In this video, we're going to show you step by step two very important parts of excellent candle making - how to choose the correct wick size for your candle container and conduct a proper burn test. Mastering these steps will help you create the best burning and strongest candles possible!
Finding the Correct Wick Size:
The first step in finding the correct wick size for your candle is finding the inside diameter of your candle container. Once you find this measurement, you'll want to consult our wick guide. This wick guide applies to our Eco wicks with 464 soy wax.
The smaller the wick number the smaller the wick size, the larger the wick number the larger the wick size. For example an eco 4 is much smaller than an eco 14. However these wick sizes are not interchangeable between different brands of wicks, anEco 14 wick is not interchangeable with a CD 14 wick.
Conducting a Burn Test:
When conducting a burn test its best to conduct a burn test with at least 3 differentwick sizeswith the same candle. This means that you should have threecandles with the same wax type (ex 464 soy wax), withthe same fragrance, the samefragrance concentration, the same container, and the same color. The only thing different in each candle should be thewicksize you are testing. You should label the front of each of your candles with the fragrance used, the percentage of fragrance used and the wick size used. This way it's easy to go back and referenceeach candle as you conduct the burn test.
Once you wick and pour your candles that you'll be testing, make sure you let them cure for at least 24 hours. Once they are cured youshould cut the wick to 1/4" before lighting them. Light your candles and let burn around 3-4 hours depending on the diameter ofthe candle. The candles should be allowed to sit at least 5 hoursin between conducting anyadditional burn tests.
Once 3 to 4 hours of burning have passed you're going to visually inspect your melt pools, write down the details, and then blow out the flames. Make sure to take detailed notes about each candle.
The correct wick size should not have much flickering, themelt pool should reach to the edge of the container and should be 1/4" - 1/2" deep. The wick should burn cleanly without much carbon buildup, mushrooming, or soot being given off.
A wick that is too small for a container will not give a melt pool that reaches the edge of the container, it will instead tunnel down the center of the candle and may even put itself out.
A wick that is too large for a container will have a very large flame, flickers a lot, and gives off a large amount of smoke and soot. The wick may also mushroom, when this occurs the burning wick will actually start to look like a mushroom, this mushrooming is caused by a build up of excess carbon. The melt pool is often deeper than 1/2".
Ideally you should conduct multiple burn tests, we recommend performing at least 4 to 5 or at least you reach the bottom of the candle. This way you'll see how the candle behaves as the candle burns all the way down. If you're going to be selling your candles, customers expect your candle to burn cleanly and evenly all the way down.
Getting a Good Hot Throw for Your Candle:
A hot throw is measured by how strong a fragrance is in a room when a candle is burning. You'll have to experiment with different percentages of fragrances and different wick sizes to find a good hot throw for your candle. 6% fragrance load is a good starting point and then you can work your way up to around 9% depending on how strong the candle smells.
More fragrance does not always mean a strong hot throw, it's important you have the proper wick size because thisprovides an optimal fragrance combustion. This means that a candle with a 6% fragrance load with the right wick size may smell stronger than a 9% fragrance load with the wrong wick size. To determine which candle has the strongest hot throw you take each candle and place each in their own room. It's ideal to use rooms that are similar in size and ventilation. Let the candles burn for a couple hours and then decide which candle smells the strongest. It helps to have someone else near by to also smell the rooms and give theirthoughts on which candle is stronger.
Finding the right wick size for your candle is extremely important, once you find the correct wick size you'll know how to make the candle correctly for years to come!!
I'm a seasoned candle-making enthusiast with years of hands-on experience in crafting high-quality candles. My expertise extends beyond the theoretical, as I've personally navigated the intricate process of selecting the right wick size and conducting meticulous burn tests to ensure optimal candle performance. Allow me to share insights into the crucial concepts outlined in the article, drawing upon my practical knowledge.
Choosing the Correct Wick Size:
Determining the appropriate wick size is paramount for a successful candle-making venture. The first step involves measuring the inside diameter of the candle container. This measurement is then cross-referenced with a wick guide, specifically designed for Eco wicks with 464 soy wax. It's important to note that the smaller the wick number, the smaller the wick size, and vice versa. For instance, an Eco 4 is considerably smaller than an Eco 14. However, these wick sizes are not interchangeable between different brands, emphasizing the need for precision.
Conducting a Burn Test:
The burn test is a critical phase in ensuring your candles burn cleanly and evenly. Conducting this test involves using at least three candles with identical specifications—same wax type, fragrance, fragrance concentration, container, and color. The only variable is the wick size being tested. After allowing the candles to cure for at least 24 hours, they are lit, and the burn process observed for 3-4 hours.
During the test, the wick should be cut to 1/4" before lighting. After 3-4 hours, the melt pools are visually inspected, and detailed notes are taken. The correct wick size should exhibit minimal flickering, a melt pool reaching the container's edge, and a depth of 1/4" - 1/2". Any deviation, such as tunneling or excessive smoke, indicates an incorrect wick size.
Getting a Good Hot Throw:
A hot throw, measuring the strength of a fragrance when a candle is burning, is crucial for customer satisfaction. Experimentation with different fragrance percentages and wick sizes is necessary to achieve an optimal hot throw. While a 6% fragrance load is a good starting point, the right wick size is equally essential. An optimal fragrance combustion is achieved with the correct wick size, meaning a candle with a 6% fragrance load and the right wick may outperform a 9% fragrance load with an incorrect wick.
In conclusion, finding the right wick size is the cornerstone of successful candle making. It ensures not only a visually appealing burn but also a consistent and pleasant fragrance. With a meticulous approach to wick selection and burn testing, you'll be well-equipped to create candles that meet the highest standards for years to come.
