Where to start
A candle is a simple thing. The flame melts wax, the wick draws the liquid wax up, and the heat turns it into vapor that burns. Almost every problem people have with candles, from black smoke to a deep hole down the middle, comes from that balance going wrong. The guides below explain the balance and what to do when it slips.
Know your wax
Paraffin, soy, beeswax, coconut and blends: where each comes from and how it behaves when it burns.
Understand the wick
What wicks are made of, why size matters, and how to trim one before every burn.
Burn it well
The first burn, how long to keep a candle lit, and how to put it out without spattering wax.
Stay safe
Clearances, holders, children, pets and power cuts, with links to official fire-safety advice.
Pick a scent
Scent families that suit each room, and how big a candle each space needs.
Make your own
A first container candle with a double boiler, a thermometer and a kitchen scale.
Read the melt pool
The pool of liquid wax under the flame tells you most of what you need to know about a candle. Each diagram below is a cut-away view of the same jar in a different state. Green means the candle is burning well, honey means it needs a small fix, and charcoal means it is time to stop.
First burn, first hour
The pool has reached the middle of the jar. Keep the candle lit until the melted wax touches the glass all the way around.
Full melt pool
A shallow pool runs edge to edge. This is the shape to aim for on the first burn and on every burn after it.
Tunneling
Short burns left a well down the middle and a wall of hard wax around it. The wall wastes wax and can drown the wick.
Wick too long
A tall, flickering flame gives off dark smoke and blackens the glass. Put it out, let it cool and trim the wick.
Trimmed wick
About 1/4 inch of wick gives a steady, teardrop flame with little or no smoke.
Drowning wick
A tiny flame sits low in a deep pool. Put it out, let the wax harden, then scrape a little wax away from the wick.
Time to stop
About 1/2 inch of wax is left. Stop here, because the base of the jar can get hot enough to crack or scorch what it sits on.
The burn care guide covers the good states in more detail, and the troubleshooting page explains how to fix tunneling, soot and a drowning wick.
Five habits for every candle
- Trim the wick to about 1/4 inch before you light it.
- Let the first burn go on until the melted wax reaches the edge of the container.
- Keep the candle about 12 inches from anything that can catch fire.
- Put it out before you leave the room or go to sleep.
- Stop using a container candle when about 1/2 inch of wax is left.
Fire safety first. Our candle safety page sums up the common advice, but the official word comes from fire-safety bodies such as the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the U.S. Fire Administration, and from your local fire department.
Common questions
Which wax is best?
There isn't a single best wax. Each one has trade-offs in look, scent, softness and how it burns. The wax types guide sets them side by side so you can choose for the job.
Do you sell candles?
No. Candle Barn Guide is an information site. We don't sell candles, wax or supplies, and we don't recommend brands. See the about page for more.
Why does my candle smoke?
Usually the wick is too long, or the candle sits in a draft. Put it out, let it cool, trim the wick and move it somewhere still. The troubleshooting page has more causes.