ellajoan

Totally depends on the market we are doing. Soy is definitely a selling point if it's a younger, hipster crowd.  Many of the younger people appreciate and like soy, most people over 40 don't often care.  

I've been using 8% fo for most of my testers.  Have only found one that doesn't throw decently.  GoldieMN, what is the diameter in your jar?  Just made a bunch of testers today using our bestsellers from 464.  

I have tried them with many different wicks--yet to find one that is the front runner, but the HT with most is pretty good!  Premier is still in the running!  Also trying HTP, CD, and ECO, among others.  

I always find the eco wicks to have crazy tall flames, no matter the wax.  I have only dabbled in C-3, but I did like the ECOs in them with my (very limited) testing.  

I wait a day or two for unscented and at least 8-12 days for cure time with fragrance oil.  14 days always gives even better HT.

Do you tolerate them at all?  I've got a pretty great combo of wax and wick that looks and throws well.....but, the wicks do tend to mushroom.  Have tried many other wicks, but none work well in this combo.

Do you live w/ the mushrooms?  

We are starting to develop/test Spring scents, but we have a few bakery scents we're introducing before then--Jelly Donut and Iced Lemon Biscotti for everyone who's dieting.  We'll introduce spring scents hopefully in March, if they all test well and wicks behave.  

We have an LLC for our small candle business, but have another question.  My chandling partner has our workshop in her basement--she was recently renewing her home insurance and was asked if she ran a business from her home.  If she checks yes, she fears her rates will rise dramatically.  If she checks no, she fears she won't have coverage in the event of any candle-making/burning related accidents/damages.  Does anyone have any advice/experience with this?  We could some guidance.  TIA!

Hi GoldieMN!  I am also using Premiers as one of my wick testers in the C-1, and haven't tried burning a cured candle yet with it.  How is your cold throw with the C-1?  Mine is pretty strong right from the get-go.  

C-1 friends, how's it going for you all?  I am loving the increased throw on these vs 464--started to test same scents in both to measure HT.  More of pain to set them up "pretty," but impressed with both CT and HT thus far!

Has anyone tried the ones from Aztec, Just Scent, or Rustic Escentuals?

We've had a few customers ask for Pina Colada scent--can anyone recommend a good one for soy?  We currently use 464, but are testing C1 and C3 too.

It's addictive, (expensive), frustrating at time, but SO much fun!  Enjoy learning this craft and read up.  I learn something new here every single day!

@pughaus, what do your tops look like with this wax?  Hard to get a smooth one?

Poured hotter today (testers were poured at 125, 140, 145 and 150) and the tops on all of them shattered like thin glass.  Grrrrr.  Will re-try pouring cooler.  Heat gun to the rescue.

I'm officially obsessed.  Ah, the testing stage...

Also loved 444 a few years back, but the horrible tops and the constant tunneling made us switch to 464.  Really hopeful about this new wax.  Lots of testing over the Christmas holidays for me!

@GoldieMN, I didn't.  I definitely poured too cool on these testers.  Will be pouring a few more tomorrow at multiple temps to see if that makes a difference.

Here's what they are looking like between burns....

It's a bit bumpy and cratery, but I'm pretty sure my testers are not overwicked--underwicked if anything.  I truly think this is a wax I need to try w/ fo.  I will take a pic (when I get home from work) and show you what I mean.  

I am testing for wicks right now (no fo or additives) and am not loving how it looks between burns.  So far HTP looks promising, Premier might (if I wick up).  CD burned way too hot, and the flame on the Eco is like a torch.  This wax burns very slowly!  I am 17 hours in with test burns and not much wax has been used up.  Wondering how that will transfer to HT?  Will make some testers w/ fo today, cure for 7-14 days, and then see how those fare.  

Do you believe that the temp at which you pour your wax affects hot throw?  I know it affects look of tops, wet spots/adhesion, sinkholes, etc.  I also know that the temp you add fo affects throw, but what about pour temp?  Finding the right pour temp is making me crazy! 

Got it downpat for 464, but trying new waxes---C3 and C1---yikes!  No two people recommend the same pour temps!

I am also new to and testing c3 (long time 464 user), so I can't really compare the two.  

Poured a few testers of C-1 today--poured much cooler than usual, at 105, and the wax was slushie.  Tops look terrible--thinking I'll need to pour hotter next time.  The photo with smoother top was after a few seconds with the heat gun, so at least it's fixable.  Excited to burn and determine wick brand/size.  Will keep you posted.  

I just ordered some and will pour some (naked, no fo) testers today.  Very excited to try this wax.

@Marleigha, Pumpkin Firewood is mostly wood, little to no pumpkin to my nose.  It smells a bit smoky, even a bit powdery and earthy.  Not at all sweet.  People bought it like crazy.  The Bourbon Pumpkin was mostly pumpkin and very little booze--just a less sweet, not spicy, fresher pumpkin.  I do wish I was better a describing scents!  To my scent liking, I much prefer the Bourbon Pumpkin (smells more like the Holidays), and my chandling partner was crazy for the Pumpkin Firewood.