FAQs About Candle Production: Your Ultimate Guide from Astreé Co.

Introduction

Whether you’re a hobbyist exploring candle making for the first time or an artisan scaling a luxury brand, questions are inevitable. Candle making is both an art and a science—and sometimes, a single small detail makes all the difference between a perfect candle and a disappointing result.

At Astreé Co., we believe knowledge is the key to crafting beautiful, safe, and luxurious candles. We’ve gathered the most frequently asked questions about candle production to help you master your craft.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the best wax for luxury candles?

We love soy wax, especially AAK Golden Wax 464, for its:

• Clean burn with minimal soot

• Smooth, creamy surface

• Excellent fragrance throw

• Eco-friendly profile

Other good options include coconut wax blends and beeswax. Paraffin, while affordable, is less eco-friendly and often avoided in luxury brands.

2. Why is my candle tunneling?

Tunneling happens when the wax melts only around the wick, leaving wax stuck to the sides of the jar. Common causes:

• Not burning your candle long enough the first time (the melt pool should reach the edges)

• Wick too small for the jar size

Fix: Always burn your candle until the entire top surface is melted—especially on the first burn.

3. What’s the ideal fragrance load for soy candles?

For Golden Wax 464:

• Recommended load: 6-10% of your wax weight

• Strong oils may perform well at lower percentages

• Always test your specific blend to avoid performance issues

4. Why does my candle have white spots (frosting)?

Frosting is a natural trait of soy wax:

• It’s purely cosmetic, not a flaw

• Caused by the crystallization of natural wax molecules

Tips to reduce frosting:

• Pour wax at lower temperatures (e.g., 55-60°C)

• Cool candles slowly in a draft-free area

5. How do I choose the right wick size?

Wick size depends on:

• Jar diameter

• Wax type

• Fragrance load

• Color dyes used

Always test different wicks. A wick that’s too small causes tunneling; too large causes smoking and excessive heat.

6. Can I mix different fragrance oils?

Absolutely! Blending fragrances is how artisans create unique scents.

• Combine top, middle, and base notes for depth

• Test blends in small batches

• Keep notes on ratios and results

7. Why does my candle smoke?

Possible causes:

• Wick is too long—trim to ¼ inch

• Wick too large for your container

• Drafts disturbing the flame

• Fragrance oil load is too high

8. How long should candles cure before selling or using?

Soy candles generally need:

• 48-72 hours for fragrances to fully bind with wax

• Longer cure times may improve scent throw

9. Is it safe to use essential oils in candles?

You can use essential oils, but:

• Many have low flash points, making them less stable in candles

• Scent throw is often weaker than synthetic fragrance oils

• Test carefully for safety and performance

10. Why is my candle sinkholing?

Sinkholes appear as cavities around the wick after cooling. Causes:

• Wax shrinks as it cools

• Pouring too hot or too fast

Fixes:

• Pour in two stages

• Gently heat the surface to smooth imperfections

11. Can I reuse leftover wax?

Yes! Leftover wax is perfect for:

• Wax melts

• Small test candles

• Adding to new batches (if same scent)

Always strain used wax to remove debris.

12. What are common safety tips for making candles?

✅ Always work in a ventilated space
✅ Use a thermometer for accurate temperatures
✅ Never leave melting wax unattended
✅ Keep water away from hot wax (wax and water don’t mix!)
✅ Label candles with safety instructions for consumers

A Final Note

Candle making is a wonderful journey of creativity and discovery. Every question you ask makes you a better artisan. At Astreé Co., we’re here to help—whether you’re experimenting in your kitchen or scaling up to meet commercial demand.

Have more questions? Contact us anytime. Let’s craft candle magic together!