Candlemaking FAQ

When Should I use Pre-Wick Assemblies?

Pre-Wick Assemblies are where the wick has been waxed, cut to specific length and the metal base (wick tab) has been adhered to the wick. This will simplify your candle making process when doing containers, votives, tealights and pillars (using the wick pin). Pre-Wick Assemblies do not work when making tapers, pillars without the pin and novelty candles.

Why should I think about using Soy wax over Paraffin?

Soy wax can create a natural and sustainable candle. It is a renewable resource and puts much less of a footprint on the earth then paraffin wax because it comes from a plant instead of refined oil. The natural cream colour of soy wax is also an added bonus.

What Soy wax should I choose for my candles?

Please check out our Soy Wax page for the newest types of wax we carry. Within each listing there will be more information regarding what should suit your needs.

Why do my Soy Candles not have a strong scent?

Soy wax does not have the same scent throw as paraffin wax does, however you can still make a good quality candle by choosing soy specific fragrances. You should also use the maximum amount that the soy wax should hold. Be sure to add the fragrance to your wax right before you pour. Finally pour your wax as low as possible. Do not add your fragrance to your wax when it is too hot because the fragrance will start to burn off.

Why don't my Essential Oils have a good scent throw in my candles?

Some EOs are very delicate and do not react well when heated. The scent will burn off in the wax and result in a less fragrant candle. EOs that smell stronger and work well are lavender, patchouli and lemongrass.

How do I determine the burn time of my candle?

Light your candle and let it burn (supervised, for safety of course) for four hours. At the end of this time burn out the candle. Wait one hour and then trim the wick and burn for an additional four hours. Repeat this procedure until the candle is consumed. This will give you a standard burn time in which you can market your candle.

Why do candle makers use UV inhibitors?

Coloured candles can change colour over time when exposed to sunlight. UV inhibitors help to protect the candles from the sun.

Why can't the pouring pot be placed directly on the heat source?

When making candles, no matter how neat you try to be there will always be some amount of wax that pours down the sides of your pouring pot. The wax can then run down into the flame or coil. Placing the pouring pot in a pot full of hot water ensures your wax can be melted safely.

Can any soy wax be used to make pillars and votives?

No - soy waxes generally have a very low melting point and cannot be used to make pillars. The wax will not shrink and is very brittle. 

Do You Need to Pre-Heat Your Glasses/Containers?

This is a personal preference and is not necessary. We would recommend that your glass containers have been sitting at room temperature for up to 30 minutes prior the pouring. Room Temperature plays an important factor when making your candles and will determine how slowly or quickly your candles set. Ideally, you want your candles to set slowly to get a good end result. Setting too quickly can cause sinking, holes & a poor finish. Ensure that your candle glasses/containers are on a suitable surface before pouring.

Why do Frosting/Wet Spots appear on my Candles?

Certain aspects can affect your finished product, but the fact is Soy wax is a natural product and is susceptible to temperature changes. Frosting is a natural characteristic of soy and is part of the soy experience! It is not a flaw, and it is strictly unique to pure soy candles. Frosting does not affect the scent throw or the burning properties of the candle.
To minimize frosting, initially pour the wax at the correct temperature. This can vary depending on the container and fragrance you are using.

Try to keep your candle out of direct sunlight and fluorescent lighting. Even changes in the weather can cause additional frosting. It is almost impossible to stop the soy wax from frosting/blooming. It's just one of the beautiful and natural features of this wonderful wax.



How long should I burn my candle?

First of all, soy wax has a memory and should be allowed to achieve a full melt pool on its very first burn. If it is extinguished prior to allowing a full melt pool, all subsequent melt pools will not go past the first one.
Once your candle has reached its full burning pool, we recommend burning your candle for no longer than 4 hours.



Why is the Wick Mushrooming?

The usual problem for mushrooming can be that either the wick is too big or there is too much fragrance. We would recommend carrying out a test by reducing the wick size and if the same problem occurs, reduce the fragrance level.

What causes sweating and what to you do?

Soya wax will sometimes release excess oil, especially during significant temperature changes. This often happens after shipping across the country. Generally, a small pool of moisture will form on the top of the candle. This will not affect the candle in any way and will not usually reappear after the initial burn.

To remove the oil, use a paper towel to gently wipe it clean. And always remember to store your soy candles in a cool place, out of direct sunlight.

Wicking for Soy Wax

A general rule of thumb is to have a full burn pool ¼ to ½ inch deep, from side to side in about the same number of hours as the number of inches the diameter of the container is. For Example: An Apothecary jar with a diameter of 4 inches should achieve a burn pool depth of ¼ to ½ inch, side to side, within about 4 to 5 hours. Too large of a wick will produce deeper, quicker burn pools but may also cause sooting and short burn times. The following table suggests wick types and sizes to begin testing with, adjustments may be needed. Keep wicks trimmed to ¼ inch. If you experience poor flame quality or stability, try a different type of wick. Test burning should be done after the candle has had a chance to sit for 48 hours after pouring. Wicks such as paper cored, cotton cored or metal cored should be avoided as they tend to cause sooting and carbon build up.

Why do my candles sink in the middle even with a second pour?

Wax is like any other liquid. It expands when heated and condenses when cold, this is why it is sinking in the middle. When pouring the wax the first time, pour it about two inches below the height you want the candle to be. Then, let it cool enough so that you can poke relief holes in it (2-4 depending on the diameter of your candle). They should be about an inch from the bottom of the candle. After everything has cooled from the first pour, make a second pour. Fill in the relief holes and fill your mold all the way to the top.

Can I use Crayons for dying my wax?

No- This will not only make your candles smell like crayons it is also very dangerous. The pigments used to dye your crayons are not the same as the dyes meant for candle making. The pigment used in crayons does not disperse in the wax and will clog your wick. This will create smoke and smother your wick.

Why do I have cracks in my candle?

This occurs when you cool your candle too fast. You should cool your candles at room temperature or in a warm water bath. Cooling your candles in the fridge or freezer can cause cracking.

My second pour is not blending.

This is because you poured your second layer when the first layer was too cool. Do your second pour when your candle is still warm and not fully hardened yet.

Why is my candle smoking when it burns?

There could be many culprits for this problem. First and most common is because your wick is too large. Try testing with a smaller wick. The second could be because there are air pockets in the candle. You can correct this by using a higher pouring temperature and poking release holes before your second pour. You may also want to trim your wick to 1/4 inch. The last reason could be that your flame is too high because you have too high of an oil content. 

How to use unwaxed wicks