Candle-Sense.com’s Frequently Asked Questions

Here are the questions we find most frequently asked by our customers. Please remember candle making is not an exact science, we had to perform allot experimentation to find the right formula that fit our customers needs.

 
DO WE HAVE A CATALOG?
As of right now we do not have a printed catalog. Everything that we do have is listed on the web site along with pricing and a convenient ordering process. Our catalog will be out in October 2001.

HOW MUCH FRAGRANCE DO YOU ADD TO THE WAX?
We recommend adding 1/2 to 8/10 of an ounce per pound. It is very important that you weigh your fragrance because each fragrance is different in chemical make up causing each fragrance volume to be different.

WHY DO MY CANDLES SMOKE?
This could be due to the wick needing trimmed, wick being too large therefore making the candle waxes too hot, too much fragrance, or too much color.

WHY DOES THE FRAGRANCE SINK TO THE BOTTOM OF THE CANDLE?
This is a sign of too much fragrance. If too much fragrance is added it will fall to either the bottom or pool at the top of the candle.

WHY DOES MY WICK MUSHROOM ON MY CANDLE?
Wick mushrooming with zinc core wick is normal. This is also a good indication that the wick needs trimmed. They should be trimmed to about 1/4 inch above the wax line.

 HOW MUCH COLOR DOES CANDLE-SENSE.COM ADD TO THEIR WAX?
We measure only perfect amounts of Color in each of our wax mixes. Keep in mind that too much color can affect the burn of the candle. Remember some candles due not behave and discolor this will not affect the quality or the scent of the candle.

HOW MUCH UV INHIBITOR DO YOU ADD TO YOUR WAX?
U. V. inhibitor is used to slow down the fading of the color of the candle. Keep in mind that some fragrances will discolor the wax or cause it to fade more quickly. We only use about 1/2 of a percent. This is a very small amount. It would equal to about the same as a pinch of salt.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN COLOR BLOCKS AND LIQUID COLOR?
Color blocks are molded blocks of wax and additives with color added whereas liquid color is actually a dye for the wax. We have found that liquid color works better to get a more consistent color for our candles.


WHAT SIZE WICK SHOULD DOES CANDLE-SENSE.COM USE?
We measure the diameter of the top of our candles and choose wick size accordingly.
The approximate burn pool of each size wick is as follows: votive--1-1 1/2 inches across small--2-2 1/2 inches across medium--2 1/2-3 inches across large-- 3 1/2 -4 inches across.

DO THE ZINC CORE WICKS CONTAIN LEAD?
The zinc wire in our wick is pure zinc. Any nonferrous metal will have trace elements of lead. Our zinc is 0.002% lead (i.e. 22 parts per million). The minute traces of lead that may be contained in zinc-cored wicks cannot produce anywhere near the EPA ambient air standard. Zinc itself is a safe substance, and is actually added to vitamin supplements. There is a way to tell if a wick is zinc or lead. Snip 1/4 inch of the wick and remove the wire. Rub the wire across a sheet of paper. The lead wire will "write" (like a pencil), and the zinc wire will not.

Does Candle-Sense.com take C.O.D. orders?
No, Only during our shows and in our store, otherwise we don’t accept C.O.D orders. However, we do promote payment by check or money order. Just send your order in along with your check or money order and we will ship the same day that we receive your order.

Do you have wholesale pricing?

Our wholesale pricing is based on volume discounts. The discounts and quantities are different for different products. If you have questions about pricing, please feel free to call our ordering department for more information.

What is the difference between a braided wick and a core wick?
Braided wick does not have a core. It is used mainly for candles that completely melt away such as tapers and pillars. Core wick has some a type of center that will cause the wick to stand up in a melted pool of wax. This type of wick is therefore typically used for containers, however it can be used in all types.

What causes wet spots, air bubbles, and jumplines?
They are cause when the wax on the outside of the candle cools too quickly and pulls away from the jar. One way of minimizing this effect is to wash and heat the jars prior to pouring and make sure the candles cool slowly. Keep in mind that it is difficult to eliminate these.


How are candles made?
While modern candle-making processes vary, most candles are made through the timeless process of placing a cotton wick into wax which is then molded, dipped, extruded, pressed, rolled, drawn or filled into a desired shape and size.

What is the best wat to store candles?

Candles should be stored in a cool, dark, dry place and, for tapers, in a flat position to prevent warping. When stored properly, candles can be enjoyed for years and play an important role in traditions.

 

Does the industry have standards for candles?
Domestic candle manufacturers have a long tradition of making high quality, long-lasting and safe candles. National Candle Association members – manufacturers and suppliers – are working with the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) to implement voluntary standards for candles.

Are candles safe to use?

Candles are safe when burned properly and responsibly, and according to manufacturers’ directions. When burning candles, consumers should always follow these simple, common sense steps:

What are the typical ingredients in a candle?
A candle consists primarily of wax and a wick. Many candles also contain dyes or pigments for color and fragrances for scent as well as other minor ingredients.

What kind of label information is required to be placed on candles?
No safety information is required on candle labeling.  However, most U.S. candle manufacturers voluntarily place safety and use instructions on their candles.  The National Candle Association is working with American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) to create voluntary labeling standards for the industry.

Some of our information on candles is provided by the Nation Candle Association of America