How to Test Soy Wax Candles - Tips from a Candle Expert | Bramble Berry

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Before you start selling your candles, or making large batches of them, it’s a good practice to test all your materials together. A basic testing strategy can take a little work to set up initially, but it will save you time and huge headaches in the long run.

It’s crucial to test any new fragrance or variable you introduce (like a new container, candle dye, etc.) to your product and never assume that it will work perfectly. So how do you navigate the testing process?

Timestamps:
00:00 - Intro
00:48 - Basic Testing Strategy
03:21 - Testing Your Core Materials
05:01 - Testing the Wicks
09:43 - Evaluating Your Wick Test
14:50 - Testing Your Fragrance Oils
19:48 - Scent Throw: Hot vs. Cold
22:18 - When Should You Retest?
23:30 - Final Recap
24:43 - Bloopers

For the first test, we recommend not using fragrance oil. Once we have a better idea of what wick size you think will work best, you can retest with fragrance. For the first test, I would fill the container halfway with wax. This allows you to see how the candle will burn as the container insulates it further down.

Here's how to get accurate results during your wick test:
- Use a consistent container
- Sample 1-3 wicks from each brand you’d like to test
- Pour from the same batch of wax if possible, filling each container half full
- Allow the wax to cure for 1-2 days before lighting
- Burn the candles at the same time, but spaced at least 3” apart on a level surface and away from any windows or drafts.
- Set a timer (estimate 1 hour of burn time for each 1” in diameter)

When testing your fragrance, use these tips:
- If possible, pour all your test candles using the same batch of wax to eliminate any variation.
- Label your candle or use a sharpie to write on the bottom. You want to note the following:
- Wax type/blend ratio (if applicable)
- Percentage of fragrance used (we recommend that you test at 6%)
- Wick size and brand
- Allow your candle to cure for 3-5 days before the test burn
- If you’re testing multiple scents, we recommend spreading them out to different spaces in your home or with a friend.
- Light your test candle away from windows or drafts and make sure they are burning on a level, heat-resistant surface.
- Set a timer (remember, 1 hour per 1” in diameter)
- If the candle reaches a full melt pool during that time, move onto the next steps.

Once you’ve found the wick size that works most consistently with your desired wax blend and container, you still want to test every fragrance you plan to use! If your original baseline burn test was successful with more than one wick size in your chosen brand/wick type, then test both with your fragrance to determine what works best.

Always test at the lower end of a usage rate so you don't waste fragrance. Heavier fragrances (high flashpoint) or those containing vanillin often need a larger wick to draw the fragrance up, as does soy wax. If you’re not getting good hot throw, it’s often due to the wick size rather than usage rate. Some fragrances simply won’t perform well in candles, particularly in waxes with a high melting point. Many essential oils, citrus oils, and herbal oils can produce an off-putting diesel or camphor-type smell when burned. Some menthol and camphor oils can be toxic when burned, or irritate small animals and people with asthma.

We tested every Bramble Berry fragrance for candle compatibility and rated their hot throw. Scent preferences are personal, so your own results may vary depending on the materials used, but hopefully this gives you an idea of what to expect when working with these fragrances.

Knowing when to retest usually comes down to knowing your materials and process. If you’re confident in your baseline test, you shouldn’t have to retest more than once or twice to know if a new component like a dye, fragrance, etc. is going to work.

Made a project with our products? Tag us with #BrambleOn so we can see your creations!

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Timestamps:
00:00 - Intro
00:48 - Basic Testing Strategy
03:21 - Testing Your Core Materials
05:01 - Testing the Wicks
09:43 - Evaluating Your Wick Test
14:50 - Testing Your Fragrance Oils
19:48 - Scent Throw: Hot vs. Cold
22:18 - When Should You Retest?
23:30 - Final Recap
24:43 - Bloopers


bramble-berry
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This video is showing me how bad some of the "store brand" candles that I have are. Sooting, check. Mushrooming, check. Yellow discoloration, check. Maybe it's time to start making my own candles.

vaniaguillen
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Been waiting on a video explaining the different components of candle making! Can you make another video going more in depth on wicks and waxes?

stancexpunks
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London is one of my favorite Bramble Berry testers! I really enjoyed this video, thanks BB!

bebegrrl
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I love all the Bramble Berry products and great project ideas. Handmade candles are so perfect for thoughtful holiday gifts.

studioknit
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I'm really happy for this video. My aunt and I live in Jamaica and we have just decided to start a candle making business and we have been wanting a video like this. Thanks for sharing and we will definitely post our candles for you to see.

drensh
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This is very informative and explanatory. Thank you.

renegirardi
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Every time you come I am learning so much! Thank you, My Palo Santo Patchouli candles discolored to green!!!

cliviascreations
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You are an awesome teacher. Thank you.

jking
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Fantastic tutorial - really clear and helpful. Many thanks.

belhelviechurch
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So true! I have experienced tunnelling a few times.

kingdomchild
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Great & informative video, full of candle making checkpoints! Thanks so much for sharing your expertise!!! Hugs!

MariaNyceDesigns
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Thank you very much for this video and load of knowledge ❤

patienceyusuf
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What a wonderful review!! I haven’t attempted candle making, and it honestly scares me with all the variables, but following along with this and taking notes has left me feeling way more confident!! I think I’m ready to start shopping for wicks and containers now!! 😃

christinaparadise
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So glad there is more candle info on FO product pages! My fave Bramble Berry fragrance in candles is Blueberry Thyme.

linxx
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Thanks BB & London for sharing so much great info with us!

dwanngriffin
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Awww no wonder particle goods looks sooo good..

arthurskye
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Thank you for the informative video. If I am testing a coconut/soy blend candle without fragrance, how long do I need to let it cure before testing?

arob
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Hi, how successful are soy bubble candles, mine completely melt in 3 hrs and the wax scatters completely, is there a way to help them sustain longer, plz advise coz they look adorable and i want to make them work

samragimadan
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I am new to making candles and curious to know. When testing your candles, do you buy specific glass jars for testing?

GailShaw-zb