Candle Safety Tips & Tricks
Preparing for the first burn....
The single most important burn of them all! The first burn requires the most tender loving care, attention, and above all else - time. As you prep for your first burn - be sure you have at least two hours to create the proper melt pool. Failure to create the proper melt pool will damage your candle and cause future tunneling which in turn prevents the re-lighting of your candle.
Prepare your candle.
Part of the handmade process is that all wicks are not going to be cut exactly the same. It is important to have your wick trimmed to 1/4" to 1/2". Once you have made sure the wick is at 1/4" to 1/2" - tilt your candle to the side just a bit and hold your lighter or match to the wick for roughly 20 seconds.
Does a candle have memory?
Yes, absolutely! The memory of your candle is determined upon that all-too important - first burn. If you do not allow your candle to burn the suggested time (at least 2 hours) this will cause your candle to blow out and not re-light. Your candle will essentially cause a tunnel that will prevent the wick from drawing up fuel (wax) and also prevent the fire from obtaining sufficient oxygen - all of which are essential to properly burn your candle.
What is a proper melt pool?
Once you have set aside the time to allow your candle to burn - light your wick. Once lit, leave it! Allow your candle to burn and create a pool of melted wax on the top layer of the candle that spreads completely to the edges of the vessel (glass) - this may take up to 2 hours to achieve. After a significant melt pool has formed, it is ok to blow out your candle. If you do not allow the melt pool to form, tunneling will eventually happen and oxygen will not be able to reach the flame and wick, which will prevent your candle from burning evenly and cause it to burrow down the center of the candle.