Every candle maker starts somewhere. If you're like me your journey began with a mix of curiosity and a touch of confusion. I have been making candles for years, and I'm sure even experienced crafters might come across terms they've never encountered before. I know I still do!
Before I started crafting candles, I only ever lit them. Now, with a bit more experience under my belt, I’ve decoded the language of candle crafting for you. Understanding candle-making key terms is essential for refining your craft, ensuring safety, and boosting creativity. Let’s illuminate those terms and make your candle-making journey a little brighter and a lot clearer.
Dive into our detailed guide on candles by exploring the following categories, each offering valuable insights into different aspects of candle making and usage. Click on the links to jump directly to each section for detailed information!
Basic Candle Components
Before diving into advanced techniques, it's important to grasp the basic components that make up a candle. This section explores fundamental elements like wax and wicks, helping you understand their functions and how they impact the performance of your candles.
Candle Wax
Primary fuel source for a candle
Candle wax is the substance used to create candles. It provides fuel for the candle’s flame and shapes the candle. Here are some common types of candle wax:
Paraffin Wax: The most common wax, derived from petroleum. It’s affordable and holds fragrance well.
Soy Wax: Made from soybean oil, this wax is natural and renewable. It burns cleaner than paraffin and is popular for eco-friendly candles.
Beeswax: Produced by honeybees, beeswax is natural and non-toxic. It has a subtle honey scent and burns slowly with minimal smoke.
Palm Wax: Derived from palm oil, it creates a unique crystalline or feathered appearance. It’s also a renewable resource but can be controversial due to environmental concerns.
Gel Wax: A translucent, rubbery wax made from mineral oil and polymer resin. It’s used for decorative candles with embedded items.
Wick
Draws wax to flame
The wick is the component that fuels the candle by drawing wax or fuel up to the flame. It typically consists of braided or twisted cotton fibers, sometimes treated with additives to improve performance. The wick’s size and type are crucial for the candle’s burn quality and should be selected based on the candle's diameter and wax type. Common wick types include flat, braided, and wood, each offering different burning characteristics and effects. Wicks can be made from various materials, including cotton, wood, and metal, with each material impacting the burn rate and appearance of the candle.
Wick Clip
Secures wick
A wick clip is a small metal device used to secure the wick in place at the bottom of the candle container or mold during pouring. It helps keep the wick centered, ensuring that the candle burns evenly and reduces the risk of tunneling or uneven burning. They are often held in place with adhesive or some form of glue. Wick clips are typically made of metal because they are heat-resistant, provide stability, and offer durability, ensuring they can withstand high temperatures and maintain wick position throughout the candle's burn.
Candle Additives & Materials
Additives and materials can significantly influence the quality of your candles. Sure, candles made of just wax and a wick get the job done when it comes to providing light, but they can be so much more. Additives elevate candles by improving burn quality, scent throw, and visual appeal.
Additives
Modify wax properties
Additives are substances mixed with candle wax to alter its properties. Each additive has a specific purpose to improve the performance and appearance of candles. The most popular additives are fragrance/essential oils and color dye.
Fragrance Oil
Add scent to candle
Fragrance oil is a synthetic or natural oil added to candle wax to impart a specific scent. These oils are designed to withstand the heat of a burning candle and are available in a wide range of scents. The amount of fragrance oil used is crucial for achieving a strong scent throw without compromising the candle’s performance.
Essential Oil
Plant based scent for natural aroma
Essential oils are natural, plant-derived oils used in candles for a more organic fragrance. Unlike synthetic fragrance oils, essential oils are prized for their purity and therapeutic properties, though they can be more volatile and may require specific handling to maintain their potency in candles.
Stearin
Hardens wax, extends burn time
Stearin is a common candle additive derived from animal or vegetable fats, used to harden the wax, increase burn time, and improve opacity.
Color Additives
Dyes for colored candles
Color additives include dyes or pigments added to wax to create colored candles. These can come in liquid, powder, or chip form and are selected based on the desired shade and candle type. Proper mixing and testing are essential to achieving consistent and vibrant colors without affecting the candle’s burn quality.
UV Inhibitors
Prevents wax color fading in sunlight
UV inhibitors are additives used in candles to prevent color fading caused by exposure to sunlight or UV light. This is particularly important for candles displayed in sunny areas.
Burn Characteristics & Performance
A candle's burn characteristics are key to its overall performance. This section covers important factors like melt pool, fragrance throw, and burn time, providing insights into how these elements affect the efficiency and enjoyment of your candles.
Melt Pool
Melted wax area around the flame
Similar to the wax pool, the melt pool is the area of melted wax around the candle's flame. It is important for creating an even burn surface and ensuring that the candle consumes all its wax efficiently. The melt pool should typically reach the edges of the container to prevent uneven burning.
Throw
Scent dispersed in the air
A general term referring to how well a candle disperses its scent into the air. It encompasses both hot throw and cold throw.
Fragrance/Scent Throw
How well the scent spreads
This term describes the ability of a candle to release its fragrance into the air. There are two types: cold throw, which is the scent released when the candle is unlit, and hot throw, which is the scent released when the candle is burning. The effectiveness of fragrance throw depends on the wax type, fragrance oil concentration, and wick.
Hot Throw
Scent strength while burning
Hot throw describes the intensity of the fragrance released by a candle when it is burning. A strong hot throw means the candle effectively disperses its fragrance throughout the room, while a weak hot throw might indicate issues with the wax-to-fragrance ratio or wick size.
Cold Throw
Scent when unlit
Cold throw is the fragrance that a candle emits when it is not lit. Have you ever caught yourself in a store, smelling the candles on the shelf and choosing the one with your favorite scent? It is important for assessing the potential scent of a candle before burning it. A strong cold throw indicates that the candle will likely have a good scent performance when lit.
Fragrance Load
Fragrance oil percentage in wax
Fragrance load is the percentage of fragrance oil added to the wax. It is typically measured by weight and affects the strength of the scent throw. Different waxes have different maximum fragrance loads they can hold, and exceeding this can lead to performance issues.
Soot
Black residue from incomplete burning
Soot is the black, powdery substance that can appear on the candle’s surface or around the burning area. It is a result of incomplete combustion and can be caused by using the wrong wick size, improper burning conditions, or adding too much fragrance oil. To minimize soot, keep the wick trimmed and ensure proper ventilation.
Burn Time
Duration a candle burns before it's fully consumed
Burn time refers to the amount of time a candle will burn before it is completely consumed. It is determined by the candle’s size, wick, and wax type. Proper candle care, including correct wick trimming and burning practices, can help maximize burn time and ensure an even burn.
Flash Point
Temperature at which wax vapors can ignite
The flash point is the temperature where wax vapors can ignite when exposed to a flame or spark. This is a critical safety consideration when adding fragrance oils to melted wax, as some fragrance oils have lower flash points and can combust if the wax is too hot. Understanding the flash point is essential for preventing fire hazards during the candle-making process.
Candle Types
Candles come in various shapes and forms, each serving different purposes and aesthetics. Explore the different types of candles, from container candles to novelty shapes, and understand their unique features and applications.
Container Candle
A container candle is poured into a heat-resistant container, such as a glass jar or metal tin. The container supports the candle while it burns and often adds aesthetic appeal. The type of container can influence the burn behavior and fragrance throw of the candle.
Jar Candle
Similar to container candles, jar candles are poured into a glass jar. They often come with a lid and are known for their convenience and longer burn times. They are popular for home use and come in a wide variety of scents.
Pillar Candle
A pillar candle is a solid, freestanding candle that maintains its shape without the need for a container. Typically cylindrical or square in shape, pillar candles are often used in decorative settings. These candles require a specific type of wick and wax to ensure they burn evenly and maintain their form.
Wax Tarts/Melts
Small, flameless pieces of wax, used with wax warmers to release fragrance. They do not burn but slowly melt, making them a convenient way to enjoy scents without the risk of an open flame. Wax tarts are typically considered to be smaller, whereas wax melts are larger and can be cut or broken down to size. While some use "wax melts" and "wax tarts" interchangeably, tarts are often seen as a more compact, ready-to-use option that doesn't need to be cut down like larger melts.
Clamshell
A clamshell is a type of wax melt or tarts that come in a clamshell-shaped mold. It is designed for use in wax warmers and can be easily broken into pieces for different fragrance strengths. Clamshells offer a convenient way to sample multiple scents.
Tea Light Candle
A tealight candle is a small, cylindrical candle in a metal or plastic cup, designed for contained burning. Used mainly for decoration and ambient light, it typically burns for 4 to 6 hours and is often placed in tealight holders to enhance its appearance and protect surfaces from heat.
Granulated Candles
These candles are created using small, sand-like wax pellets that are poured into a container around a wick. The pellets can be layered or mixed with different colors and fragrances to create unique designs. Once the wick is lit, the granules melt and burn like a traditional candle. Granulated wax is often used for DIY projects because it’s easy to work with and doesn't require melting before use.
Taper Candles
A taper candle is a long, slender candle that tapers from a wider base to a narrower top. It is designed to fit into candlestick holders and is often used for formal dining settings, decorative purposes, or ceremonial events.
Floating Candle
Floating candles are designed to float on water. They are often used in decorative settings such as centerpiece arrangements and are popular for special occasions.
Novelty Candle
Novelty candles are uniquely shaped and styled candles that often serve as decorative art. These candles stand out due to their distinctive forms and are typically not encased in containers or designed to stand upright. They come in various shapes, sizes, and designs that are intended to be artistic rather than functional. Examples include candles shaped like animals, numbers, geometric patterns, or holiday-themed items.
Ceramic Candle
Ceramic candles are made with a ceramic container and often feature intricate designs. They are similar to container candles but with a focus on decorative, often artistic, presentation.
Candle Issues & Defects
Even experienced candle makers encounter issues with their creations. This section addresses common defects such as sinkholes, frosting, and tunneling, offering solutions to help you troubleshoot and perfect your candle-making process.
Sinkholes
Depressions from air pockets
Sinkholes are depressions that can form on the surface or within a candle as it cools and solidifies. These are often caused by air pockets or uneven cooling and can affect the candle’s appearance and performance. Preventing sinkholes involves careful control of pouring temperature, cooling rates, and sometimes a second pour to fill any gaps.
Wet Spots
Wax pulling away from the center
Wet spots are areas where the wax pulls away from the sides of the container, creating a patchy appearance. This issue is usually due to improper pouring temperature or uneven cooling. Although wet spots are mainly an aesthetic issue, they can be minimized by preheating containers and ensuring a consistent pouring temperature.
Frosting
White appearance on the surface of natural candles
Frosting is a natural, white, crystalline appearance that can form on the surface of certain waxes, particularly soy wax. It is generally cosmetic and does not affect the candle's performance. Frosting is common in natural waxes and can sometimes be reduced with the use of additives or specific blending techniques.
Bloom
White film on beeswax over
Bloom refers to the white, powdery film that can form on the surface of beeswax candles over time. Bloom is a natural occurrence and can be buffed away for aesthetic purposes.
Crystallization
Crystal formation
Crystallization refers to the natural formation of crystals on the surface of candle wax, commonly observed in soy wax candles. While crystallization is a natural occurrence and does not affect the candle's performance, it can impact the candle's aesthetic, giving it a frosted or marbled appearance. The extent of crystallization can be influenced by the wax blend and pouring temperature.
Wick Damping
Wick absorbs too much fragrance
Wick damping occurs when the wick absorbs too much fragrance oil, making it difficult for the candle to burn properly. This saturation can lead to issues like a weak flame or excessive smoking. Choosing the right wick and properly balancing the fragrance load are crucial for avoiding wick damping.
Crater
Deep area in the candle center
A deep, concave area that can form in the center of a candle as it burns. This is often a result of improper wick sizing or burning practices.
Mushrooming
Carbon buildup on wick tip
Mushrooming is a phenomenon where carbon builds up on the tip of the wick, creating a mushroom-like shape. This can lead to excessive soot and uneven burning and is often caused by an oversized wick or high fragrance load.
Tunneling
Burning down the center, unused wax left
Tunneling occurs when a candle burns down the center, leaving unused wax on the sides of the container. This issue is usually caused by an insufficiently sized wick or burning the candle for too short a time. To prevent tunneling, ensure that the candle burns long enough for the melt pool to reach the edges.
Production Techniques
Mastering production techniques can elevate your candle-making skills and improve your final product. Learning these production techniques can enhance both the appearance and performance of your candles.
Pouring Temperature
Affects appearance and performance
Pouring temperature is the temperature at which melted wax is poured into a mold or container. This temperature can significantly affect the candle’s appearance, including its smoothness, color consistency, and the occurrence of imperfections like sinkholes or wet spots. Pouring at the correct temperature helps achieve a flawless finish and optimal candle performance.
Cure Time
Period needed for wax to fully harden
Cure time refers to the period a candle needs to rest after being poured before it is lit for the first time. During this time, the wax and fragrance oils fully bond, which optimizes the candle’s burn quality and scent throw. A proper cure time—typically between one to two weeks—can significantly enhance the fragrance's potency and ensure a consistent burn.
Overpour
Extra wax layer for smooth surface
An additional layer of wax poured on top of a cooled candle to fill in sinkholes or create a smooth surface. This technique ensures a polished final appearance.
Layered Candles
Candles with different layers
Layered candles are created by pouring different layers of wax, each with its own color or fragrance. This technique creates visually appealing candles with distinct layers, adding a decorative element and allowing for multiple scents in a single candle.
Swirl Candles
Marbled effects from mixed waxes
Swirl candles are made by mixing different colors or scents of wax together before pouring, creating a marbled or swirling effect in the finished candle. This technique is popular for creating unique and artistic candles that stand out due to their intricate patterns.
Mold
Shapes the candle
A mold is a container or form used to shape a candle as it cools and solidifies. Molds can be made from various materials, including metal, silicone, and plastic, each providing different levels of detail and ease of release. The type of mold chosen can affect the final appearance and texture of the candle, as well as the ease with which it is removed once set.
Double Boiler
Melts wax using indirect heat
A method used to melt wax by placing a container with wax inside a larger pot of boiling water. This indirect heat prevents the wax from scorching or overheating.
Tools & Accessories
Wick Holder/Stabilizer
Keeps wick in place
A device used to melt wax tarts or melts, which are wickless scented wax pieces. Tart warmers release fragrance without the need for an open flame.
Various wick holders include:
Wick Bars
Metal, wood, or plastic bars with a slot or hole in the center to secure the wick. These are placed across the top of the container to keep the wick upright and centered.
Box Tie Wick Bars
Tools used to keep wicks centered while pouring candle wax. They feature a bar with notches or holes where the wick is secured, preventing it from shifting during the pouring process.
DIY Methods
Common household items like pens, pencils, or chopsticks can also be used to hold the wick in place by laying them across the container and securing the wick between them. Some people use clothespins to clamp the wick and balance them across the container top.
Tart Warmer
Melts wax tarts
A device used to melt wax tarts or melts, which are wickless scented wax pieces. Tart warmers release fragrance without the need for an open flame.
Candlewick Trimmer
Trims the wick
A candlewick trimmer is a specialized tool used to trim the wick to the recommended length, typically 1/4 inch, before each burn. Trimming the wick helps prevent excessive soot, smoke, and uneven burning, ensuring a cleaner and longer-lasting candle burn.
Candle Snuffer
Extinguish a flame by smothering
A tool used to safely extinguish a candle flame by smothering it. It typically consists of a small, bell-shaped metal cone attached to a handle. By placing the cone over the flame, the snuffer cuts off the oxygen supply, causing the flame to go out without blowing or causing soot and smoke, which helps extend the life of the candle and avoid mess.
Wick Dipper
Extinguish a flame by dipping
A tool used to extinguish a candle by dipping the wick into the melted wax and then straightening it back up. This method minimizes smoke and soot while also priming the wick for the next burn by coating it with wax, helping to maintain a cleaner burn. It can also be used to adjust or reposition the wick while the candle is burning.
Putting It All Together: Mastering Candle-Making Key Terms
While you don’t need to memorize every term on this list, having a solid grasp of the basics can make a huge difference for both new and experienced candle makers. When I first started, I remember wishing there was a go-to guide to help me navigate the inevitable slip-ups and confusing jargon. Candle-making is a fun and creative process, but it comes with its own set of challenges and terms that can feel overwhelming at times.
Whether you're dealing with a candle that won't burn right or trying to figure out the perfect fragrance load, knowing the key concepts can help you troubleshoot and refine your craft. With a bit of understanding, you’ll be able to make candles that not only look amazing but perform beautifully too.
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