September 2022 | Wicks Unlimited

During the candle development process, there is much to consider: the candle’s overall appearance, wax type, wick type, wax dye, and scent. The list is almost endless. Even though extensive burn tests were performed, combustion issues sometimes appear once customers have purchased your candle. In part one of this two-part series celebrating World Candle Month, Wicks Unlimited took a deep dive into the different candle systems available on the market. Now, in part two, the candle combustion experts at Wicks Unlimited share common candle combustion issues with basic troubleshooting steps and the importance of using the correct candle wick for your specific candle.

The Importance of Using the Correct Candle Wick

The primary purpose of a wick is to deliver fuel in the form of wax up to the candle’s flame through a process known as capillary action. The candle’s wick is an efficient pump that draws superheated liquefied wax into the flame that sustains combustion. Using the correct wick for your specific candle’s size, shape, dye, container type, and fragrance load is essential for an optimized burn and a happy customer. Too much or too little fuel will cause an avalanche of undesired and unsafe burn characteristics.

Issue

Mushroom Capped Wick

Signs

After a burn cycle the tip of the wick looks like a mushroom.
The mushroom effect is caused by carbon buildup.

Troubleshooting

An oversized wick is providing too much fuel (wax) to the flame that it can effectively burn.
Using an incorrect wick size/type for a particular candle system can cause mushroom capping.
Ensure you are following the manufacturer’s guidelines for the wax, scent, and dye ratios. Remember, candle making is a science.
It is important to note that some wick types are more prone to mushrooming than others.
Speak with a Wicks Unlimited candle combustion specialist to ensure you are using the correct wick type and size for your specific application.

Issue

Afterglow

Signs

Continued heat and light emitted from the wick’s tip once manually extinguished after a reasonable amount of time.
Afterglow is not only unsafe, but it can also damage the candle brand’s reputation.

Troubleshooting

Afterglow most often occurs as a direct result of mushroom capping during the burn cycle.
Speak with a Wicks Unlimited candle combustion specialist to ensure you are using the correct wick type and size for your specific application.

Issue

Excessive Wick

Signs

Mushrooming, sooting, an uneven burn and a larger than expected flame height.
The soot sticks to the candle jar, surrounding walls, and potentially the ceiling.

Troubleshooting

Using an incorrect wick size/type for a particular candle system can cause an excessive/long wick.

Speak with a Wicks Unlimited candle combustion specialist to ensure you are using the correct wick type and size for your specific application.

Issue

Smoking/Sooting

Signs

- The flame is unusually high and is releasing smoke/soot consisting of tiny particles of unburned fuel.
- The soot sticks to the candle jar, surrounding walls, and potentially the ceiling.
- Smoking/sooting is not only unsafe, but it can also damage the candle brand’s reputation.

Troubleshooting

The candle wick is delivering more fuel (wax) to the flame than it can burn.
Smoking/sooting indicates not only incomplete combustion but also improper wick selection for this particular candle system.
Ensure you are following the manufacturer’s guidelines for the wax, scent, and dye ratios. Remember, candle making is a science.
Speak with a Wicks Unlimited combustion specialist to ensure you are using the correct wick type and size for your specific application.

Issue

Tunneling

Signs

The burn pool does not extend to the edges of the container.
A very narrow melt pool in the center of the candle with unconsumed wax around the circumference is a sign of tunneling.

Troubleshooting

Tunneling is caused by an undersized wick.
To overcome tunneling, adjust your wick size up or down accordingly.
It is also worth double-checking the wax, dye, and fragrance ratios to ensure the manufacturer’s specifications are followed.
With this information in hand, contact a Wicks Unlimited combustion specialist to ensure you are using the correct wick type and size for your specific application.

Issue

Oversized Flame

Signs

Larger than the average flame size.
Deep burn pool liquifying a large portion of the candle. Mushroom capping.
Strong fragrance throw that diminishes rapidly.
The candle’s surface area temperature is unusually high.

Troubleshooting

Adjust your wick size down to begin the troubleshooting process.
A properly sized wick creates an appropriate burn pool according to the candle’s width with the correct flame height.
Speak with a Wicks Unlimited combustion specialist to ensure you are using the correct wick type and size for your specific application.

Issue

Flame Diminishing

Signs

Flame extinguishing
Tunneling
Pay close attention to the burn pool and ensure it is forming from edge to edge of the container.

Troubleshooting

Flame diminishing can be caused by an undersized wick is a wick that is too small for a particular candle system and does not generate enough combustion (heat) to melt the wax.
Some fragrances, essential oils, and natural waxes are able to degrade the wick material and in consequence, extinguish the flame.

Use the form below to partner with Wicks Unlimited today to troubleshoot combustion issues for pillar, container, soy, tealight, or votive candle systems. With over 450 different candle wicks, including cored, flat, and square braided wicks, in addition to metal wick sustainers, it is no wonder manufacturers depend on Wicks Unlimited for all of their candle combustion needs.

As candles have evolved over the centuries, one thing has remained constant, their ever-growing popularity. The evolution of wax, wick, sustainer, and fragrance technology has enabled manufacturers to create candle systems that consumers know and love. To celebrate World Candle Month and the rich diversity of candles, the combustion experts at Wicks Unlimited decided to focus on the unique candle systems available today, along with basic combustion troubleshooting in a two part series. In part one of this series, Wicks Unlimited takes a deep dive into the different candle systems available on the market.

What is World Candle Month?

The NCA (National Candle Association) created World Candle Month in 2013 to “bring to light the various ways candles enrich our daily lives.” Their partners, ALAFAVE (Latin American Candle Manufacturers Association) and the ECMA (European Candle Manufacturers Association) have combined forces in 2022 to celebrate World Candle Month. Their goal is to unite candle lovers from across the globe, encourage industry collaboration, and drive candle awareness, sales, and safety. Wicks Unlimited is at the forefront of candle combustion technology and World Candle Month as a member of the NCA, ALAFAVE, and the ECA.

An Introduction to Candle Types

Pillar Candles

Pillar candles are long sturdy freestanding candles with a round, square or unique shape and one or more wicks at their center. Since pillar candles are freestanding, they must be manufactured from a rigid wax formulation. Candle manufacturers typically use a high melt paraffin wax with a melting point of or about 131 °F to provide rigidity and structural integrity for pillar candles. Other popular waxes for pillar candles include bees and palm wax. Some manufacturers even use special molds to create sleek or textured sides with unique scents to create an extra memorable candle experience. Whether the end-user places their pillar candle on the kitchen table or next to their hot tub, they look stunning in any setting as long as they are burned
safely.

Container Candles

Container candles derive their name from the method in which they are manufactured since the wax is poured into a non-flammable metal, glass, or ceramic container that also includes the wick. In other words, the wax is poured directly into the candle’s container for molding, storage, and eventual use. Many manufacturers rely on Wicks Unlimited’s innovative self-centering sustainers to increase production volume since it allows them “drop and pour,” saving time and money. Since container candles are not freestanding like pillar candles, candle manufacturers can use any number of different wax types, including soy, soy/paraffin blends, bees, and palm wax. Container candles are known for the size of their melt pool and consistent scent throw when manufactured from lower melting point waxes that can enhance scent throw. Consumers feel that they can customize their container candle experience by selecting a container and fragrance types that suit their personality and burn preferences.

Soy Candles

As the name suggests, this type of candle is made from 100% all-natural wax flakes manufactured from hydrogenated soybean oil. Due to changing consumer preferences, candle manufacturers now create different soy candles, including containers, votives, and even tea lights, due to soy’s surging popularity. Many consumers prefer soy candles since little to no black petro-soot is generated while burning compared to traditional paraffin-based waxes. Since soy wax has a lower melting point (124 °F) than paraffin-based waxes, end-users enjoy a candle that burns slower and longer. An additional benefit to soy’s lower melting point is the extra scent throw generated by the melt pool. It is worth mentioning that using wicks with special treatment in soy and other natural waxes is vital. While the correct wick for a particular candle will always depend on the type of wax, fragrance load and the candle’s diameter. RRD, HTP and wood wick are good starting points for candles with natural waxes.

Gel Candles

Consumers adore gel candles for their rich glow, and embedded decorative items such as glitter, small stones, and even tiny plastic toys to create a unique visual effect. The gel is composed of 95% mineral oil and 5% powdered polymer resin which manufacturers mix to make the gel with a consistency of Jell-0 with a melting point of roughly 275 °F.

To regulate the scent throw of gel candles, manufacturers select from three different grades (densities) of gel wax: high grade (High Polymer), medium grade (Medium Polymer), and low grade (Low Polymer). The high-grade (HP) gel is more rigid and can hold significantly more fragrance than the other two grades. Also, the additional rigidity enables manufacturers to embed heavier decorative items within the gel. Manufacturers often prefer the medium grade (MP) since it offers the best of both worlds. First, it is a firm gel that works well for most gel candle types and containers. Second, it can hold a decent amount of fragrance to create a good scent throw. Low-grade polymer (LP) is the least rigid of the three polymer grades and retains the least amount of fragrance. It is worth noting that gel candles manufactured from low polymer with embedded decorative items can shift during shipping.

*Wicks Unlimited does not promote or sell wicks for Gel Candles.

Tealight Candles

The humble tealight candle remains one of the most popular candle types among consumers because of its functionality, price point, and overall aesthetic. A tealight is comprised of a circular metal or plastic casing or cup for the wax, a 3.8 mm sustainer for the wick, and a wick. Consumers can choose from different wax options, including paraffin and soy, dye colors, and even scents for an individualized candle experience. Once the tealight is lit, its unique design allows the wax to liquify completely. Not all tealights are the same. Some manufacturers do not use a wick sustainer to anchor the wick. Instead, they rely on adhesive to anchor the wick to the casing or cup. Inadequate wick anchoring can cause the wick to float to the surface of the liquid wax, compromising the capillary action. The tealight’s beauty is in its simple design and soft, gentle glow.

Votive Candles

Votive candles are a close cousin of the tealight candle. Consumers adore votive candles for their warm glow, slow burn, and relaxed ambiance they create for religious offerings, overall decor, and emergencies. Although larger than tealights, votive candles are one of the smaller candles available. Votive candles feature a unique “bell-top” design that creates a channel around the circumference of the votive holder. The “bell-top” allows for an even fragrance distribution and scent through the melted wax. Depending on the manufacturer, votive candles are sold with or without the votive holder. Even though many votives are sold without the votive holder, this type of candle still requires a 3.8 mm sustainer to keep the wick upright and secure. Depending on the amount of fragrance, Aroma-Lite™, Stabilo, Stabilo KST, Paper Core, TL, and LX wick are popular votive wick options. Since votive candles often burn for several hours, manufacturers often use a lower melt point wax such as soy, palm, and beeswax, while some are manufactured from paraffin wax.

Candle Manufacturers Rely on Wicks Unlimited for All of Their Combustion Needs

No matter the candle type you are manufacturing, make sure to partner with Wicks Unlimited, the leading domestic based waxed wick on reels and candle sustainer manufacturer and supplier. No matter if you are manufacturing a pillar, container, soy, tealight, or votive candle, Wicks Unlimited is the ultimate candle combustion destination. With over 450 different candle wicks, including cored, flat, and square braided wicks, it is no wonder manufacturers depend on Wicks Unlimited.

In addition to waxed wick on reels, Wicks Unlimited offers twenty-five (25) unique metal wick sustainers with regular and safety neck heights that enable manufacturers to create tabbed wicks from waxed wick on reels. Now more than ever, candle manufacturers are customizing the candle’s end of life characteristics to create the ultimate candle experience with either puncture or non-puncture sustainer crimping to create the ultimate candle experience.

Everyday is World Candle Month at the Wicks Unlimited in-house wick optimization and combustion troubleshooting services department. Our experienced candle technicians work with sustainers and wicks for candle’s size, shape, dye, container type, and fragrance everyday. Take the guesswork out of selecting the right candle wick by using the contact form below or call to partner with Wicks Unlimited today. Check back soon to read part two of this two part series on an introduction to candle combustion troubleshooting in celebration of World Candle Month.

An Introduction to Candle Troubleshooting In Celebration of World Candle Month

Discovering Different Candle Types in Celebration of World Candle Month