grogo67 Posted April 27, 2009 Share Posted April 27, 2009 I looked at all the tutorials and tried searching but I am unable to find anything of a detailed burn test routine. I see bits & pieces in posts here and there. Are there any resources that I can read up on to learn what constitutes a complete burn test? What are some of the things I should look out for? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NewOrleansLady Posted April 27, 2009 Share Posted April 27, 2009 Make sure you get a complete melt pool. How long before you reached complete melt pool? Is the wick flickering too much? Is the flame too high? Is the flame almost snuffed out? How far is the throw of the scent? After burning for a couple of hours does the wick change? Is the wax burning off the sides of the glass? Did it burn down to the wick tab? I usually do my first test in my 1/2 bathroom. No A/C vents or fans blowing so I know there's no outside breezes affecting the wick and I can judge the scent throw. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Craftyone Posted April 27, 2009 Share Posted April 27, 2009 I am not the most experienced one at wicked candles, but I will share what I have learned... First of all, make sure your wick is trimmed to 1/4". When you start the test burn, you want to burn it for about 1 hour for each inch in jar diameter. Using a 3 inch jar for an example, you would burn the candle for 3 hours. Keep detailed notes on everything...the # of hours burned, the flame height, watch for sink holes, etc. At the end of the 3 hours, you should be close to having a complete melt pool. (Sometimes it takes several test cycles to get a complete melt pool...which is fine...as the further it is burned, the warmer the glass gets, which helps with any hangup you may have). You want your melt pool to be around 1/4" -3/8" deep, and a maximum of 1/2". After you extinguish the flame and the wax has hardened again, you trim your wick to 1/4", and repeat the burn cycle. Continue to burn all the way to the bottom of the jar. You want to make sure that the second half of the jar doesn't burn too hot. Each candle fragrance needs to be tested, so keep detailed notes on each FO used, what dyes were used, etc. It can be a very frustrating process, but it is also very rewarding when you get a candle that burns perfectly from top to bottom! Have fun! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jennifer Posted April 27, 2009 Share Posted April 27, 2009 Also keep in mind people who do not properly burn candles: never trimming the wick, power burning. I'm guilty of both personally and quite honestly I do not know a single person that actually trims the wick between burns. Placing the candle in a sink or bathtub is a good idea for testing power burns--just in case . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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