Wicks and Wax Support
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Candle Making 101
1. I want to start making candles, what equipment and supplies should I get?
Let’s assume you plan to make container candles. To start, you'll need wax (soy, paraffin, beeswax, etc.), correctly selected wicks, one, or more, heat-resistant containers, fragrance oils or essential oils (choose those which are safe to use in candles), and a thermometer. Always melt your wax in a double boiler or wax melter. Other useful tools would include a pouring pot, a cookie sheet to contain any potential spills, glue dots and dye if you'd like to color your candles.
2. How do I safely melt my wax and pour my candles?
It’s never a good idea to melt wax directly over a heat source, e.g. stove, open flame, gas cooker etc. To avoid over heating your wax beyond a safe temperature, always use a double boiler system of some type… i.e. a heated water bath, with a container for the wax. Use a thermometer to monitor the wax temperature. Pour the wax carefully and slowly to avoid unnecessary spills or splashes.
Waxes
1. Which type of wax makes the best candle?
The best wax to choose is dependent on your personal preference. Soy is very
Eco-friendly and clean burning. Paraffin wax holds fragrance well, and has a
better scent throw. Beeswax is natural with a unique and pleasant fragrance, and due to its higher melt point gives a longer burn time. Each type of wax has its advantages depending on the candles use and user preference.
2. What is the difference between paraffin and soy wax?
Soy wax is a natural, plant-based wax, while paraffin is a petroleum-derived wax. Soy wax is known for being biodegradable and cleaner-burning, making it a popular choice for eco-conscious makers. Paraffin wax, on the other hand, is often favored for its ability to hold color and fragrance well. Both have their uses depending on your candle-making goals.
3. How is beeswax sourced?
Beeswax is typically sourced from apiaries (bee farms) where beekeepers collect the wax produced by bees as part of the honey-making process. We strive to work with suppliers who adhere to sustainable and ethical practices in sourcing beeswax.
4. What is gel wax, and how is it different from regular wax?
Gel wax is a translucent, rubbery wax that is unique for its ability to create visually striking, clear candles. It’s often used for decorative candles where you can incorporate objects inside the gel. Unlike traditional waxes, gel wax is not as solid and has a more jelly-like consistency.
5. Can I mix different waxes together?
Yes, you can mix different types of waxes to achieve specific textures, scents, and appearances.
6. Is beeswax suitable for vegan candle makers?
No, beeswax is not considered vegan because it is derived from honeybees. However, we offer plenty of plant-based alternatives like soy, palm, and carnauba waxes for vegan candle makers.
7. Does beeswax have any specific color or appearance?
Beeswax is typically a golden yellow to amber color, but we also offer white beeswax. Our white beeswax is charcoal filtered to remove the natural color without using bleach, preserving its pure, natural properties. The color of beeswax can vary, and this subtle shift in tone adds a distinctive touch to your handmade candles.
Wicks
1. Can I use any wick, or how do I select the correct size wick for my candle?
Wick selection is based on two important factors… the candle’s diameter, and the type of wax. Most wick manufacturers and suppliers will have a wick selection/sizing chart based on candle size and wax type. A wick that is too small can lead to “tunneling” while if the wick is too large, it may lead to your candle creating excessive soot and smoke. Always test your candles to ensure you have used the correct size wick.
Check out our Wick Selection Guide
2. Which are the better wicks, cotton or wood?
Cotton wicks have been used for many years, and are flexible, provide a good steady flame and are easy to use, while wooden wicks provide a modern look, and some create a unique crackling sound. However, wooden wicks do require extra attention when lighting in order to maintain a good, steady flame.
Fragrance
1. Will any fragrance oil be okay to use in my candles?
Not all fragrance oils are safe or suitable to use in candles. Unless the fragrance oils you use have been specifically formulated for use in candles, you run the risk of poor scent throw or uneven burn. Candle fragrance oils are specifically designed to withstand the high temperatures associated with melted wax and to give optimal scent throw.
2. How much fragrance oil is recommended for my candles?
Most fragrance oil manufacturers recommend between 5% and 10% of the weight of the wax.
This can vary, however, depending on the type of wax being used. Always check
the fragrance load recommendations for the specific type and brand of wax you’re using.
Dye
1. What is the best way to colour my candles?
You can colour your candles with solid, liquid or natural colourants. Add the dye to the melted wax at the recommended temperature. To achieve consistent colouring throughout the candle, be sure to stir well.
It is never a good idea to use wax crayons to
colour you candles. Most wax crayons use powdered pigment, which can block the
wick preventing wax from getting to the flame.
Candle Issues
1. How can I prevent/fix tunneling which sometimes happens to my candles?
Tunneling is the term used for when a wick burns a narrow hole down the middle of a candle. Often caused by using the wrong size wick, or not burning the candle long enough for the melt pool to completely develope.
To fix/prevent tunneling, it is a rule of thumb to always burn a candle for 1 hour per inch diameter. A heat gun can also be used to re-melt the surface, taking care to leave ¼ inch wick free for re-lighting and correct burning.
2. Sometimes I get frosting and/or cracking on my candles. How can I minimize this?
The whitish coating, often referred to as frosting occurs with soy wax, and is purely aesthetic. To minimize this, pour your candles at a lower temperature. Cracking can happen when the candle cools too quickly. Never force cool your
candles, rather allow them to cool slowly at normal room temperature.
3. Why do my candles not have good cold, or hot throw?
Poor scent throw can be caused by insufficient fragrance oils, using oils that are not suitable for candle making, or pouring the wax at a too hot, or too cold temperature. Always follow the oil producers’ guidelines and recommendations and pour your wax as suggested to achieve optimal scent throw.
4. Why do some candles mushroom, and can it be prevented?
Mushrooming can be caused by a carbon buildup on the wick that causes a larger than desirable flame and soot. It can also be a result of too much fragrance oil, which is not being consumed in the normal combustion of the flame. To minimize mushrooming, always be sure you are using the correct size wick for your candle, and trim the wick to ¼ inch before each burn.
Bulk Orders/Wholesale
1. I would like to buy in bulk, do you offer discount?
Yes, Wicks and Wax works on a volume discount model. The more you purchase, the less you pay per item/volume. Please consult our website or contact our customer service for more information.
2. Do you offer wholesale pricing?
Instead of traditional wholesale pricing, we offer price breaks based on the quantity of items purchased. This allows you to save more the larger your order!
Shipment
1. Do you offer international shipping?
Yes, Wicks and Wax offer local, national and international shipping. Shipping costs and times depend on a number of factors… destination, the weight and size of the package, and the time frame required for delivery. Please contact us for more detailed information.
2. Can I arrange for a ride share company (UBER, Lyft, etc) to pick up and deliver my shipment?
Absolutely. All we ask is that you get confirmation from Wicks and Wax that your order is ready BEFORE you make arrangements with the transport company for the pickup.
3. Can I change or cancel my order after placing it?
Once an order is placed, we process it quickly to ensure timely delivery. If you need to make any changes, please contact us as soon as possible. We'll do our best to accommodate any requests, but we cannot guarantee changes once the order has shipped.
4. What should I do if I have an issue with my order?
If there are any issues with your order (incorrect items, damaged products, etc.), please reach out to us. We'll work with you to resolve the issue as quickly as possible.
5. How do I track my order?
Once your order ships, we’ll send you an email with a tracking number. You can use this to track your order on the carrier's website.
General
1. Do you accept returns or exchanges?
We want you to be satisfied with your purchase! If you're not completely happy with your items, please contact us within 14 days of receiving your order. We do not accept returns or exchanges on used products, but we’ll do our best to assist with any issues, including defective items.
2. Do you offer gift cards?
Yes, we offer gift cards for our store! If you’d like to purchase one, please contact us, and we’ll assist you with your order.