sgtgonisgirl

When I am testing my small containers (3 in diam) if I don't get a full melt pool within 2 hours, I move up a size in the wicks. Is this the right way to look at it?

Does "CD" mean cotton core?

I am fairly new to this as well, but will not use the chips any more. I started with those as well thinking they were easier/cheaper but found out otherwise shortly after. Some of my candles had the speckles. I think the dye is cheaper in the long run because it lasts a lot longer. You use drops, some of my 5 oz containers I have used 1 drop and it is too dark. I use EcoSoya Advanced and the recomended fragrance load is 10%. I will probably just start with this on my tests. Not sure about the UV stuff...

Thanks for the link. This is kind of how I think I am going to approach testing, let me know what you all do... 1. Make the candle and wait for it to set up before testing wicks. Usually overnight. Do a 2 hour test burn, 4 hour test burn and burn to the bottom (not all the way becuase I don't use a tab on the test wicks and they fall over) 2. Pour another candle with the final wick with a tab. 3. Let it cure for 48 hours to a week. Test burn again with the 2 hour, 4 hour and burn to bottom while evaluating throw. If I am not happy with the throw (my wax reccomending 10%) then I will either increase it or look for another FO from a different supplier. Am I on the right track???

Karen ~ What advice would you have for me trying to start selling them. I am thinking of craft fairs, farmers markets...where else. What would you do differently if you could do it again?

Thanks for the responses, sometimes I get overwhelmed by all of it, but I am totally addicted. I can't wait to get it right so I can share my candles with others. :highfive:

Would anyone mind outlining the detailed steps you take in testing before you are confident it is a good candle?

I am pretty new to this and have a few questions I was hoping you all could help me with. I have finally gotten the wicks figured out. I was really shocked to find that I ended up going 3-4 sizes bigger than the recomendations. Have you all had similar experiences? I am now ready to let them cure and test the throw. How long do I need to let them cure, I have seen a week but does that mean 5 days or 7 days? Also, I added aprox 1oz per pound of wax (100% soy). What determines how well they throw, what temp you add the FO, obvousily how much but I think the max is pretty much 6%?? Sorry for all of the ?'s.