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Most candle makers know that there is a limit to the amount of oil a wax can hold but few understand that there is also a fragrance threshold.  A fragrance threshold is the tipping point between barely being able to smell a scent and really getting the full effect of the scent.  At this point the true, intended scent does not get any stronger.There is also a point that I call the super saturation of a scent.  When you reach this point the scent may still get "stronger" but you no longer get the scent that was intended.   By...

This is basically the paper that was included in the Jan/Feb 2013 issue of the Saponifier Enjoy! The final candle should always be tested with the color to make absolute sure the wicking is correct.   Candle makers often talk about test burning candles.. It seems like common sense that a candle maker who sells a product would know how their candles burn.  It is a bit surprising that few candle makers actually have a system that will generate repeatable results.  A lot of candle makers have different ideas about test burning.  But what exactly does “test burn” mean and how do you go about doing...

At this time candle making is not regulated by law. However, the National Candle Association members are working with the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) to establish and implement voluntary standards for US made candles."Industry standards are a set of criteria within an industry relating to the standard functioning and carrying out of operations in their respective fields of production. In other words it is the generally accepted requirements followed by the members of an industry. It provides an orderly and systematic formulation, adoption, or application of standards used in a particular industry or sector of the economy....

Many different types of candle wick are available I often get the question "which wick do I use?"  The answer is very complex.  It would seem like a simple thing.  You only need a few candle making supplies to make a candle.  Wax and wick are really all it takes, right.  Few people only use wax and wick.  And there are many many different kinds of waxes and wicks.  The truth of the matter is that there is no one wick to use in all wax and wick combos.  And it can get even more difficult when you add it...

Candle that is smoking after being blown out    Blowing a candle out may be quick but it will also increase indoor air pollution and soot on walls and ceilings.  Soot is the black waxy residue that you often see on candle jars.  The excess smoke that is given off is actually incomplete burned candle.  When you blow out a candle the wick will often still glow red and incomplete combustion will occur which results in the smoke and soot.  Snuffing will also result in a lot of smoke being released as the wick struggles for air.  When you lift the...