Container candles that actually burn well: wax, wick and pour temperature

A candle is a wick that's the right size for its container, in wax poured at the right temperature. Get those two things right and the rest is scent and decoration.

Wax

Soy container wax is the easiest start: clean, low melt, good glass adhesion. Buy flakes.

Wick sizing

Wick size depends on the jar diameter. Each wick series has a chart; buy a sampler and test. Too small and the candle tunnels, leaving wax on the walls. Too big and it smokes and the flame dances. The goal is a melt pool that reaches the glass in about 2 hours.

Method

1. Stick the wick to the jar bottom with a wick sticker and hold it upright with a peg or wick centring tool.
2. Melt wax in a jug in a bain-marie to 70–75°C.
3. Add fragrance oil at 6–8% of the wax weight when the wax is around 65°C, stir gently for two minutes.
4. Pour when the wax has cooled to about 55–60°C, in one steady pour, leaving 1cm at the top.
5. Leave undisturbed in a warm room. Don't move it or put it in the fridge.
6. Trim the wick to 6mm. Cure for a week before burning so the fragrance binds.

Fixing problems

• Sinkhole: heat the top with a heat gun to re-level.
• Frosting (white bloom): cosmetic, soy does this. Pour cooler and warm the jars first.
• Wet spots on glass: cosmetic again, jars were cold.

Safety

Never leave melting wax unattended, use a thermometer, and label your candles with a burn-time warning if you gift them.

Post a burn test photo at the two-hour mark.

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