The Science of a Perfect Burn

A beautiful candle is more than fragrance and wax. Its burn quality is what determines how evenly it melts, how long it lasts, and how cleanly it performs. Understanding the science behind that burn gives you more control and elevates your candles from handmade to truly refined.

Every candle begins with the wick. Its thickness, shape, and fiber type affect how the flame behaves and how much wax is drawn upward. A wick that’s too small can tunnel, while one that’s too large may smoke or burn too hot. Temperature also plays a major role. Wax that is poured at too low a temperature can create sinkholes or rough tops; too high, and it may struggle to adhere to the vessel.

Fragrance load matters as well. A heavy scent can interfere with the burn if not balanced carefully with the wax type. Even airflow in the room impacts performance. These details may seem subtle, but together they determine whether a candle burns evenly from edge to edge, creates a smooth melt pool, and maintains a bright, steady flame.

In our digital booklet, we break down the variables behind the perfect burn, helping you diagnose issues, select the right wick size, and pour with precision. With a little practice, burn science becomes second nature—and your candles become consistently beautiful from the first light to the final flicker.