Expert: Neecie - 12/13/2006

Question
Hi,

I'm definitely a newbie to candle making. I need your help. I poured a candle paraffin wax- the blend is really smooth and creamy. The look of the candles came out perfect.. The jar is 2inches wide. I think my wick is too big because the wax is melting really fast. My candles looks soupy-- Do you think that's the problem? Also, can I repour (heat up) my wax that I have not lighted and start over?? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.. One more how do I get a really good throw?

Thanks

Answer
Hi Stephanie,
When you are just starting out candlemaking, it can be very frustrating trying to find the right combination of things. I believe that your wick is too hot. You should have no more than a 1/4 to a 1/2 inch melt pool when you are burning your candle. I think anything more than that, it's too hot and burning way to fast. The key is to get the candle to have an awesome hot scent throw and also to get a proper burn rate. Try wicking down a size from where you are at now and see if that helps. If you want to use the same candle to test again, just pull the old wick out with a needle nose pliers. Poke a hole into the wax using a knitting needle or a bamboo kabob stick where the old wick was and insert your new wick. That way you don't have to remelt and repour anything. Candlemaking is kind of like chemistry. All your ingredients need to work together to get a fantastic end result. The right wax, along with the proper amount of fragrance oil, with the proper sized wick in a nice jar. Get those factors to all work together and you can have a great candle. Testing is very important and be sure to always take notes along the way. Rule of thumb for getting a good scent throw is 1 oz fragrance oil per one pound of wax. Plus finding the proper wick.  If you are not getting the results you want, you may want to try another type of wax.