.~
3. IGI 4627 Paraffin Wax:
   • Characteristics: IGI 4627 is a high-quality, fully refined paraffin wax with awesome scent retention and phenomenal hot throw. Known as the “comfort blend”.
   • Best Use: Well-suited for making container candles. Thick like Vaseline.

These are just a few examples of the many container paraffin waxes I have dabbled with, and each has slightly different characteristics and melting points. Notice that these are all “container” waxes. For projects like melts, votives, pillars, and specialty candles, I use wax made for those applications. I will get into specifics in future posts because I fear this post is too long.

The Perks (To Me) of Soy/Natural Wax:

• Eco-Friendly: Soy wax, derived from renewable soybean oil, is an eco-conscious choice.
• Less Noticeable Soot: Soy wax produces less noticeable soot, which is white in color. (However, an improperly wicked soy candle can still produce soot, highlighting the importance of proper wick selection.)
• Longer Burn Time: Soy wax’s density requires more heat to burn, resulting in a longer burn time and longer-lasting candles.

Soy Wax Examples I Have Tested

1. Soy Wax – (Golden Brands 464):
   • Characteristics: Soy wax is a natural, renewable resource and is biodegradable. Golden Brands 464 soy wax is known for its excellent scent throw. Of all the natural waxes, this one is my bestie, my side-kick, my homie, and gets along well with others (makes a great blender or stand-alone).
   • Best Use: Ideal for making scented container candles.
2. Soy Wax- NatureWax C-3:
   • Characteristics: NatureWax C-3 is a soy-based wax blend designed for container candles. It has good glass adhesion and provides an even burn with minimal frosting.
   • Best Use: Suitable for making clean-burning container candles.
3. Beeswax:
   • Characteristics: Beeswax is a natural, sustainable wax produced by bees. It has a delightful, natural honey scent and is known for its clean, long burn. Beeswax candles have a beautiful, golden hue.
   • Best Use: Ideal for crafting premium, natural candles with a “natural” pleasant aroma.
4. Coconut Wax:
   • Characteristics: Coconut wax is a natural, sustainable option with excellent fragrance retention. It has a creamy texture and a clean burn. Coconut wax candles often have a luxurious appearance.
   • Best Use: Ideal for scented container candles.

The blend I chose consisted of a low melt-point paraffin wax as my base in combination with a low melt-point container soy wax in varying ratios to maximize fragrance load and extend burn time, all while avoiding the “frosting”, and lumpy/ugly tops common with soy wax. As a result, my container candles maintain the aesthetics of paraffin while reaping the benefits of soy. The low melt point facilitates a large melt pool, faster than higher melt-point paraffin, which helps distribute the fragrance faster.

The choice between soy and paraffin ultimately depends on your preferences, objectives, and the unique characteristics you desire in your candle creations. Experimentation and testing are your allies in discovering the ideal wax and wick combination that tells your candle-making story.

It takes test after test to learn the burn characteristics of a particular wax… to learn its behavior. I often find if the candle is wicked for a perfect burn at the top of the candle, it is going to get wild and hot during the bottom portion of the candle. Coincidentally, each and every fragrance oil will burn differently as well.

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The importance of getting the wick right cannot be overstated, as it’s the key to ensuring that your candles burn evenly, safely, and beautifully.

Muse

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Choosing The Right Wick

The wick acts as the heart of your candle, responsible for an even burn, a steady flame, and the overall candle experience. Selecting the ideal wick for your candles can be damn challenging, and it’s often the point where many “Chandlers” start pulling their hair out.

Choosing the right wick is as vital as selecting the perfect fragrance or wax. In this section, we will delve into the intricacies of selecting the right wick for your candle creations. The importance of getting the wick right cannot be overstated, as it’s the key to ensuring that your candles burn evenly, safely, and beautifully. Some candle kits might come with a “recommended” wick, but if they don’t, it’s crucial to know how to choose the right wick for your specific wax and candle project. And even if they DO come with a recommended wick, it may not be correct for your candle and microenvironment.

In this section, we will delve into the intricacies of selecting the right wick for your candle creations.

Exploring Different Wick Types

Candle wicks come in a variety of materials, each imparting its own unique burn characteristics. Let’s delve into some primary wick types, including specific examples:

1. Cotton Wicks: Cotton wicks, such as LX wicks and CD wicks, are the most common choices in candle making. They are celebrated for their clean burn, minimal soot production, and adaptability to various candle sizes and shapes. CD wicks happen to be the hottest burning of all wicks.
2. Wood Wicks: Wood wicks, often used in candles like soy or viscous paraffin, offer not only a visual charm but also a delightful crackling sound. Special care is needed when working with these wicks due to their distinct properties.
3. Paper Core Wicks: Combining a cotton braid with a paper core, paper core wicks, like those used in container candles, ensure a stable and controlled burn.
4. Zinc Core Wicks: A prime example of zinc core wicks, suitable for container and gel candles, showcases their ability to maintain a sturdy and steady flame. These wicks are a favorite among candle enthusiasts. They are also the coolest burning of all the wicks.
5. Multiple-Wick Assemblies: In specific candle projects, multiple wicks are employed to create visually stunning effects. Ensure even spacing for a harmonious and balanced burn.

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Many candle supply sites offer a wick guide for the wax and wicks they sell. In addition, if you visit the manufacturer of the wax you choose, they often tell you which wick series goes best with their wax. The wick they suggest may not work best for you but it gives you a place to start your testing.

Muse

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Factors to Consider:

Selecting the right wick involves considering several key factors:

• Candle Diameter: The wick’s diameter should match the size of your candle. Too small of a wick may not create a sufficient flame, while a wick that’s too large can lead to excessive heat and soot. The general guideline suggests a wick diameter no larger than the candle’s diameter, with similar height.
• Wax Type: Different waxes have varying melt points and burn characteristics. Natural waxes, for instance, require a hotter wick like Eco wicks or CD wicks, while paraffin requires less heat, making zinc core wicks a great choice. Most wax manufacturers provide wick guides or recommendations to help you get started with testing.
• Fragrance and Additives: If you’re using fragrances or additives in your candle, they can impact the burn. Ensure that the wick you select accommodates these factors.
• Container or Pillar: The type of candle you’re making matters. Container candles have different wick requirements than pillar candles, which need self-supporting wicks, such as zinc-core wicks.

Many candle supply sites offer a wick guide for the wax and wicks they sell. In addition, if you visit the manufacturer of the wax you choose, they often tell you which wick series goes best with their wax. The wick they suggest may not work best for you but it gives you a place to start your testing.

Testing and Experimentation:

To discover the perfect wick for your candle project, testing is indispensable. Create sample candles with various wick sizes and types to assess their performance. Start with a baseline candle that consists only of wax and the wick. Test-burn it and carefully observe the following factors:

• Flame Height: Is the flame too high or too low? Too high, you could burn down your house. Too low, and the wick may drown out.
• Soot Production: Is there excessive soot?
• Burn Pool: Does the wax melt evenly across the surface? Does it reach a full melt pool within the first few hours of burning?
• Tunneling: Is the wax burning down the center, leaving residue on the sides? Is it “catching up” in multiple burn sessions, or does it simply tunnel down (indicating wicks that are too small)?

Once you have perfected your “baseline” candle, add fragrance to future testers and perform tests on each fragrance. Wick size may change, going up or down, based on the fragrance oil being used.

• Fragrance Throw: Is the scent effectively distributed? Is there a cold throw? Test for hot throw once a full melt pool is achieved, not within 5 minutes of lighting your candle.

After conducting comprehensive testing, you should have a clearer understanding of the right wick for your candle project. Maintain detailed records of your findings, noting the type and size of the wick that performed best for each different-sized container/fragrance oil combination. This will serve as a valuable reference for future candle-making endeavors.

**When buying fragrance oils to create a DIY candle, buy quality oils from respectable suppliers. Do your research! I never buy oils from hobby stores and instead opt to get mine online. It’s unfortunate that you can’t “smell” ahead of time, but unless you live next door to a candle supply company, you will likely be ordering your fragrances online. Most companies offer samples in 1oz (by weight) sizes so you can test it out before buying larger quantities. I suggest you always begin with a sample. And never judge a fragrance OOB (out of bottle), you must put it into wax to get its true fragrance.

Conclusion:

Selecting the appropriate wick for your candle project is a critical step in creating high-quality, safe, and aesthetically pleasing candles. By understanding the various wick types, considering the specific factors affecting burn performance, and conducting thorough testing, you’ll be well on your way to crafting candles that captivate and not candles that burn your house down.

It’s worth noting that what works for one person may not work for another. Many variables come into play in the way a candle burns, including the wax’s melt point and even the geographic location. To find the perfect wick, there’s no substitute for testing, testing, and more testing.

Personally, I like to test each fragrance oil as a wax melt (see image above⬆️) before using the fragrance in a wicked candle. If I can get a good HT (hot throw) from a little ol’ wax melt, I should be able to get a great HT in a wicked candle. ~Provided it’s wicked properly, of course.~

Have you dabbled in wax?! I would love to hear how your candlemaking journey is coming along! Please comment below and don’t forget to sign up for updates.

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