Candle Making FAQ :  Your Most Commonly Asked Questions

Struggling with your candles? Get expert answers to common questions in our FAQ. Learn how to fix issues with waxes, wicks, and fragrances to create the perfect candle.

Wicking & Burn Performance

  • How do I pick the right wick size for my wax and container combination?

You have a few ways to find the right wick for your container.  First of all, decide which wax you’ll use.  Now navigate to Candle Wick and read the product descriptions.  Alternatively, navigate to Containers and check on the recommended wick sizes in the product descriptions.

  • My candles are tunneling – what am I doing wrong?

If the flame is very big it is a sign that the wick is too big for the container.  Choose a thinner (smaller) wick.

If your candle tunnels when burning it is a sign that the wick might be too small (thin).  There are a number of reasons for tunneling.

If you are experiencing excessive soot, it may be a sign that the wick is too long. Trim the wick to a shorter length to reduce soot.

If the candle is not burning evenly, rotate the container periodically to ensure even wax distribution.

Always follow safety guidelines when burning candles and never leave a candle unattended.

  • What’s the difference between VRL, ECO, LX wicks, and which should I use?

VRL wicks = soy wax, beeswax.

LX wicks = paraffin wax, IW3F wax

Eco wick = containers, works in all waxes

  • My flame is too high/too low. How do I fix it?

Adjust the size of your wick.

If the flame is very big it is a sign that the wick is too big for the container.  Choose a thinner (smaller) wick.

If your candle tunnels when burning it is a sign that the wick might be too small (thin).  There are a number of reasons for tunneling.

If you are experiencing excessive soot, it may be a sign that the wick is too long. Trim the wick to a shorter length to reduce soot.

If the candle is not burning evenly, rotate the container periodically to ensure even wax distribution.

Always follow safety guidelines when burning candles and never leave a candle unattended.

Fragrance & Scent Throw in Candle Making

  • How can I get a stronger ‘hot throw’ (scent when burning)?

Bear in mind that the flame destroys the fragrance. You will smell the fragrance most effectively as it is released from the melt pool.  Therefore, let your candle burn for at least 30 minutes before blowing it out.  It is at this point that you will experience “hot throw”.

  • How much fragrance oil should I add per kg of wax?

Two tablespoons.

  • At what temperature should I add fragrance oil to my wax?

Any temperature, as long as the wax is melted.  Be sure to choose a wax compatible fragrance oil, i.e. a fragrance oil that was created specifically for use in candle wax.

  • Why does my candle smell great ‘cold’ but has no scent when burning?

Bear in mind that the flame destroys the fragrance. You will smell the fragrance most effectively as it is released from the melt pool.  Therefore, let your candle burn for at least 30 minutes before blowing it out.  It is at this point that you will experience “hot throw”.

  • How do I choose quality fragrance oils?

Read all about it in our guide to buying fragrance oils.

Wax & Surface Imperfections

  • How do I prevent ‘frosting’ (white, crystalline look) in soy candles?

Add soy additive or stearic acid to your wax to prevent frosting.  Working with pure soy wax is tricky, temperature is everything.  Don’t heat this wax at high temperatures.   Alternatively blend in roughly 10% – 20% CA60 wax for a perfect surface finish.

  • My soy candles have rough tops/cracks/wet spots – how do I get a smooth finish?

See above.

  • Why is my candle wax sweating (oil pooling on top)?

Have you added a fragrance oil which is not wax compatible?  All Candle Deli’s fragrance oils are compatible with soy wax;  you should get excellent results every time.

  • What’s the best pouring temperature for CA60 wax?

85°C (silicone moulds) and 90ºC in acrylic moulds.

  • Which wax is best for container candles/pillar candles/wax melts?

Read the Candle Deli Guide to Candle Wax.

Sourcing & Supplies

  • Which are the best suppliers for South Africa?

Find a supplier who dispatches your order quickly and who is there to assist with information about the various products.

Business & Legal Aspects of Candle Making FAQ

  • How do I safely test my candles before selling?

Burn your candles in the ways you imagine your customers might use them, e.g.  in a breeze, outside, on a table.  Do your candles drip?  Do your candles burn the surface?

  • How do I price my candles to make a profit?

Cost + profit margin

  • What are the hidden costs of starting a candle business?

Marketing, promotion and sales can often end up costing more than anticipated.

  • How do I manage inventory effectively?

Spreadsheets!  Google workspace is free and includes spreadsheets.

Beginner & General Candle Making Advice

  • What are the essential tools I need to begin?

A two-plate electric stove, a melt pot, a thermometer, wax, moulds, wick.

  • What’s the best wax for beginners?

CA60 wax or soy wax, depending on what you’d like to make.  CA60 wax can be moulded while soy wax is best used to make scented container candles and wax melts.

  • How long should candles cure before burning?

Paraffin wax and CA60 wax = no curing time needed

Soy wax = 48 hours

  • Can I reuse old candle jars/wax?

Yes!