AboutNeecie Expertise I can answer all questions pertaining to wax candles. I have made candles for the last 30 years. I have experience in soy wax and paraffin container candles as well as votive candles. For any questions that I may not have an answer to, I am happy to research it for you
Experience I have over 30 years of candlemaking experience. I have owned my own candle production company for the last 7 years. I sell my candles on the arts and crafts show circut, but also have them available in 7 retail stores across the state.
Expert: Neecie Date: 11/26/2006 Subject: "Fixing" a candle
Question Is there any way to "fix" a candle that is burning straight down the middle? The candle is about 4 inches across (square shaped) with two wicks, and for some reason it only burns in an oval pattern in the middle. The edges don't burn, and consequently the flame goes out pretty quickly in the pool of wax. I tried to burn it long enough the first time to melt the whole top of the candle, but it steadfastly refuses. I keep having to cut out the edges of the wax to get it to stay lit for any period of time. Is there anything I can do? Thanks!
Answer Hi Kate,
It sounds like this might be a pillar type candle. In pillar candles, you do want the edges to be in tact while you are enjoying your candle. You wouldn't want the candle to get too hot and pop a hole on the edges and have streams of hot wax running down your candle and furniture. However, it doesn't sound like you have the correct wick in there the first place. It sounds as if your wick is drowning. First step to try and fix your candle is to see if you can remove the old wicks. You can take a needle nose pliers and pull them out. Sometimes this can be done with ease, other times they just wont budge. Or another way is to go from the bottom of the candle and see if you can remove it that way. Peel back the warning label and see if you can remove the wicks. If you go to a hobby type store, such as a JoAnns, Hobby Lobby or Michaels, they have a candlemaking section in their stores. You can puchase candle wicks there. Once you have your wicks, you can insert them into the holes that you pulled your old wicks from. I'm not sure if this method will work, but it's worth a try. It's hard to say if the wicks you purchased would be the correct wick for a pillar candle.
