Candle Wick Starving Problem
Troubleshooting Guide

Candle makers come across wick starving candle problems commonly. The two major symptoms of this are flickering flame and little or no melt pool. This can be caused by either the wick being too large for the wax formula or the wax formula being too hard 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. Exceptionally hard wax formulations will not burn well with any wick.

Wick Is Too Large
If the wick is too large it will consume the wax faster than it melts it and eventually run out of wax, causing the flame to flicker.

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 smaller 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 Hard
Hard wax formulas melt much more slowly than softer formulas allowing the wick to consume the wax too fast. This may be caused by using too hard a wax or by using too much hardener 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 - Make sure you are weighing or measuring ingredients accurately. Make sure you are not confusing teaspoons (tsp.) with Tablespoons (Tbs.). If necessary use softer wax or decrease 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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