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Universal testing chart


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Hey guys, I was wondering if there was a chart for all the different things you should test in a new candle. I searched the forums and wasn't able to find anything. So far, all I have written down to test for is:

- Length of time to burn

- Throw (Which also makes me bring up the question, how much should I smell of the candle's scent? Should it fill up my entire house, the entire room, or just part of the room?)

So far, those are the only things I can think of and I know that there are far more things I should be factoring into the overall quality of my candle. And the reason I post it in the vegetable wax candle making area is because I am unsure if there is any difference between paraffin waxes and soy waxes when it comes to testing. These are also for containers. Any suggestions to add would be great!

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Welcome! There is no such chart. Different folks test for different things by different procedures. There's a lot of info, so pick what feels right to your application.

A few important things to add to your list re: size/type of wick; size (diameter)/style of container; what wax is being tested; what additives/amt; what FO & amount; weight of candle before and after each test session; ambient room temperature; height of flame; depth of melt pool; diameter of melt pool (until FMP is achieved); notes (flickering flame, dim flame, hangup on container, heat of container, etc.)...

I do test burns for 1 hour per inch of inside diameter of the container; allow the candle to completely cool, trim the wick and do it again & again until the candle is finished. Containers should be tested all the way to the bottom, so I suggest starting with small capacity, straight-sided containers until you get a feel for what you are doing. Once I get my wicking dialed in, I do a "power burn" to be sure the container will not heat up too much if a fool lights it and lets it burn continuously without trimming the wick or extinguishing. :)

My best suggestion is to read, read, read and many of your questions will be answered (and many more will come to mind!). :)

Edited by Stella1952
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