Candle Making Terms
Curious about candle making but not sure what all the terms mean? This guide breaks down the most common candle making terminology so you can feel confident as you dive into this creative craft. Whether you’re a seasoned maker or a beginner, understanding these terms is key to creating beautiful candles. And when you're ready to get started, Bramble Berry has everything you need – from DIY candle making supplies to candle making kits and expert guidance.
Key Candle Making Tips You Need To Know
Fragrance Load:Fragrance load refers to the amount of fragrance oil added to your wax, usually measured as a percentage of the total wax weight. Most waxes have a recommended fragrance load (typically 6-10%), which ensures the scent is strong without compromising the candle's performance. Using too much fragrance oil can lead to issues like poor burning or leaking.
Wick Size:The wick size determines how well your candle burns. Wicks come in different diameters to accommodate various candle widths and wax types. A properly sized wick will create an even melt pool (see below) and prevent tunneling (where wax gets stuck to the sides of the container). It’s also important to consider what type of wick you are using and how that might affect the burn, like using a wooden wick vs a traditional one.
When the time comes to make your candles, we have a comprehensive guide on how to choose the right wick size for your candle containers, so you can get it right the first time!
Melt Pool: The melt pool is the liquid wax created as the candle burns. A full melt pool occurs when the wax melts evenly across the entire surface of the candle. This is important for both scent throw (the strength of the fragrance) and ensuring your candle burns cleanly and evenly.
The key to having a perfect melt pool is by having a properly sized wick. While a wick that is too small will not melt enough wax, resulting in a small or uneven melt pool, a wick that is too large can create a very large melt pool and burn too quickly.
Cold vs. Hot Throw:You know when you walk into a candle aisle, and you are instantly hit with the aroma of 100 different scents? That’s called a cold throw. And how about when you walk into your home, and you can smell that pumpkin spice candle burning from across the room? We call that hot throw.
Cold Throw: The strength of the fragrance when the candle is unlit.
Hot Throw: The strength of the fragrance when the candle is burning.
Both are essential for a well-scented candle. A candle wax that supports a strong cold and hot throw ensures your candle smells amazing from start to finish. If you’re an aspiring small business owner, this is critical for the success of your candle sales and brand reputation.
We want you to get it right the first time, which is why we’ve got a full library of easy candle making recipes to help you get started on your candle making journey.
Flashpoint:The flashpoint is the temperature at which fragrance oil becomes volatile and can ignite. When making candles, it’s crucial to add your fragrance oil below its flashpoint to ensure the scent is preserved and safe to use. Most fragrance oils have a flashpoint listed on their product description, so be sure to check! If you can’t find the flashpoint information there, it should be on the manufacturer’s website.
Curing:Curing refers to the time you let a candle rest after pouring, allowing the fragrance to fully bind with the wax. This process ensures the candle performs at its best when lit. Most candles need at least 24–48 hours to cure, though some waxes, like soy, may require up to two weeks for optimal performance. During this time, the wax and fragrance molecules integrate, which strengthens the scent throw and improves how evenly the candle burns.
Skipping or rushing the curing process can result in a candle that smells faint or burns unevenly. By allowing your candle the time it needs to cure properly, you’ll enjoy a longer-lasting, more fragrant candle with a smooth and consistent burn. Patience truly pays off here, making the results well worth the wait!
Wax Types:There are many types of wax available for candle making, but the most popular are:
Soy Wax: A natural, eco-friendly wax made from soybean oil. It burns cleanly with minimal soot, making it a popular choice for indoor candles. Soy wax also holds fragrance exceptionally well, providing a consistent scent throw, and is ideal for container candles thanks to its smooth finish.
Beeswax: A natural wax produced by honeybees, beeswax is prized for its subtle, naturally sweet aroma and long burn time. It’s a great option for those who prefer a chemical-free, sustainable choice. Beeswax candles burn cleaner than many other waxes and create a warm, golden glow when lit, making them perfect for both decorative and functional uses.
Paraffin Wax: A petroleum-based wax that’s loved for its versatility and vibrant colors. It offers one of the best scent throws, making it ideal for strong, aromatic candles. Paraffin wax sets quickly and is great for projects like pillar candles, votives, and novelty shapes where a harder wax is needed.
Choosing the right wax depends on the type of candle you’re making and your personal preferences. Whether you’re looking for eco-friendly options or bold fragrances, Bramble Berry offers a wide selection of waxes for DIY candles to suit any project.
Frosting:Frosting is a natural occurrence in soy candles, appearing as a white, crystalline layer on the surface. It happens when higher melting point triglycerides in soy wax crystallize and rise to the surface during cooling. While it's harmless and doesn't affect the candle's performance, it can be minimized by slower cooling or experimenting with different fragrance oils.
Sinkholes:Sinkholes, or voids, in candle making often occur during the cooling process. As the wax solidifies, it can contract, leaving behind empty spaces. This is more common in larger candles or those with intricate molds.
To prevent sinkholes in candle making, it's essential to control the cooling process. Slow cooling, double boiling, and using wax additives like stearic acid can help reduce rapid contraction and uneven solidification. Proper mold preparation and post-pour techniques like heat sinking can also help redistribute the wax and fill in potential voids.
Burn Time:Burn time refers to how long a candle will burn, usually measured in hours. This is influenced by factors like wax type, fragrance load, and wick size. Want to maximize your candle’s burn time? Always let the candle burn long enough for a full melt pool on the first use – this helps prevent tunneling.
Make Every Candle Your Best Candle
Learning these primary terms is the first step to making candles that look and smell amazing. Once you understand the basics, you’ll be able to experiment with advanced techniques, unique molds, and custom fragrances. Are you feeling ready to get started!? At Bramble Berr, we have everything you need to make candles you’ll love, including DIY candle projects to inspire your next masterpiece.
Whether you’re making candles as gifts, for a small business, or just for fun, Bramble Berry is here to help. Explore our wide selection of DIY candle making supplies and candle making kits today.
Make your life a little bit easier and bookmark this tab for easy access when you’re starting out your candle journey. Happy candle making!
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