How to run a proper burn test
- Trim the wick to 1/4 inch before every burn.
- Burn 1 hour per inch of container diameter (a 3″ jar = ~3 hours). This is the single most important rule.
- Check the melt pool. After the full burn time, wax should be melted edge to edge, about 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep.
- Note the flame. Steady, teardrop-shaped, 1–2 inches tall. Flickering, smoking, or dancing means trouble.
- Smell it. Check scent throw at the halfway point and near the end of the burn.
- Let it cool completely, then repeat for at least 3–4 full burn cycles before judging the candle.
- Write it all down — wax, wick, FO and %, pour temp, burn times, and what you observed. Future you will thank present you.
What’s wrong with your candle?
Tap a symptom to see likely causes and fixes.
These are the most common issues and fixes from real-world candlemaking. When in doubt, change one variable at a time and re-test.
How long should I burn a candle during a test?
One hour per inch of container diameter. A 3-inch jar needs about 3 hours per test burn to reach a full melt pool.
What causes candle tunneling and how do I fix it?
Tunneling is usually caused by a wick that’s too small or burns that are too short. Wick up one size and make sure every burn, especially the first, reaches a full edge-to-edge melt pool.
Why is my candle producing black soot?
Sooting is most often caused by a wick that’s too long or too large, or by drafts. Trim the wick to 1/4 inch before every burn and keep the candle away from vents and fans.
