misty0420 Posted October 20, 2007 Share Posted October 20, 2007 How much "flickering" is normal for a wick? Should I be concerned that my wick flickers and jumps some, or is it ok? And does anyone know what causes it to happen? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hotmama Posted October 20, 2007 Share Posted October 20, 2007 Usually a flickering wick is caused from some impurities in the wax. I had that issue when I was using unfiltered beeswax in my sox. The wick gets clogged and causes the wick to flicker. Maybe the jars was dusty? I know buy only filtered beeswax, as I couldn't successfully filter it myself. Hope this helps!Mama:) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kandlekrazy Posted October 20, 2007 Share Posted October 20, 2007 a small amount of flickering will happen just from air circulation as you move through the room or even slight drafts hit the flame from vents and/or windows/doors open. You should be concerned if it is bouncy and doesn't seem to stop at all, which may indicate other problems...make sense? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PurpleHippie Posted October 21, 2007 Share Posted October 21, 2007 Flickering usually increases as the wax burns down. It is because of the air flow with the container. However, if my wick STARTS out flickering or bouncing I don't like that at all and test another wick. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
misty0420 Posted October 21, 2007 Author Share Posted October 21, 2007 i have been getting some flickering with the first burns, so I just need to keep testing. Thanks for all your input. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Violetsexoticcandles Posted October 21, 2007 Share Posted October 21, 2007 You may get a small amount of flickering, but shouldn't have an excessive amount. The flame should be pretty steady and consistent throughout the test. It also depends on your wax- I have palm containers I lit the other night to test. The flame was really high (no flickering, really, just high) for the first few seconds, then as the wax began to be consumed by the flame, it mellowed out to a nice small (not too small, though) flame that was satisfactory to me. Oh and it smelled up the house really nice, too. I think the issue could be a too large wick, plus possibly a high FO concentration. I read about this a long time ago but forget where? Could be on Cajun's site, but not sure. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stella1952 Posted October 21, 2007 Share Posted October 21, 2007 A LOT has been written on the subject of wick flickering. A candle flame should burn true with no flickering, bouncing, sputtering or popping. If a test candle is burned correctly in a draft-free location, there should be no flickering. Misty, you have not given us anything much to go on to help you. We need to know what kind of wax, what FOs and additives were used, what wick size and type you are using, size and shape of container, length of burn times, etc. Otherwise, it's all just well it could be dis or it could be dat... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
misty0420 Posted October 21, 2007 Author Share Posted October 21, 2007 I am using CB Advanced Soy, with CD wicks and essential oils. I've also tried the 700 premier series wicks and find that they might burn a little more steady, but still some flickering. Maybe it's the essential oils that make it flicker, but that doesn't seem logical to me.I am using 11 oz. tumblers and burn for 3 hours each test. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CareBear Posted October 21, 2007 Share Posted October 21, 2007 A LOT has been written on the subject of wick flickering. A candle flame should burn true with no flickering, bouncing, sputtering or popping. If a test candle is burned correctly in a draft-free location, there should be no flickering. Stella, what about as the wax level (and the flame) go down deeper inside the container? Do the air currents then not sometimes cause flickering? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stella1952 Posted October 21, 2007 Share Posted October 21, 2007 Stella, what about as the wax level (and the flame) go down deeper inside the container? Do the air currents then not sometimes cause flickering?Deep containers, particularly narrow deep containers, are inherently problematic to wicks. So, sure, the depth and air currents created could cause flickering, which is why folks should test all the way to the bottom of a container. But a well-wicked container shouldn't have a flickering flame. You simply have to find one that doesn't flicker.Maybe it's the essential oils that make it flicker, but that doesn't seem logical to me.Why not? Depending on how the EOs were made, how much is in the candle, etc., sure, the EOs could cause flickering, same as some FOs can. The wax itself can cause flickering, depending on the wick. To see what's causing your problem, make a test candle with no EO. If the problem diminishes or disappears, then you can be relatively sure that the EO was causing the problem. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
misty0420 Posted October 22, 2007 Author Share Posted October 22, 2007 I will test one without essential oils. I also read that water in the wax can cause flickering. There's a chance I got some water in the wax while melting it. I hope to figure this problem out, it's driving me nuts. Thanks for your help! :smiley2: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
misty0420 Posted October 22, 2007 Author Share Posted October 22, 2007 I may have solved my problem. I think I had water in the wax from when I heated it in a double boiler. So far, my wicks are fairly steady with a new batch of wax. Thanks everyone! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stella1952 Posted October 22, 2007 Share Posted October 22, 2007 AHA!!! You get the "Who Guessed It" prize 'cause that's what you suspected all along!! Good for you! Sometimes veggie waxes can give ya fits, so when you can check ONE problem off the list, it truly feels good!!May I suggest you complete this victory by awarding yourself a Presto Kitchen Kettle from WalMart ~$20? You'll never look back and you won't miss the steam! *...Misty's wax was too misty...* Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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