Candle Making Terms | Common Candle Making Terms

By : Javed Khan

Last updated on: October 13, 2023

Nowadays, we are seeing a rapid increase in the candle-loving community. And why not candle making is a popular and fascinating hobby that has been enjoyed for centuries. Whether you are a new individual trying candle-making creative activities or have been practicing it for a while, it's very important to have a good understanding of the terminology that is used in this craft.

In this blog, we will discuss the various essential terms that every candle maker should know. By knowing about these terms, you will better understand the terminology used in the candle-making process. So, let's get started and dive into the world of candle-making.

Candle-Making Supplies:

Different varieties of supplies are needed to make candles. Here are some of the most important ones.

Wax: It is the primary material used in candle making. Wax is made of different materials, such as beeswax, paraffin, soy, and more.

Wick: A wick is a component that burns and holds the flame of a candle. It can be made of cotton, hemp, or other materials.

Candle Molds: Candle molds come in different shapes and sizes. They are used to shape the melted wax into the desired candle form.

Candle Dye: Candle dye is used to add color to the wax. It is available in different forms like chips, liquid, and blocks.

Fragrance Oils: These oils are used to add scent to the candle. The fragrance oils come in a wide range of varieties, such as vanilla, lavender, and more.

Melting Pot: A double boiler or a melting pot is used to melt the wax without overheating it.

Know About Common Candle Making Terms

There are many common candle-making terms every creative soul should be well aware of. Here are a few of the most common ones.

Directions:

Additive: It is a material that is added to the wax to alter its characteristics. For instance, Palm Stearin, a vegetable-based ingredient, is used to harden finished candles, enhance their burning characteristics, and deepen their color.

Palm stearin is fantastic if you use metal molds with soy wax because it makes it simpler to release the candle.

Burn Rate: This is the time that a candle takes to completely run out of wax. You can know the burn rate of your candle by conducting a burn test.

To conduct a burn test, trim the wick to ¼ inch, position the candle on an even and smooth surface, light the candle, and record the time. You can stop and start this process. Just remember to record the time for every session.

Cure Time: The amount of time required for the wax and fragrance oil to bind and join together is known as the "cure time." After being manufactured, candles and wax melts will have a stronger aroma throw if they are kept aside.

We would advise between one and two days for paraffin wax and up to a few weeks for soy wax. A better scent cast can be achieved by swirling after adding your fragrance oil at the proper temperature.

Flash Point: The temperature at which a fragrance oil starts to burn when exposed to a flame is known as the flashpoint. This information is contained in the fragrance Safety Datasheet.

Frosting: Frosting is a white crystal formation. This will not affect the scent or burning of the candle. It also affects the appearance of the candle. Make sure you try to avoid frosting your candle.

Melt Point: Every wax has a distinct melt point; for more information, consult the datasheet for the wax you've chosen. This is the temperature at which your wax melts.

Hang Up: The wax rim that might form after burning a candle is called a hang-up. By the third burn, hang up should be entirely melted away. If it doesn't, your candle is probably tunneling, and you could need a bigger wick.

Lumpy Tops: When a candle does not form with the smooth top that we would typically anticipate, it has a bumpy top. Different temperatures experienced throughout the pouring and setting procedures may be the reason.

Fragrance Oils: Fragrance oils are used to add scent to the candle. They come in a variety of aromas like lavender, vanilla, and more.

Safety Guidelines To Follow While Candle Making Terms

Although candle-making can be a fun and rewarding hobby, it is also important to follow certain safety guidelines. These safety help us avoid any potential hazards. Here are some safety guidelines to follow.

Directions:

1. Choose a room with good ventilation if you're going to work with hot wax to prevent breathing in dangerous vapors. Work in a room with good ventilation or use a fan or open window to circulate the air.

2. Employ heat-resistant tools When melting wax, use heat-resistant tools, such as a double boiler or melting pot. Plastic utensils and containers should not be used since they can warp or melt when exposed to heat.

3. Use protective clothes It's crucial to prevent skin and garment burns when working with hot wax. To reduce the chance of harm, put on long sleeves, slacks, and closed-toe shoes. To safeguard your hands, you might also wish to put on gloves.

4. Have a fire extinguisher close by Mishaps might occur. Therefore it's crucial to have one handy in case of a fire. Before beginning your project, be sure to read the instructions and understand how to use it.

Conclusion

In conclusion, we can say that candle making can be a fun and rewarding hobby that allows you to express your creativity and create beautiful candles. But it's also important to familiarize yourself with the various terms and supplies involved in the candle-making process. You must also be well aware of all the safety guidelines. Luckily, we have mentioned everything here so that you can easily enjoy your candle-making hobby with friends and family.