New to candle making?
Then here are some terms you will find very useful!
1. Additive
A substance added to the wax to change its properties. For example, Palm Stearin is a vegetable-based additive that is used to harden the finished candle, improve burning qualities and increase the depth of colour. Palm Stearin is great for soy waxes and if you are using metal moulds, as it helps release the candle easier.
2. Burn Rate
This is the time it takes for the candle to completely run out of wax. To conduct a burn test, trim the wick to ¼ inch, position the candle on an even and smooth surface, light the candle and record the time. You can stop and start this process, just remember to record the time for every session. Customers will often want to know what the burn rate is, so make sure to put this information in your description.
3. Cure Time
Cure Time is the time it takes for the wax and fragrance oil to bind and bond with each other. Candles and wax melts will have a better scent throw if they have been left to set aside after being made. For paraffin wax, we would recommend between 1 to 2 days and for soy wax up to a couple of weeks. Adding your fragrance oil at the right temperature and stirring can help your creation have a better scent throw.
4. Scent throw
This is the scent released from the candle, a hot throw is a scent from a burning candle and cold throw is the scent from a candle which is not burning.
To ensure your candle has a strong scent throw:
Use the advised measurement of fragrance oil
Add fragrance oil at the recommended temperature and stir
Cure your candle or wax melt before burning them
Place in a cupboard or box away from sunlight
5. Flashpoint
The flashpoint is the temperature when a fragrance oil becomes combustible when exposed to a flame. You can find this information in the fragrance Safety Datasheet.
6. Frosting
Frosting is a white crystal formation, this will not affect the scent or burning of the candle. It also effects the appears of the candle. To prevent frosting:
Make sure the temperature of the container is not too cold, pre-heat them before pouring.
Pour wax at a low temperature
Don’t add colour, colour makes frosting more visible
7. Wet spots
This is when the wax pulls away from the glass or container leaving a gap.
To avoid wet spots:
Make sure your container is clean and dry.
Make sure the temperature of the container is not too cold, pre-heat them before pouring.
Pour wax slowly into the container.
Gently tap the container to release any air bubbles in the wax.
8. Melt Point
This is the temperature that your wax melts, every wax has its a different melt point, check your chosen waxes datasheet for this information.
You’re now all up to date with candle terms, now get making!
Why not start with our candle kit?