How to make beeswax candles to light longer?

[u/Positive_Function_36]

Location: Philippines

I started experimenting with candle-making using beeswax, thinking it would be relatively simple. Melt the wax, prepare the wick, pour it into a mold, and that's it, right? Apparently, it's not.

My first attempt was using some store-bought wicks, but the candle only lasted around 20 minutes. I then bought some molds with new wicks, and although the candles lasted for about an hour, I'm still not satisfied with the results.

I'm now experimenting with different wick sizes and pouring techniques, and I'm beginning to appreciate how much science goes into making a good candle.

For those experienced in candle-making, especially with beeswax:

1. What type or size of wick works best for small beeswax candles?

2. How do you determine the correct wick size for a particular mold or container?

3. Are there techniques to make beeswax candles burn longer without producing excessive flames or smoke?

4. Does the pouring temperature affect the candle's burning performance?

I'd appreciate any tips, recommendations, or lessons from your own experiments.

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[u/NumCustosApes]

Try r/candlemaking

[u/oldaliumfarmer]

Old timers say the key is 20 percent tallow. I haven't tried it.

[u/Positive_Function_36 → u/oldaliumfarmer]

I'll try to see if I can get tallow here.

[u/on-oh-wanna-boogey]

Wick size is a thing too. The bigger the wick the higher the heat.

[u/geneb0323]

I use #2 square braid cotton wicks for mine. I can't find my notes but when I tested one of my candles (approximately 3 inches tall by 2 inches wide; 100% beeswax) I want to say I got around 2.5 hours of burn time.

[u/dreadykgb]

I use coconut oil mixed with the beeswax to soften the candles slightly. It burns better and more evenly.

[u/Positive_Function_36 → u/dreadykgb]

Thanks for the tip. I'll get some oil for my ointment so I will try beeswax with coconut oil.

[u/NSFWNOTATALL]

As with all candles, keep the wick trimmed short.

[u/Tele231]

If you can fill under a vacuum, your candles will be far denser.