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I do test them myself but I make half sized candles when testing (I poke a hole for wick testing) & they burn perfectly all the way through. But then it got me thinking .. should I be making full sized candles? Will that make a difference? It seems like a waste of wax, especially since I can reach full melt pool and get a sense of the hot throw with just a half-sized candle.

Hi everyone! have y’all ever experienced this issue before? I am using GB 444. I heat up wax to 190, add oil at 185 (anywhere from 8%-10%, depending on the FOs strength), stir for 2 minutes (clockwise and counterclockwise), and pour almost immediately after stirring (temp is usually anywhere from 160-175 after that). I let them cure for 1-2 weeks. This is my general process! however, a few of my friends who test my candles have said that although they smell amazingly when first lit, the candle loses it scent throw or it weakens on the 2nd burn (or sometimes half way through). what am I doing wrong? I know GB 444 is “inconsistent” but I thought that was just in regards to craters/holes/air bubbles. I use a heat gun 90% of the time. Is there inconsistencies in scent throw/performance, too?! Other factors: I use CD wicks, mostly. I live in Los Angeles so the weather is usually on the warmer end, except in recent months. The people lighting my candles also live in LA. the only explanation I can tell myself is that maybe I’m overwicking & it’s burning through the oil quicker than the wax itself? But I’m new to this so I would appreciate any/all input! BTW, this doesn’t happen to ALL my candles, but it’s happened enough for me to be concerned. thank you!

Thanks for this advice!! I’ll make sure to use a heat gun and poke around a few times before sending out a product.

So how exactly do sinkholes/air bubbles affect the candle performance? My tops are always smooth but as soon as I hit it with a heat gun, I start seeing small cavities & bubbles. When I test my candles, I never bother to hit with a heat gun & they never cause problems (assuming there are cavities in my tester candles that I cannot see beneath the pretty surface). What’s the big deal? Just aesthetic or is it going to affect the hot throw?

Do you do a test every time you receive a new lot of wax? Curious to know your supplier! I’ve heard of inconsistencies with 444 & it seems like whoever you get it from is consistent with quality (assuming that makes a difference, whether I buy from Flaming Candle or Candle Science).

Hmm damn, I’ve only been buying 20lb bags so now I’m nervous. What soy wax brand would you recommend that’s consistent?

I’m new to this, how do I check the lot #? Or is lot # just in general, like each batch of wax can vary? I use Golden Brands wax, but I don’t do test exterior temperatures... I just judge it based off how smokey of flickery the wick is.

thank you!

Wow ok so this is all very new and different from what I do with 444 LOL! Now I’m nervous. First of all.... CD 7, 8, 9 in a 9oz straight sided tumbler? What would be the width for that? I use an 11oz straight sided tumbler that’s a little more than 3in in diameter and I use CD 20, 22, 24... is that terrible??!