Candle Wick Drowning Problem
Troubleshooting Guide

Candle makers come across wick drowning candle problems commonly. This can be caused by either the wick being too small for the wax formula or the wax formula being too soft for the wick size (depending how you choose to look at it). Essentially it is the same thing and either solution will work, although it is far easier to change the wick than the wax formula.

Wick Is Too Small
If the wick is too small it will melt the wax faster than it consumes it and eventually be overwhelmed by the melt pool.

Prevention - A properly sized wick will ideally consume the wax at the same rate it is melting it. This will prevent the buildup of excess melted wax. Experiment with progressively larger wick sizes. Note: Wick size charts are approximations that cannot take all factors into consideration - consider these as suggested sizes for starting experimentation.

Wax Formula Is Too Soft
Soft wax formulas melt much more readily than harder formulas allowing the wick to be overwhelmed by the melt pool. This may be caused by using too soft a wax or by failing to use hardeners such as stearic or vybar. Since this is much harder than changing wick sizes, this should be used only if you cannot get a good burn by changing wick size.

Prevention - Use harder wax or increase hardening additives.

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Disclaimer: The information presented here is accurate to the best of my knowledge and common candle making practices as of the time of this writing - January 2006. The author and the publisher accept no liability for the use or misuse of any of the information presented in this article. This article is presented for informational purposes and is used at your own risk.

Author: Bob Sherman

Publisher: Bobby's Craft Boutique Inc.

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