How to Test Soy Wax Candles - Tips from a Candle Expert | Bramble Berry

Before you start selling your candles, or making large batches of them, it’s a good practice to test all your materials together. A basic testing strategy can take a little work to set up initially, but it will save you time and huge headaches in the long run.
It’s crucial to test any new fragrance or variable you introduce (like a new container, candle dye, etc.) to your product and never assume that it will work perfectly. So how do you navigate the testing process?
🕯️ To read the entire article on testing your soy wax candles, visit our website here: bberry.studio/HowToTestSoyWax...
🕯️ Try out the new (paraffin-free) Coconut Soy Wax here: bberry.studio/Coconut_Soy_Wax
Timestamps:
00:00 - Intro
00:48 - Basic Testing Strategy
03:21 - Testing Your Core Materials
05:01 - Testing the Wicks
09:43 - Evaluating Your Wick Test
14:50 - Testing Your Fragrance Oils
19:48 - Scent Throw: Hot vs. Cold
22:18 - When Should You Retest?
23:30 - Final Recap
24:43 - Bloopers
🕯️ Bramble Berry Tips for Making Candles: www.brambleberry.com/tips-and...
🕯️ Basic Supplies for Making Candles: www.brambleberry.com/ingredie...
For the first test, we recommend not using fragrance oil. Once we have a better idea of what wick size you think will work best, you can retest with fragrance. For the first test, I would fill the container halfway with wax. This allows you to see how the candle will burn as the container insulates it further down.
Here's how to get accurate results during your wick test:
- Use a consistent container
- Sample 1-3 wicks from each brand you’d like to test
- Pour from the same batch of wax if possible, filling each container half full
- Allow the wax to cure for 1-2 days before lighting
- Burn the candles at the same time, but spaced at least 3” apart on a level surface and away from any windows or drafts.
- Set a timer (estimate 1 hour of burn time for each 1” in diameter)
When testing your fragrance, use these tips:
- If possible, pour all your test candles using the same batch of wax to eliminate any variation.
- Label your candle or use a sharpie to write on the bottom. You want to note the following:
- Wax type/blend ratio (if applicable)
- Percentage of fragrance used (we recommend that you test at 6%)
- Wick size and brand
- Allow your candle to cure for 3-5 days before the test burn
- If you’re testing multiple scents, we recommend spreading them out to different spaces in your home or with a friend.
- Light your test candle away from windows or drafts and make sure they are burning on a level, heat-resistant surface.
- Set a timer (remember, 1 hour per 1” in diameter)
- If the candle reaches a full melt pool during that time, move onto the next steps.
Once you’ve found the wick size that works most consistently with your desired wax blend and container, you still want to test every fragrance you plan to use! If your original baseline burn test was successful with more than one wick size in your chosen brand/wick type, then test both with your fragrance to determine what works best.
Always test at the lower end of a usage rate so you don't waste fragrance. Heavier fragrances (high flashpoint) or those containing vanillin often need a larger wick to draw the fragrance up, as does soy wax. If you’re not getting good hot throw, it’s often due to the wick size rather than usage rate. Some fragrances simply won’t perform well in candles, particularly in waxes with a high melting point. Many essential oils, citrus oils, and herbal oils can produce an off-putting diesel or camphor-type smell when burned. Some menthol and camphor oils can be toxic when burned, or irritate small animals and people with asthma.
We tested every Bramble Berry fragrance for candle compatibility and rated their hot throw. Scent preferences are personal, so your own results may vary depending on the materials used, but hopefully this gives you an idea of what to expect when working with these fragrances.
Knowing when to retest usually comes down to knowing your materials and process. If you’re confident in your baseline test, you shouldn’t have to retest more than once or twice to know if a new component like a dye, fragrance, etc. is going to work.
🕯️ To read the entire article on testing your soy wax candles, visit our website here: bberry.studio/HowToTestSoyWax...
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Recipes, Tips & Inspiration: bberry.studio/IntheStudio_Pro...
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[@bramble-berry]

🕯 Thanks for watching! You can read more about how to test soy wax candles on our website here: bberry.studio/HowToTestSoyWaxCandles 🕯 Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro 00:48 - Basic Testing Strategy 03:21 - Testing Your Core Materials 05:01 - Testing the Wicks 09:43 - Evaluating Your Wick Test 14:50 - Testing Your Fragrance Oils 19:48 - Scent Throw: Hot vs. Cold 22:18 - When Should You Retest? 23:30 - Final Recap 24:43 - Bloopers If you have any questions, feel free to contact our customer service team at [e-mail] or 877-627-7883 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. PST, Monday-Friday. You can also live chat with customer service on BrambleBerry.com from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. PST, Monday-Friday. Shop Bramble Berry: bberry.studio/_ShopBrambleBerry Recipes, Tips & Inspiration: bberry.studio/IntheStudio_Projects Facebook: facebook.com/BrambleBerry Instagram: instagram.com/brambleberry/ Twitter: twitter.com/brambleberry TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@brambleberry Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/brambleberry/

[@malena7362]

If you start testing in the halfway point should you still reach a full melt pool in the same amount of time depending on the size of jar?

[@vaniaguillen9718]

This video is showing me how bad some of the "store brand" candles that I have are. Sooting, check. Mushrooming, check. Yellow discoloration, check. Maybe it's time to start making my own candles.

[@karycase7572]

I spend way too much on soy candles

[@studioknit]

I love all the Bramble Berry products and great project ideas. Handmade candles are so perfect for thoughtful holiday gifts.

[@drensh5665]

I'm really happy for this video. My aunt and I live in Jamaica and we have just decided to start a candle making business and we have been wanting a video like this. Thanks for sharing and we will definitely post our candles for you to see.

[@linxx08]

So glad there is more candle info on FO product pages! My fave Bramble Berry fragrance in candles is Blueberry Thyme.

[@paradisefoundasmr]

What a wonderful review!! I haven’t attempted candle making, and it honestly scares me with all the variables, but following along with this and taking notes has left me feeling way more confident!! I think I’m ready to start shopping for wicks and containers now!! 😃

[@dwanngriffin1455]

Thanks BB & London for sharing so much great info with us!

[@cliviascreations]

Every time you come I am learning so much! Thank you, My Palo Santo Patchouli candles discolored to green!!!

[@bebegrrl1]

London is one of my favorite Bramble Berry testers! I really enjoyed this video, thanks BB!

[@greekozygirl599]

Does London have a YT channel?

[@stancexpunks]

Been waiting on a video explaining the different components of candle making! Can you make another video going more in depth on wicks and waxes?

[@renegirardi6624]

This is very informative and explanatory. Thank you.

[@MariaNyceDesigns]

Great & informative video, full of candle making checkpoints! Thanks so much for sharing your expertise!!! Hugs!

[@jking5540]

You are an awesome teacher. Thank you.

[@patienceyusuf8036]

Thank you very much for this video and load of knowledge ❤

[@anastasialozytska5451]

Thank you! This was very helpful!

[@kingdomchild03]

So true! I have experienced tunnelling a few times.

[@belhelviechurch3545]

Fantastic tutorial - really clear and helpful. Many thanks.

[@bramble-berry]

You're very welcome!

[@fredziffle5219]

👍Good info, thanks for posting

[@arob9490]

Thank you for the informative video. If I am testing a coconut/soy blend candle without fragrance, how long do I need to let it cure before testing?

[@julianbrinkmann6408]

Thank you.

[@arthurskye]

Awww no wonder particle goods looks sooo good..

[@maritime_flowers]

The video has awesome tips however is there an equation for net weight of wax for which thickness of wick? Just trying to understand different thickness of wicks in my varying jar sizes. I do like to use wood wicks better so are they more universal? Thanks!

[@malena7362]

If you start testing in the half way point should you still reach a full melt pool in the same amount of time ?

[@powerinnaturealinaf.muntea8878]

How long should we leave candles In between burns? I feel that if I only leave 4h time, the second burn is not as powerful in terms of hot throw. Opinions? Thanks

[@101kurtj]

I see a lot of the issues mentioned in store bought candles.

[@norhanali2921]

Please diy a gold & silver metallic candle

[@ramonastefanova6152]

Do the wax expands after cooled?

[@samragimadan1708]

Hi , how successful are soy bubble candles, mine completely melt in 3 hrs and the wax scatters completely, is there a way to help them sustain longer, plz advise coz they look adorable and i want to make them work

[@bramble-berry]

We haven't heard of making Soy Bubble candles before. Our customer service team may be able to assist you though if you reach out via our chat or webform through our website, www.brambleberry.com

[@user-kl6ez2cx8b]

I am new to making candles and curious to know. When testing your candles, do you buy specific glass jars for testing?

[@bramble-berry]

We suggest using the same jars that you would like to sell your final product in.

[@autumn.frost1286]

I’ve noticed that during my wick testing, certain brands and types of wicks mushroom a lot more than others even if every other part of the candle burn is perfect and even. I thought this was just a cosmetic issue more present with certain wicks, but is this actually problematic for my candles?

[@bramble-berry]

Are you making sure you trim your wicks to 1/4 inches before burning? If so, it sounds like you might need to try out some different wick sizes!

[@yolandalopez9197]

❤

[@debradowner8761]

"Raging inferno" hahahha

[@mahaveerindra]

Hi, thanks for good info. Can u tell me how to check the quality of soywax? Like, its purity.. Thank you

[@bramble-berry]

For technical document information, you're welcome to email [e-mail] and our team can assist you.

[@mahaveerindra]

@@bramble-berry no, am not asking ur products. I asked generally.

[@lehcar19991]

How do you know how much wax to use if you not filling up all the way

[@bramble-berry]

After zeroing out your scale, you can fill the container up with water to the capacity you'd like to fill with wax and weigh it to get an estimate on how many ounces wax the container can hold

[@LizzieWestBathandBody]

My Biggest concern is Vessel explosion as we have seen with Gwenth Paltrows candle line, huge glass and wax explosions and fires. Granted this is done by a supplier ( White Label supplier and fulfillment) and Liability insurance only goes so far. It worries me. You have only used 1 type of glass here, and you have not shown a range. I understand the guidance here the vessel glass is scary if it was a blown or injected part then we could at least be guided by the triangle ( Ie HDPE 5) Maybe the Industry can change that sure would help with safety, Hot wax, Flames, Shards of Glass YIKES! Thanks for this great share and good information.

[@wandarortiz23]

What is the best wick for 8oz containers?

[@malena7362]

Did you figure it out?

[@wandarortiz23]

@@malena7362 no really, still trying different wicks. I have been using wood wick I think they are less complicated than cotton

[@manorhouse3556]

How long did the fragrance candles cure before testing?

[@ASMRFROSTYBLISS]

I don’t see the wax your using on the site

[@bramble-berry]

You can find it with this link: bberry.studio/Coconut_Soy_Wax

[@rosabiasi6715]

Si possono acquistare le fraganze

[@bramble-berry]

Yes, our fragrances can be ordered on our website! www.brambleberry.com

[@jamieiacoli6458]

She said "post covid." lol

[@waynegross2113]

Yikes, love Brambleberry!!! Hate this wax is in a bag!!! Nope don't want to fuss with a bag and Im a stickler for melting wax in my presto pot. I think microwaves are horrible for the integrity of natural products! Sorry Charlie, but I'm old school! I wish Brambleberry would reconsider packaging this in slabs, pellets,, anything but in a bag where the wax has been liquified and put in a bag to have to liquefy again to be poured into something else. That's a huge hassle and not great for time scheduling. Sorry BB, you missed the boat here.

[@najamaja271]

Pls makke arabic translation

[@studioknit]

I love all the Bramble Berry products and great project ideas. Handmade candles are so perfect for thoughtful holiday gifts.