PURE BEESWAX VS.
PARAFFIN OR OTHER WAXES
Since nothing is added to our beeswax,
it is so important to pay attention to the instructions given with every candle you purchase from us.
Unlike paraffin, which is "oil-based",
and easy to burn, pure beeswax needs to be "tended" during it's burning process.
As you might know, paraffin candles are not made with large diameter
wicks. Next time you see one, check the wick out. Compare it to one of our beeswax candles. The wicks are
completely different. Paraffin candles have tiny wicks because paraffin has additives to help them burn without
needing a large wick to deliver the fuel (wax) for burning.
Beeswax, which has no additives such as our beeswax, burns best
using cotton wicks which are large diameter depending on the diameter of the candle and are braided.
At the bottom of this web page, is a picture of a candle flame.
This illustration shows what makes a candle burn and why the wick is important to match up to the type of fuel (wax) it burns.
WOW! THOSE CANDLES SURE HAVE FAT WICKS!
Almost all candle manufacturers use paraffin or some other additive
to beeswax to assist the beeswax to burn. Some do so because the type of wick used can be the type which
curls and is "self-trimming" .... sort of.
What I mean is that these self-trimming wicks don't tend
to get long and develop carbon balls on the end. They curl down as the candle burns.
Personally, I would rather use a wick which can be used for making
candles of 100% beeswax than to compromise that quality so that a self trimming cotton wicking can be used.
I guess it's all a matter of opinion, likes, dislikes, and
so on.
NEVER LEAVE A BURNING CANDLE UNATTENDED!
I doubt that there is any candle lover who hasn't seen those words before.
Actually, it means more than what you might think, especially when it comes to enjoying pure 100% beeswax candles.
All candles need some attention. Since beeswax is the only
wax I use, I can definitely say that paying attention to your beeswax candles as they are enjoyed burning is so
very important.
DON'T LEAVE ME ALONE IN THE DARK!
If left to it's own, the wick will become long and will begin to
basically "burn out". It just will not be effective and you may be surprised to find that the flame seems to be
dwindling. The bright light that beeswax candle once had in the beginning may not be as bright.
To keep that beautiful beeswax candle burning brightly, "tend" it by maintaining
it's wick. Keep the wick trimmed to between 1/4" and 1/2". And try to keep the candle from drafts,
if possible.
WHY IS MY CANDLE HARD TO RE-LIGHT?
I asked myself that question one night after I extinguished a candle
I made for myself. I trimmed the wick, and re-lit the thing. Two seconds later... maybe a few more ... the
candle went out. "What the ... ?" So, I re-lit it, began to walk away to my comfortable spot,
and ... out that candle went again! "OK.. What gives here ... "
Well, since I'm such a fussy candlemaker, I had to get to the bottom
of this.
I realized that I trimmed the wick too short, which really
isn't a big deal. Any candle lover knows that if you remove some wax around the base of the wick to expose new
wick, that the candle will light up easily. That's what I did.
But, the candle still didn't stay lit.
Looking at it again, I realized that I had allowed the unthinkable
to happen. First, I was not keeping the wick trimmed as necessary and that had allowed the exposed wick to get so burned
up that basically it didn't exist any more. I know this sounds a bit weird, but I'll explain.
It is a lot like a piece of wood in the fireplace turning to
ashes.
Well, sort of.
The wick was unable to stay "in touch" with the fuel, which is the
wax. So, without the wax as the fuel, the wick became it's own fuel source and basically burned itself out.
The only time this happens, and it is rare, is if a wick is not trimmed
as needed, or if it is trimmed too short. Also, when the fuel source or wax cannot come in contact with it because
it is basically burned up. All of these factors together causes the candle to go out, and go out, and go out again.
Easy to fix! Honest!
All that needs to be done is to first, remove wax around the
base of the wick to expose about 1/8" of new wick. Then, use a long fireplace match or a re-fillable long matchstick
or a lighter and keep the flame on the wick and on the wax to melt some of the wax away from the base
of the newly exposed wick. Only for about 5 -6 seconds.
It's as if nothing happened. The candle is restored to
it's bright and beautiful "self" once again.
OH, GOOD GRIEF. WHY EVEN BOTHER?
Ah, come on now. Do I really have to answer that question?
PILLAR CANDLES VS. TAPER CANDLES: which one needs a "well"?
Most-likely, you know the difference between the two. Pillar candles
have a diameter of 1-1/2" - up and Taper candles measure 1/2" to 1" in diameter.
Here is an important rule you may not be aware of:
For Pillars, it is very important that once lit, the
candle remains burning until a hot "well" of wax forms to the edge. For pure beeswax pillars, this could take up to
two hours, depending upon the diameter.
If you are thinking about lighting that beautiful beeswax pillar
candle, just remember that in order to keep it from developing that thick wall down the middle, you must keep it burning long
enough. If the candle does not burn long enough between burnings, a thick wall will form. That creates a
"tunnel" where the wick is. The wick down in the middle of this "tunnel" receives little or no oxygen. Without
ample oxygen, the fire or flame cannot exist.
So, rule for Pillars: Once lit, allow a hot well of wax to form to
the edge before extinguishing each time. And, as stated before: Keep that wick trimmed throughout the burning
process. And, no drafts please!
REGARDLESS OF EVERYTHING YOU HAVE READ HERE ABOUT BURNING & "TENDING"
100% PURE BEESWAX CANDLES ....
No candle
I have ever burned has ever come close to the beauty and pure light a pure beeswax candle provides no matter what.
This is especially important when the candle is produced correctly.
It is an art which I have worked on now over 15 years
and feel that I have perfected it as much as I can. But, mistakes can happen.
No one is perfect, especially me. Regardless of
how much time and effort goes into making every beeswax candle I sell, I stand behind every one. Please contact
me if you are unhappy with any of my candles. It is important for me to know so that I can make it right.
Email me, Dana Mumm, at paccrest@charter.net or give me a call at 831-688-0508 Thank you.
Oh, and by the way, it does my soul "good" to hear positive
feedback as well!
Basics of burning candles:
1. Keep out of a draft
2. Try, if possible, to keep candles out of bright light. This
tends to fade the color. It does not affect the burning of the candle, however.
3. Need I say it again? Keep that wick trimmed to between 1/4"
and 1/2"... give or take.
4. Never leave a burning candle unattended.
5. Always place a candle on a candle holder or holder which is
suited for candles.
6. TIP: Spray candle holder with
any non-stick cooking spray first. If candle does drip, the hardened wax slides right off. Easy clean up!
7. If you place candles on a nice table cloth, place clear plastic
on area where those candles are placed. Whenever candles, especially TAPER candles are burning, guests speaking
and waving hands as they visit might cause a draft. Your candles just may drip and you really don't want the wax on
your good table "stuff". (I know what you're thinking! Please don't keep those lovely candles in the drawer!
Use them! Enjoy them! The lovely light is well-worth your effort in placing a small amount of plastic down)
8. For Pillars: Once lit, allow a well of hot wax to form to the edge
each time. You do not want a thick wall to form around the edge of the candle.
I WAS TOLD QUITE A LONG TIME AGO:
Always light the candles you purchase.
It brings bad luck to buy them without at least keeping them lit for even two minutes. It is even
better if you light your candles and enjoy them every day! Pure beeswax candles bring joy, love, and calmness.
Please light those beeswax candles and enjoy!
SHOWN,
BELOW IS A PICTURE OF A CANDLE WITH "GOOD COMBUSTION"
IT ILLUSTRATES HOW A CANDLE BURNS:
