When I’m testing out a wick on a new wax or combination of wax and fragrances, I like to do side-by-side testing. Make the candles the same way, with the only difference being the wick size. Label them carefully and start your test.
- Make sure they are in a safe, draft-free location
- Make sure they are clearly and properly labeled. I like to label them on the bottom AND in front of the candles. That way I don’t have to lift up the candle to remember what wick is in it.
- Light the candles and let them burn about one hour for each inch of diameter. (i.e. burn a 1.5” votive 1.5 hours, a 3” pillar about 3 hours)
- Take notes on:
- How big is the flame (too big, too small, just right)
- How big and/or deep is the pool of melted wax (the melt pool) in relation to the outside edge of the candle? You want a container candle to burn completely to the edge. You want pillars to leave a little rim around the edge to hold the melt pool.
- Does the candle smoke or sputter
- Is the wick clogging with black, burned matter?
- Is there a glowing buildup of carbon on the very tip of the wick (mushrooming)
- After the allotted time, blow them out, or snuff them, and let them set at least 24 hours before testing again.
- Test them again, and take notes again. This is especially important for container candles, large pillars, or oddly shaped candles (like balls or pyramid-shaped). The flame may burn well at the top, but not as it gets further down into the container. A pillar may crater – burn a small hole down the middle of the pillar.
- Either chalk up your test as a success, or try again with a different wick.
