FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WAX
A good quality Wax is essential when creating a great candles and there are some really simple tips and tricks which will help along the way.
Here is a list of the most frequently asked questions about wax
What is your most popular wax?
Nature Wax C3 100% Soy Wax is our most popular wax for Container Candles
Nature Wax Elite 300 is our most popular wax for Pillar Candles
What additives does NatureWax C3 have?
NatureWax C3 is an all Soy Wax, with only Soy based additives, so it is 100% soy based
What is the difference between Nature Wax C1 and Nature Wax C3?
NatureWax C3 is 100% Soy Wax - for containers
NatureWax C1 is 98% Soy Wax and 2% tropical blend (all natural) - for container & soy wax melts
Is Nature Wax in a block or flakes?
NatureWax C3 only comes in a flake form
Can I use NatureWax C3 for making melts?
NatureWax C3 is 100% soy, so being a soft wax we do not recommend using it for melts on it's own, we would suggest NatureWax Elite200, which is a Soy Palm blend.
If you really want to use Naturewax C3 in melts, then we you can add approx. 20% pillar wax to make it harder
How do I melt my wax?
Place the wax required into your aluminium/heat proof plastic pour pot
Half fill your double boiler/large saucepan with water and bring to the boil, when boiling lower the heat
Then fill the aluminium/plastic pour pot with your wax flakes or pieces and place your pour pot into the double boiler, hooking the handle over the edge, being carful not to get water in the wax
Stir and check the temperature of the wax regularly while the wax is melting
What temperature should I melt the C3 wax to?
Melt the C3 wax between 85 degrees and 92 degrees Celsius, do not exceed 92 degrees and do not boil the wax
How do I know how much wax to use?
This will depend on the volume of your container. For the jars that we sell, we have a guide that you can use on our website. It is called Container, Wax, Wicks & Fragrance Guide. You can find this in our Learning Centre under Candle Making or via this link Wax/Wicks/Fragrance Guide
To calculate the raw grams of soy wax required for scent free candles:
Multiply the container volume required by 0.912
To calculate the amounts when using fragrance:
(Volume of container in mls) x 0.912 = Total wax fill volume in grams
(Total wax fill volume in grams) x (% of fragrance required) = Fragrance volume per candle in grams
(Total wax fill volume in grams) - (Fragrance Volume in grams) = Total wax required in grams
Example: 225ml jar with 8% fragrance:
225ml liquid x 0.912 = 205.2g
205.2g x 8% = 16.42g fragrance
205.2g - 16.42g = 188.78g wax
THEREFORE 188.7g wax, plus 16.4g fragrance required for a 225ml jar
Can I melt my wax in the microwave?
We do not recommend melting your wax in the microwave, as it is difficult to monitor the temperature and the wax can be overheated at the point the microwaves intersect, while other parts will not. We recommend using the double boiler method, melting the wax in a pot over boiling water.
What temperature should I heat my C3 AND C6 wax to?
What temperature should I heat my C1 wax to?
WICKS
Selecting the right Wick can be quite involved for the first time candle maker, which is why we provide a comprehensive wick guide, which indicates our recommended wick for all our candle containers based on Naturewax C3 Soy Wax and 8% Fragrance loading. Please note if you are using different wax or fragrance loads then take our recommendation as a starting point for your testing
As mentioned above, there are multiple factors to consider when selecting the correct wick size, is it certainly no a "one size fits a'' situation, the key is having a good staring point and then rigorous testing to ensure you are achieving the right melt pool over the right time
How do I know what size wick to use?
The correct wick size depends on several factors, ie: the type of wax being used, the diameter of the candle jar & the fragrance load or additives used in the wax. The best place to start is by using our handy online guide that can be found in our Learning Centre on the website or via this link Container-Wax-Wicks-Fragrance-Guide .This guide can be bookmarked or downloaded & printed for your referecne and includes our recommendations for wick sizes across all our candle containers. Its important to note that correct wick sizing does require testing, as every candle maker's process and materials can vary. Therefore, its recommended to test burn batch of candles before scaling up to ensure the wick size is appropriate for your specific candle making process.
What is the difference between CDN Wicks and HTP Wicks?
CDN Wicks are manufactured Germany and HTP Wicks are manufactured in the US with both wicks made from cotton, pre-tabbed, waxed and are both zinc and lead free. There is a slight difference in the way that they braided, with the CDN wicks having a fine paper filament woven into the braid. CDN KST wicks also have a salt treatment to assist with the rigidity of the wick.
Why does my wick mushroom?
When a candle wick mushrooms, it means that the top of the wick has expanded and has created a "mushroom" shape. Always make sure the wick is trimmed before lighting to approx. 5mm, the wick is too large for the size of candle jar, the type of wax being used is too soft causing the wax to melt too quickly and creat a mushroom shap. - The candle being lit for loger that 3-4 hours. - The candle has additives or fragrances that are not compatible with the type of wick being used causing excess carbon buildup
How do I hold my wick in place?
To keep you wick centered, we suggest using a Stiffwicks Holders. https://www.candlesupply.com.au/collections/candle-making-wick-accessories/products/stiffwicks-wick-holders
What size/how do I trim my wicks?
For optimal results, your wick should be trimmed to 5mm before the initial burn of the candle and each time the candle is extinguished using a wick dipper.
A wick trimmer is a great way to trim your wick cleanly and avoid any wick particles falling into your candle, therefore providing a lasting and clean candle. - Wick Trimmers - See Here
Wick trimmers can also be used to trim wood wicks
What is your longest wick length, do you stock spool wicks
Our longest wick length is 20cm and we do not stock spool wicks
What size wick sustainer/wick sticker do I need
If you are using wicks CDN-12 and smaller the sustainers are small, if using wicks CDN-14 and over, the sustainers are larger.
Please note large sustainers with standed the standard lenths 12cm & 14cm - All 20cm lenths have larger sustainers.
Wick Stickers are nterchangeable, however if using wicks CDN-12 and smaller use a small wick sticker, if using wicks CDN-14 and over use a large wick sticker
How do I hold my wood wick in place
Precision Clips are used to hold your wood wick rigid, you can adhere the precision clips to your jar by using wick stickers
What size wood wick should I use
Our basic suggested wood wick guide for containers
- 45mm Dia. 2 x No2 wicks or 1 x No3
- 60mm Dia. 2 x No3 wicks or 1 x No4
- 75mm Dia. 2 x No4 wicks or 1 x No5
- 80mm Dia. 2 x No5 wicks or 1 x No6
Should I use one or two wood wicks
We suggest using two wood wicks in the one precision clip
The first wood wick creates the burn pool the second controls the flame size
Mixing 2 different size wood wicks can aid in achieving the required result - (Please note we highly recommend personal wick testing to ensure you get the appropriate wick for your candle.
Do your wood wicks crackle
Yes, our wicks crackle more so if you double wick
What size wick do I need for my beeswax candle
As we do not stock beeswax, we are unable to assist you with wick sizing (thou customers have advised you need to wick up when using beeswax)
FRAGRANCE
At Candle Supply we source our fragrance oils from large international Fragrance Companies, who's ability to supply and quality control processes are second to none. We have great long standing relationships with our suppliers who are US and Europe based, and continually support us with the development of new fragrances in line with global seasonal trends
Can you explain all the types of Fragrance and E-Oils you sell
Essential Oils Pure - are pure Essential Oils
Essential Oils Blend – are a blend of pure Essential Oils
Natural Fragrance Oils – are a blend of pure essential oils combined with a natural carrier oil.
Fragrance oils are made from synthetic materials and are specifically made and tested for candles and sops
Are your fragrance oils Phthalate free
All our fragrances are made to IFRA standards and are Phthalate free
Where are your fragrance oils from
Our fragrance oils are developed in the Europe and in the USA, and are high quality synthetic fragrances made to IFRA standards
What is the difference between Fragrance Oil and Diffuser Fragrance Oil
Fragrance Oil can be used in making Candles and by adding fragrance oil with reed base, you are able to make diffuser fragrance
Diffuser Fragrances are already blended for you, you do not need to add anything further.
Please note: Diffuser Fragrance cannot be used for making candles.
How will I know which fragrance oils are safe to use in my products?
Check the fragrance oil on our website for the following:
-Candle Safe
-Body Safe
-Soap Safe
If it does NOT indicate body safe or soap safe, it cannot be used for these applications.
Are your fragrance oils Natural?
Candle fragrance oils are made up of different synthetic materials to replicate the actual scent. They are not natural. However, we do sell natural fragrance oils that are natural that can be used for soap & candles as an option.
We also sell essential oils which are natural oils. Pure essential oils can be used with a lower dose in candles proximity 3%. Testing is a must and keep in mind some essential oils are quite volatile.
Can I blend different oils together?
Yes, Candle Supply sell a Perfurmers Pallet range,You can combine these fragrance oils together to create your own scent.
Alternatively, you can mix any scents together, however you need to do full burn testing to make sure they are compatible and you are happy with the fragrance performance in the candle.
Are your fragrance oils vegan
Our fragrance oils are synthetic, and contain no animal by-products
Are your essential oils organic
Our Essential Oils are not certified organic
Are your Essential Oils food grade
None of our essential oils / fragrance oils can be ingested, they are not food grade
Can I use your Essential Oils/ Fragrance Oils in lip balms
None of our oils are suitable to be used in products for the lips, our oils are not lip-safe
PACKAGING
At Candle Supply our catalog centres around a focused colour selection, with sizing covering most of our candle jars and diffuser products. This selection is kept focused to ensure we have the capacity to hold large volumes of stock, so our customers have access to the stock when they need it
How do I assemble your gift boxes
All our gift boxes come with an inner liner to provide rigitity and have a "crash lock" base
step 1. take the gift box and open the base slowly by pushing diagonally on the bottom cornners
step 2. push the opposite corners together with a quick motion to click the base into place (this is the crash lock)
step 3 when using a windowed box carefully straighten/fold the edges near the window, ensuring you dont rip them
step 4. finally fold the iner liner and fit it into the box remembering to leave the opening at the front when using windowed gift boxes
How do I assemble your diffuser gift boxes?
Here is a link to a guide with images to help you assemble the inner liner before placing it in the assembled gift box Click Here for guide
How do I fit the small tumblers to your Trio Gift Boxes
Here is a link to a guide with images to help you assemble the gift box, then inner liner and how to fit the small tumbler jars Click Here for guide
Note: the small tumbler jars will only fit into these trio Gift Boxes without the lids
SOAP MAKING
We stock a large range of soap bases from a very reputable supplier wh is based in the United Kingdom
KITS
We have a variety of Candle and Soap making kits, from very simple Beginner kits, to more comprehensive Beginner kits, all sold at a price which incorporate significant discounts on the individual item pricing
What is your most popular kit
Our two most popular kits are the
Candle Making Starter Kit and the Candle Making Beginner Kit
Both Kits are very economical and a great place to start your candle making journey
The main difference between the kits is the volume of jars being larger in the Starter Kit and this kit also comes with a 1 litre aluminium pour pot
}
Which wax is in your kits
Nature Wax C3 100% Soy Wax is in our kits
}