Books

Oppenheimer, Betty (1997) The Candlemaker’s Companion. Storey Publishing, USA

Lea, Sandra (1999) The Encyclopdeia of Candlemaking Techniques. Running Press, USA

Nicol, Gloria (1999) The Complete Book of Candles. Lorenz Books, London

Web sites

National Candle Association (USA)

Health House (American Lung Association)

IGI Wax

About.com > Candle and Soap Making

Other various sources.

Dipped – These candles are made by repeatedly dipping a piece of wick into a container of melted wax. The results are called tapers because this is the natural shape that occurs as a result of dipping.

Drawn – This is an old method made new by modern technology. It involves pulling long lengths of wick (thousands of yards) through melted wax. This method works well for making small diameter candles such as birthday candles, or long waxed wicks used to light multiple candles called wax matches. In earlier times, some lamps were designed to hold wound lengths of waxed wick, which were unwound as they burned down. This method allowed a long burning candle without a thick wax product.

Extruded – This is a machine method that pushes wax out through a shaped template, much like cookies with a cookie gun. Once they’re extruded, these very long candles are then sliced into their proper lengths. This method requires accurate heating and cooling of the wax in order to ensure that the intended shape holds as the wax comes through the die.

Poured – This term refers to an old fashioned method of pouring wax repeatedly over a wick to build it up to candle size.

Pressed – This is a newer method of making commercial candles in which wax is atomized onto ma cooling drum, forming wax beads or granules. These beads are then compressed into molds, where they bind to form a candle. The commercial advantage of pressed candles is that they can be removed from molds much more quickly then molten poured molded candles.

Rolled – These candles are made by rolling sheets of wax around a wick. Tapers, pillars, and novelty candles can be made with this method.

Pillar or Column - A rigid candle that is thick in diameter, with one or more wicks to be used on a heat-resistant non-flammable surface

Novelty – These are irregularly shaped candles made by molding, sculpted, and/or pouring.

Taper – These are long, thin cylindrical candles. Tapers can be made by dipping wicks into melted wax, by pouring wax into a mold, and by rolling wax around a wick. Standard sizes are generally 1/2 inch or 3/4 inch in diameter at the base with varying heights. To be used with a candle accessory for support.

Votives – The term refer to small plug type candles that are 1-1/2 inches in diameter by 2 or 3 inches high. These candles must be burned in an enclosed container, as they will become liquid when burned.

Tea lights – A smaller form of a votive candle that generally comes in its own metal or plastic container. Tea lights must be burned in an enclosed container as they liquefy when burned.

Wax - A fuel that burns in the flame of a candle. There are waxes from animal, vegetable, and mineral (petroleum) sources. For more information on wax go here.

Beeswax - This wax is a secretion of honeybees. They use it to build the combs where they store their honey and incubate their larvae. When beekeepers remove the honey for processing, they melt down the wax and sell it in blocks for cosmetics and candle makers.

Wick - In taper candles the wick is the structure which supports the first layers of wax that create the candle. In all candles it acts as a fuel pump, supplying liquefied wax up to the top where it fuels the flame. For more information on the wick go here.

Votive Holder - A small open vessel designed to hold a votive or tea light candle during use. The votive holder must be capable of containing the melted candle.

Drips
Keep wick trimmed to 1/4″. Shelter candle from drafts. Do not leave a burning candle unattended. If you see that the side of your pillar is about to “break out” and overflow (or already has done so), extinguish it and let it cool.  Re-light and it should fix itself.  Be extra careful to keep pillars out of drafts, as this is usually what causes burning problems with pillars.

Flame sputters
Moisture in wick. Allow candle to dry at room temperature for a day or two before re-lighting. If storing candles in the refrigerator or in a damp location be sure to place the candles in a sealed plastic bag or container.

Flickering
The wick is too large and consumes wax faster than it can melt it. Extinguish candle and trim wick to 1/4”. Shelter from drafts

Smokes
Extinguish candle and trim wick to 1/4”. Shelter from drafts

Won’t stay lit / Small flame
Wick too small. See ‘Flame Drowns’ above.

Wick burns hole down candle center
Candle lit for too short a period. Allow candle to burn almost to its edge before extinguishing. Rule of thumb: burn 1 hour for every inch of diameter.

Flame too large
Wick too large. Keep wick trimmed to 1/4”.

Candle warping
Candles stored/placed in direct sun or in a warm location. Store candles in a cool, dark location. Do not place candles in a warm location for long periods of time. Keep out of direct sunlight.

Do not burn large candles for longer than 3 hours at a time. The heat will break down the composition of the wax and cause warping. Extinguish flame and let cool before re-lighting. The composition of the wax will return to normal once allowed to cool.

Colour fading
When displaying or using; keep out of direct sunlight and direct lighting. When storing; keep in a dark, cool location.

Wax on clothes
To remove wax from clothing: 1. Wait until wax cools. 2. Put the item in the freezer and chip the cold wax off when it’s brittle. 3. Place the cloth between layers of Kraft paper or paper towels and iron any remaining wax onto the paper, changing it frequently. 4. If all else fails, take the item to the dry-cleaners letting them know you have a wax stain.

Wax on carpet
Placing a paper towel over the wax and then heat with an iron (use a low setting). The wax will be absorbed into the paper towel. Change paper towel frequently. Do not let the iron touch the carpet or fabric directly!

Wax on furniture
Once the wax has hardened, scrape it off with a plastic spatula or credit card. Use a cloth dampened with hot water and/or furniture cleaner to remove any wax residue. The method used for electronics (below) may also be used - especially for more delicate surfaces.

Wax on upholstered furniture
If wax has melted into the fibers use the same method as for carpet. If wax is on fabric surface allow to cool before gently peeling off hardened wax.

Wax on electronics
Gently pry off any large chunks of hard wax. Use a hairdryer (on med. or high) and direct the heat at the wax. As wax softens and melts use paper towels to wipe up wax. Continue until clean.

Cleaning candle holders and containers (not gel candles)
Sit holder in hot water for few minutes. Wax will soften and be easily removed. Wipe holder with soap and warm water to remove any residue. Alternatively, a holder may be placed in the freezer for about 10-30 minutes. The cold will shrink the wax and make it brittle, making it easy to remove. Let holder return to room temperature before washing with warm water, or reusing.

Cleaning gel candle container
To clean out jar remove excess wax and wick with a metal spoon and fill with hot tap water and dish soap. Let sit for a few minutes. Wipe clean while water is still hot but comfortable to handle using an abrasive plastic sponge. Remaining gel will stick to sponge. Wash with soap and water. Reusable (spices, buttons, bubble bath, etc.) or recyclable.

Storage Tips

Wrap each candle separately in soft cloth, undyed tissue paper or unprinted newsprint. Any scented candles should be wrapped and then placed in a sealed plastic bag or container to ensure a fresh scent when time to use.

Candles must be stored flat. This is particularly true of long taper candles, which tend to bend if airspace is left beneath them.

Store candles in a place that stays cool and dark year-round. Temperatures above 70F for prolonged periods of time can soften the candles. If they are not lying flat, or not wrapped as individual units, candles run an increased risk of bending or melting together at these high temperatures. If wrapped and stored properly, candles should be able to withstand summertime temperatures.

If you live in a very hot climate and have a cool or particularly well-ventilated spot in your home, this would be a good place to store your candles.

Do not freeze candles. This can cause them to crack.

Candle colours fade if continuously exposed to light, so be sure to cover them when they are stored away.

Candle scents can dissipate if candles are not wrapped in an impermeable covering. When storing your scented candles, keep them in sealed plastic bags or containers.

Warning To Prevent Fire: Stay within view of a burning candle. Keep out of the reach of children and pets. Never burn a candle on or near anything that can catch fire.

Many candles with fragrance will create a carbon “mushroom” at the head of the wick. After the candle has cooled, use a tissue to remove the carbon buildup.

The maximum burning time for a candle, at one sitting, should be one hour for every inch in diameter. Candles over 3″ in diameter should only be burned 3 hours at a time. Let cool before re-lighting.

Keep the wax pool free of foreign objects such as wick trimmings and matches.

Refrigerating candles will help them burn more slowly and evenly. Wrap the candles in sealed plastic bags or containers to prevent the wicks from absorbing moisture while refrigerating.

If an off-center flame is causing the candle to burn unevenly, simply move the extinguished wick to the center with a metal spoon handle while the wax is still soft.

Candles burned close to one another will affect each other’s burning quality due to their combined heat. Bear this in mind when creating decorative arrangements. A guideline is to place candles at least 3″ apart.

Lead Concerns:

The primary sources of candles that contain lead core wick are from China and other parts of Asia. Lead wicks must be avoided! Lead is a soft metal and vaprorizes in the heat of the flame resulting in an airborn toxin. To check if a candle contains a lead core wick, please review the Candle Wick section. Since 1972, lead has been banned in North American produced wick. The primary producer of wick in North America is Atkins and Pearce Co.

Safety is a top priority at Kokimo Candles. We use only 100% lead free cotton wicks in all the candles we produce. For additional information, on this topic please go to The Wick section. You will also find further reading at sites found on the Sources page.

Candle smoke can  leave dark shadows (ghosting) or soot on walls and furniture. This can be avoided if the following tips are followed.

• Many candles imported from China or other parts of Asia may contain lead core wicks and are best avoided.  Lead is a soft metal that vaporizes in the heat of the flame to become an airborn toxin. To check if the wick contains lead (see The Wick page) or check with the manufacturer.
• When burning candles, keep the wicks cut short,  one-quarter of an inch (6mm) is best. The longer the wick, the larger the flame, the greater the potential for smoke due to rich and incomplete combustion of the wax.
• Keep candles away from drafty places. Breezes will cause inefficient burning that may result in sooting and smoke.
• Refrain from burning imported candles that have additives. Purchase candles that are made in North America as these do not contain smoke causing additives.