Understanding Candle Curing: A Comprehensive Guide for Candle Making
Reading Time: 7 minutes If you’re new to candle making, you might be wondering what curing is and why it’s so important. Better yet, what is my candle cure time? The truth is that different waxes require different curing times in order to perform at their best. While there’s no debate that curing is essential, the amount of time a candle needs can vary depending on several factors. In this blog post, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about candle curing so that you can make your own beautiful, fragrant candles at home.
Candle Curing and the science behind it
Once you pour a candle, two things happen: first the wax hardens into something that looks and feels like putty (a semi-solid), then fragrance oil ābindsā with it. Lets take a closer look!
The wax hardening process
Waxes can be one of the more confusing components to discuss when it comes down how candles work. For example, some waxes like soy continue to harden their entire life because they’re polymorphic – meaning there are many crystal forms in which each individual molecule resides; this gives them an advantage over regular vegetable oils that only have one form (a liquid).
The fragrance binding process
The second major component of candle curing is binding fragrance oil to the wax. Many makers assume mixing creates a new substance, but this isn’t true; it merely combines two previously separate substances–wax and fragrances oils-into one cohesive unit that’s often called “cured.” Fragrance molecules are trapped within cooling crystals while turning into solids at room temperature (or below). The result smells fantastic!
Why is curing candles necessary?
To make the most of your candles, you should know how long they need to cure before use. There are three items curing impacts: scent throw; hardness/stiffness (how much force will break one); and whether or not a candle can be used for its intended purpose – all said and done there’s no right answer here! Lets look at each of these criteria, and what they mean.
Scent throw
One person’s idea of strong scent might be anotherās light aroma. The way a smell smells can depend on the individual and what they are used to, which is why it often varies from person-to-person when someone asks for opinions about scents!
Most people judge a candle entirely on the scent throw given by its first burn. The results for this vary wildly depending upon what kind of wax has been used and who created it, but if you want your creations to last longer than just one single evening (or even day!) then try curing them before burning!
Candle hardness and curing
A lot of the candle making community believes that most hardening occurs within 14 days, but changes like these continue for weeks or months after pouring as well! More stable waxes like paraffin donāt vary quite so much – usually only about 24 hours between iterations on designs if you’re working quickly with different techniques (and there can be many!)
One of the most common mistakes that new candle makers do is burning their candles before they have finished curing. This can cause all sorts problems with a pour! Especially if you are trying different methods!
Is my candle curing done?
Does your candle pass all safety tests? Are the cold and hot throws appropriately strong, with no cause for concern when you burn it for an extended period of time?Some candle makers get so caught up in making their scents that they forget to truly test them out before releasing products onto shelves or websites!
No matter how well a candle performs in other areas, it still needs to have good scent throw. Candle testing can be time consuming and difficult but the results are worth waiting for!
What’s the correct candle cure time?
The general consensus among candle makers is that longer cure times are better. This may be because most people burn their candles irregularly, leaving them un-burned for weeks at a time; this can lead to premature burning and thus safety issues with certain wicks depending on what type you use. That said there’s no one set recommended length – each wax and container will have its own unique requirements when it comes down how fast they cure.
| Wax Type | Suggested Cure time |
|---|---|
| Soy | 10 – 14 days |
| Parrafin | 3 – 4 days |
| Parasoy | 8 – 10 days |
| Beeswax | 7 – 10 days |
| Coconut | 14+ days |
| Palm | 10 days |
As you make more candles and get better at predicting the perfect cure time for your situation, your success will be assured!
Concluding Advice
It’s easy to get discouraged when making candles. Patience pays off when youāre looking into how long your design can last before burning out!
Candle making is an art, but it’s also patience. Most candle makers would prefer shorter cure times because they’re impatient – after all we want our candles burning as soon as possible! But in reality, most of the time your creations won’t be burning within 24 hours regardless if you use a longer or quicker method; even worse than that these beautiful handmade items tend to suffer from shelf life issues too- so keep this mind when designing for their longevity while still producing something great at first sight (like many successful designs do).
FAQ
Q: What is candle curing and why is it important in candle making?
A: Candle curing is the process in which the candle wax hardens after a candle is poured. It is essential in candle making as the process allows for the wax and fragrance to properly bind together, leading to an optimal burn and fragrance throw when the candle is lit.
Q: How long does it take for a soy wax candle to cure?
A: A soy wax candle typically requires 1 to 2 weeks to fully cure. The exact amount of curing time can depend on factors such as the size and type of candle, as well as the wax and fragrance used.
Q: What is the difference between soy and paraffin candles in terms of their curing process?
A: The primary difference is the curing time. Paraffin candles generally take less time to cure, usually within a few hours to days. Soy candles, on the other hand, may require up to two weeks to fully cure. This is because soy wax is a harder wax compared to paraffin wax.
Q: How does the size of the candle and wick affect the curing process?
A: The size of the candle and wick can affect the amount of time the candle needs to cure. A larger candle or a thicker wick may require a longer curing time to ensure the candle wax hardens thoroughly and the fragrance oil is properly absorbed.
Q: Why should I use a lid during the candle curing process?
A: Using a lid during the candle curing process helps to keep out dust, maintain the scent and assist in the curing process. It is especially recommended for container candles as it can help avoid damage to the wax surface.
Q: Can I speed up the curing process in candle making?
A: While certain methods like increasing room temperature are thought to speed up the curing process, it’s generally recommended to allow the candle to cure naturally. Rushing the process could lead to issues such as uneven hardening or a less effective scent throw.
Q: Are there other types of wax used in candle making apart from soy and paraffin?
A: Yes, apart from soy and paraffin, wax types utilized in candle making include beeswax, gel wax, and even coconut candle wax. Each type of wax has its own unique properties, including differences in the melt pool, fragrance throw, and curing times.
Q: What happens if I add too much fragrance oil during the candle making process?
A: Adding too much fragrance oil can interfere with the curing process. It may cause issues such as the wax not hardening correctly or the candle sweating oil. It’s essential to add the correct quantity of fragrance oil according to the type and amount of wax used to ensure a well-cured candle.
Q: Can I use wax melts to make candles at home?
A: Yes, wax melts can be used in the process of making candles at home. They need to be melted down, combined with a wick, and allowed to harden in a container in much the same way as traditional candle wax. Just like any other candles, they also need to go through the curing process.
Q: How do I know when my candle is cured?
A: As a candle cures, its external appearance can change, often becoming a bit cloudy or frosted. One sign that your candle is fully cured is that it becomes entirely solid and no longer leaves any residue on your finger when touched. It’s also recommended to wait until the maximum curing time has passed to ensure the candle is as cured as possible.
