Ensuring Your Candles Burn Evenly
Table of contents
Understanding Tunnelling
Few things are as frustrating as lighting a candle, only to find that it burns down the centre, leaving a stubborn ring of unused wax around the jar. This issue is not only wasteful; it can also result in negative reviews and lost sales. Tunnelling can cause poor scent throw, tiny flames that struggle to stay lit, and dissatisfied customers who feel they have received a subpar candle!
If you're tired of dealing with tunnelling and are ready for a perfectly even melt, this handy guide will help you understand the causes of tunnelling, how to prevent it, and why achieving an even burn is crucial for your candles.
Tunnelling is a common issue that occurs when only the wax directly around the wick melts, creating a narrow, tunnel-like hole down the centre of the candle. This wastes a significant amount of wax and shortens the candle's lifespan!
From a customer’s perspective, tunnelling may suggest poor quality, even if that’s far from the truth! This problem often arises when the candle doesn’t melt across the entire surface during its first burn, creating a memory ring that leads to uneven burns in the future.
Several factors can contribute to tunnelling, including incorrect wick size, low-quality wax, and burning conditions that are too drafty. By understanding these causes, you can take proactive steps to ensure a clean, even burn for your candles.
The Importance of Even Burning
Achieving an even burn is about more than just avoiding the frustration of tunnelling; it significantly enhances the overall candle experience. Here are four key benefits of ensuring your candles burn evenly:
Longevity: An even burn prolongs the life of your candle, ensuring you get every penny's worth. When a candle burns evenly, it consumes wax more efficiently, allowing for longer enjoyment.
Consistency: A uniform melt pool enables a steady fragrance release, infusing the room with a balanced aroma. A quality candle provides a consistent scent that fragrances the space without being overpowering.
Safety: Maintaining a consistent burn lowers the risk of high flames or excess soot, making your candles safer to use.
Aesthetics: Candles that burn evenly retain their beauty, appearing just as attractive at the end as they did at the beginning. A well-burned candle will enhance the visual charm of any space, whether it’s a cosy nook or a festive gathering.
Solutions to Prevent Tunnelling
Tip 1: Choose the Right Wick Size
Selecting the appropriate wick is essential for achieving an even burn. Although it may seem tedious, testing various sizes is fundamental to successful candle-making. Start with the recommended wick size for your chosen wax and container but be ready to adjust as necessary.
For example, if a candle with an HTP 105 wick tunnels in a 20cl jar, consider switching to an HTP 126 wick. The correct wick guarantees optimal burn performance and lays the groundwork for a well-functioning product!
It is also important to note that different wax and fragrance combinations burn differently, so what works for one type may not be suitable for another. Ensure you have a range of wick sizes and types available to experiment with; this can assist you in finding the perfect fit for each candle.
Feel free to check out our article “How To Choose The Right Wick For Your Candles” for additional support!
Tip 2: Focus on the Initial Burn
The first burn is critical for your candle’s performance. It is during this time that the candle establishes its memory. Be sure to check the recommended burn time on the label (usually no longer than 4 hours) to guide you.
There is a common myth that a candle must achieve a full melt pool on its first burn; however, a slight rim of unmelted wax is acceptable as long as the melt pool is even. This detail is crucial; achieving a full melt pool on the first burn helps to prevent memory rings, which can lead to tunnelling in subsequent burns.
Encourage your customers to monitor their candles during the first burn to achieve the best results.
Tip 3: Trim the Wick Properly
Before each burn, trim the wick to approximately 1/4 inch. This straightforward step helps maintain a controlled flame, reducing the risk of tunnelling and ensuring an even melt pool. A wick that is too long can result in a larger flame, which may produce excessive soot and cause the candle to burn too quickly. While this length generally works well, you may need to experiment to discover the ideal length for your candles.
Tip 4: Use a Candle Snuffer
Using a candle snuffer to extinguish candles is a great practice not only for minimising excess smoke but also for preventing the wick from becoming crushed if you use your fingers to snuff out the flame. This is especially vital for larger candles, where the wick's integrity is crucial for maintaining a good burn.
Tip 5: Avoid Drafts
Burning candles in areas with drafts can lead to uneven melting. To keep the flame steady, candles must be kept away from doors, windows, and vents. This is a basic safety tip but equally important for ensuring quality. Drafts can cause the wax to melt unevenly, leading to tunnelling and wasted wax. Consult our Safety 101 article for a full rundown of essential safety procedures that every candle lover should follow!
Despite Your Best Efforts, Your Candle Has Tunnelled - How to Fix It?
How to Fix Candle Tunnelling with Tinfoil:
Using tinfoil to fix candle tunnelling is a simple and effective method to help you achieve a more even burn. Here’s how to do it:
- Gather Your Materials: You will need a piece of aluminium foil (tinfoil), scissors (if you need to cut it), and the candle with tunnelling issues.
- Prepare the Tinfoil: Tear off a piece of aluminium foil large enough to cover the top of the candle. Make sure it wraps around the sides slightly but doesn’t cover the wick.
- Create a Tent: Shape the tinfoil into a tent-like structure over the candle. This means you should create a dome or a cover that is open at the top, allowing the wick to be exposed. The foil should not touch the flame or wick directly.
- Place the Candle: Make sure the candle is on a heat-resistant surface and is stable. Light the candle as you normally would.
- Let It Burn: Allow the candle to burn for a few hours. The heat generated will help melt the wax on the sides of the candle, allowing it to catch up with the melted wax in the centre.
- Monitor the Candle: Watch the candle while it burns. Make sure the flame remains steady and does not get too high. Adjust the tinfoil if necessary to maintain an effective tent shape.
7. Remove the Tinfoil: After a few hours (or when the wax has melted evenly across the surface), carefully remove the tinfoil. Be cautious, as both the foil and the candle will be hot.
8. Trim the Wick: After fixing the tunnelling, trim the wick to about 1/4 inch before the next burn to ensure an even melt in the future.
Why This Works:
The tinfoil acts as a reflector, concentrating the heat and helping to melt the wax that has not yet burned. It encourages the wax to melt more evenly across the candle's surface, preventing further tunnelling and helping the candle burn more efficiently in the future.
Some other methods to correct candle tunnelling:
- Hair Dryer Method: Use a hair dryer on a low heat setting to gently warm the top layer of the candle. Hold it about 15-20cm away from the candle and move it around to avoid overheating any one spot. This will help melt the leftover wax and even it out.
- Oven Method: Preheat your oven to a low temperature (around 75°C or 170°F). Place the candle on a baking sheet lined with aluminium foil to catch any drips. Heat the candle in the oven for about 10-15 minutes until the wax has melted evenly. Keep a close eye on it to prevent overheating.
Additional Tips for Candle-Making Success
In addition to the tips above, here are some extra considerations to keep in mind for successful candle-making:
Quality Ingredients: Always use high-quality wax and fragrance oils. Cheap materials can lead to poor burn quality and, if you're selling your candles, customer dissatisfaction. Investing in quality ingredients may initially seem costly, but it pays off in the long run through improved customer loyalty and satisfaction! Luckily, we know where you can get the best quality wax… check out the reviews on our wax products here . They speak for themselves!
Experiment with Additives: Some candle makers find success by adding additives to their wax to improve performance. For instance, the additive Vybar can help improve scent throw and achieve a better melt pool. Experimenting with additives may yield favourable results in your candle’s performance.
Gather Feedback: If you own a candle-making business, encourage your customers to provide feedback on their burning experiences. This information is invaluable for improving your product and can help you identify common issues and potential solutions.
So, In Conclusion...
We’ve explored the challenges of candle tunnelling and shared essential tips to ensure an even burn. From the initial burn to proper wick trimming, these strategies not only extend the life of your candles but also enhance their fragrance and visual appeal.
Achieving an even burn is an art that significantly contributes to the enjoyment of a good candle!
Let’s celebrate the joy of candle-making and the wonderful experiences it brings into homes. Happy crafting!
Uneven Candle Burn FAQs:
Is it safe to burn a tunnelled candle?
Burning a tunnelled candle can be unsafe, as it may cause the wick to become unstable. This may cause the flame to flicker or lean dangerously, increasing the risk of the candle tipping over and potentially igniting nearby flammable materials. A poorly burning candle may also produce more soot, accumulating on walls, ceilings, and surfaces, creating a mess and potentially affecting air quality.
Does the type of wax affect burning patterns?
Yes, different types of wax (like paraffin, soy, or beeswax) can have varying burning characteristics that may influence tunnelling and burn evenness.
How can I choose a high-quality candle to avoid tunnelling?
Look for candles made from high-quality wax, with properly sized wicks and even fragrance distribution.
Can candle tunnelling affect the fragrance throw?
Yes, tunnelling can diminish the fragrance throw since not all the wax is burned evenly, therefore releasing less scent!
About the Author
NI Candle Supplies specialises in high-quality candle-making materials, offering a diverse range of waxes, wicks, and fragrances. Committed to inspiring creativity, we provide resources for beginners and seasoned artisans. Our mission is to empower candle makers with quality products and expert guidance, fostering a vibrant community of enthusiasts who share a passion for craftsmanship and creativity.
