Candlemaking is both an art and a science, a delicate balance of wax, wick, and fragrance that culminates in the hauntingly warm glow of a burning candle. However, achieving this balance requires meticulous testing and attention to detail. In this guide, we will walk you through the essential aspects of candle testing, ensuring that your creations burn brightly and safely.
Ingredients Matter
Before delving into testing, it's crucial to understand the components of your candle. Note down the wax type, wick, fragrance percentage, and any additives or dyes used. Surprisingly, even a 1% adjustment in fragrance can significantly impact a candle's burn, highlighting the intricate chemistry behind candle making. DO NOT add anything to the candle that isn’t specifically made for candles. In recent times, there has been a concerning trend among some new candle makers who add unconventional items such as stones, glitter, dried leaves and fruit, or cinnamon sticks to their creations. While these additions might seem visually appealing, it's crucial to emphasize that they can pose significant dangers, so they are to be avoided at all costs.
Taking Methodical Notes
Recording every detail is the key to mastering the art of candle making. Maintain meticulous notes about the candle's ingredients, creation date, and curing duration. Detailed observations during the making process, such as the temperature when the fragrance was added, the stirring duration, and the temperature of the wax when poured into your vessels, provide valuable insights. These notes act as your roadmap, allowing you to replicate successful batches and avoid pitfalls.
Burn Characteristics: What to Look For
During testing, focus on key parameters. A healthy candle should form a melt pool expanding at approximately one inch in diameter per hour. So, if you have a vessel with a 3-inch diameter, then it should take about 3 hours for the wax to reach the edges. However, the first, and possibly second burn of a candle, should not be reaching a full melt pool. Instead, you should be aiming for the wax to reach the edges of the container during these burns. As the flame travels further down the jar that is when the full melt pools should form, and it should be about a quarter inch deep. Burn tests should be between 3 to 4 hours during which you should be noting the melt pool depth, glass temperature, flame size, hot throw, and any wick mushrooming.
Consistent Testing Environment: How to Test Candle Scents
Consistency is crucial in candle testing. Use a consistent room to eliminate variables caused by drafts or airflow differences. While slight variations might not drastically affect the candle's burn, they can impact hot throw, making it challenging to evaluate the true scent diffusion.
Monitoring Jar Temperature: Safety First
Safety is paramount when testing candles. Regularly monitor the jar temperature, especially as the flame descends within the vessel. An infrared thermometer is handy for this purpose. According to ASTM standards, the vessel temperature shouldn't exceed 170 degrees Fahrenheit. Ideally, the temperature of the vessel should hover between 130-150 degrees Fahrenheit. Maintaining the jar temperature within this range ensures that it's warm to the touch but not scalding. This balance is crucial for a comfortable and safe user experience. A jar within this temperature range allows individuals to handle the candle without fear of burns, enhancing the overall enjoyment of the candle.
Power Burn Tests: A Cautionary Note
Some individuals advocate for power burn tests, where candles are lit for extended periods beyond the recommended 4 hours – some opting for 6 hours, others even 8. The intention behind this practice is to assess a candle's safety during prolonged use. However, I discourage this approach. Candles should never burn for more than 4 hours. Attempting to design a wick that accommodates both short and lengthy burn times often leads to complications and subpar performance, causing unnecessary challenges.
Instead, it's advisable to focus on educating your customers about appropriate burning techniques. Providing detailed candle care instructions on your website and including informative candle care cards with customer orders are effective methods. For in-person sales, taking a moment to impart proper burning methods directly to customers ensures they enjoy your candles safely and responsibly.
In conclusion, candle testing is an intricate process demanding precision and patience. By understanding your ingredients, maintaining meticulous records, observing burn characteristics, ensuring a consistent testing environment, and prioritizing safety, you can create candles that not only illuminate spaces but also bring joy to those who use them.