VMG Admin - Candleers

Diving into the world of candle making feels a lot like becoming a bit of a mad scientist, but instead of potions, you're mixing up some seriously awesome soy wax candles. Getting those candles just right, though, isn't always a walk in the park. It's more like a fun experiment where each little tweak—be it the type of wax, the size of the wick, or the amount of fragrance—can turn a simple candle into a masterpiece or a learning experience. Our last article discussed how to evaluate soy wax candles when you are creating a new recipe or formulation. We discussed the various factors to consider - and then thought that piece deserved a follow-up specifically about how to structure a testing protocol, which we've outlined below. So, how do you keep track of all these candle-making experiments and figure out which concoction is the golden ticket? That's where a solid testing protocol comes into play. Think of it as your recipe book for success, a way to systematically test out your candle creations to see which ones are ready to light up the world and which ones need a bit more mixing and melting. This guide is all about setting up your own candle testing lab (figuratively speaking), where every soy wax container candle gets its moment to shine—or not—based on how well it performs across a few key tests. It's the perfect blend of science and art, ensuring your candles not only smell good and burn right but also stand out as something special. Ready to get started? Let's light this candle! Creating a structured testing protocol will help you systematically evaluate your soy wax container candles for quality and performance. Here's a detailed testing protocol you can follow: Testing Protocol for Soy Wax Container Candles Materials Needed: Candle samples for testing Lighter or matches Ruler (to measure the melt pool depth) Scale (for weighing candles) Stopwatch or timer (for tracking burn time) Testing environment (consistent, draft-free room) Evaluation sheets or digital spreadsheet (for recording observations) Pre-Test Preparation: Label each candle with a unique identifier. Include details about the wax type, wick size, fragrance oil type and percentage, and container type. Weigh each candle before testing and record the initial weight. Ensure the wick is trimmed to approximately 1/4 inch before the first burn. Testing Phases: Phase 1: First Burn (Initial Quality and Burn Behavior) Light the candle and start the timer. Observe the initial lighting behavior, noting if the wick catches easily and how quickly a melt pool begins to form. After 4 hours, extinguish the candle. Note the following: Melt Pool Depth: Measure how deep the melt pool is at its deepest point. Evenness of Burn: Check if the melt pool has reached the edges of the container evenly. Wick Behavior: Look for any mushrooming, excessive soot, or if the wick has shifted. Allow the candle to cool completely before the next phase. Phase 2: Scent Throw Evaluation Cold Throw Assessment: Before relighting the candle, assess the cold throw by smelling the candle at a distance of about 6 inches. Rate the intensity and appeal of the fragrance. Hot Throw Assessment: Light the candle again and let it burn for 2 hours. Then, evaluate the hot throw in terms of distribution and intensity. Consider testing in a standard-sized room (e.g., 10x10 feet) for consistency. Phase 3: Continued Burn (Performance Over Time) Continue to burn the candle in increments of 4 hours, recording observations each time: Melt pool depth and evenness Wick behavior and any adjustments needed (trimming before each lighting) Soot production or any smoke Changes in fragrance intensity or quality Final Burn Time: Keep track of the total burn time until the candle can no longer be lit or burns out on its own. Phase 4: Post-Burn Evaluation Weigh the candle to calculate total wax consumed. Examine the container for any signs of damage or wear. Record any final observations regarding the candle's appearance, such as frosting or discoloration. Recording and Analysis: Use an evaluation sheet or spreadsheet to record all observations systematically. Include categories like burn time, melt pool characteristics, scent throw, and any anomalies. Analyze the data to identify trends and outliers. Pay special attention to candles that perform consistently well across multiple categories. Feedback Collection: If possible, distribute a few candles to friends or potential customers for feedback. Ask for their opinions on scent, burn quality, and overall experience. Final Steps: Review all collected data and feedback to identify the best-performing candle formulations. Consider any necessary adjustments based on your findings and test modified candles as needed. This protocol offers a comprehensive approach to evaluating your soy wax container candles. Consistent application of this testing protocol will help you refine your candle-making process and ensure a high-quality product for your business.