Hi all,
Completely new to candle making, but am having a really frustrating time trying to get our Lab & Co. coconut and apricot wax to throw. We're also using their fragrances, which makes this even more frustrating! From where I stand, we've done some pretty solid testing and have made a very nice candle. Wax is being maintained at the correct temperature when adding our fragrance (keeping a load around 8-9%, no sweating is occuring), letting cure a few days.. but when we do our burn test, there just really isn't any noticeable smell unless you're right next to it/over the flame, and it's really dissappointing.
We really wanted to learn how to make strong, long-lasting natural candles.. but when we compare the hot throw to other brands such as Bath & Body Works who probably use more soy/parrafen blends, there really is just no comparision. I guess also we're comparing larger 3-wick cotton wick candles to our single, 7oz wooden wick candle, but I'd figure I'd be able to just smell at least something. It's just concerning because our end-goal is to be able to sell our candles, but I don't see how people would actually spend a higher premium on an natural/coconut based candle when the throw just isn't even close to what other candles can provide. Add in the fact that they burn slower so you don't get much scent during a casual, short-term use like most people use, and it makes me question how it's even a viable option. Not to mention, the maintenance on a wooden wick... I have a feeling most customers never trim theirs.
Is it just me? Am I just really bad at this, or are my expectations just completely not in line with what a vegetable wax will be able to provide? Our candle appears to be wicked perfectly and has a nice, beautiful flame that has a solid even melt pool in about 2 hours. Less than 1/2" deep.
Anyone have any tips?