As a seasoned candle making expert, there are some tips to keep in mind for crafting your perfect candle:
- Preheat Your Containers - Before pouring wax, warm up your containers. This helps the wax stick better and prevents weird spots from forming as it cools down.
- Add Fragrance at the Right Temperature - Make sure your wax is at the right temperature when you add fragrance. For most waxes, that's around 180-185°F. This way, the scent will be stronger and more even. See our Guide to Fragrance Oils.
- Use a Thermometer - Keep an eye on your wax temperature with a thermometer. It stops the wax from getting too hot, which could mess up your fragrance or cause scorching.
- Trim Your Wick - Don't forget this step! Trim your wick to the right length—about 1/4th of an inch for paraffin, 1/8th of an inch for soy, and just above 1/4th inch for wooden wicks. It helps your candle burn evenly and smell better.
- Select the Right Wick - Pick the right size and type of wick for your candle. Using the wrong one can mess up how it burns and how it smells. Match your wick to your wax type for the best results. See our Guide to Candle Wicks.
- Test, Test, Test! - Before making a bunch of candles, do some test burns. Every candle is different, so testing helps you figure out how to get yours just right.
- Don't Use Crayons for Coloring - Stick to candle dyes instead. Crayons can clog up your wick and mess with the scent. Candle dyes are made for the job and give better results. See our Guide to Candle Dyes.
- Avoid Microwaving Your Wax - Melting wax in the microwave can be tricky. It's hard to control the temperature, which could ruin your wax.
- Never Substitute Perfume for Fragrance Oils - Perfume might smell nice, but it's not meant for candles. Stick to fragrance oils made for candle making—they work better and are safer.
- Don't Over-Burn Your Candle - Burning your candle for too long without trimming the wick can cause problems. It could make too much smoke and mess with the scent, plus it's a fire risk.
- Avoid Refrigerating Your Candle - Putting your candle in the fridge might seem like a quick way to cool it down, but it can cause problems like cracked glass and weak scent. Let it cool naturally instead, except when you need to release it from molds quickly.
- Refrain from Excessive Fragrance - More fragrance doesn't always mean a stronger scent. Too much can cause issues like wax separation and even fire hazards. Stick to the recommended amount for your wax type for the best results.