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Question: Why do some candles create "tunnel" when lit and others don't?

(Posted by: on 2012-02-07 12:03:16)

Is it the wick? the wax? the width/ size of the candle jar? ... im losing candles and i dont want to waste them. any ideas how to resolve this or save/ rescue candles?

Posted by: idaho_libertarian on 2012-02-07, 13:05:28

Its the wick size. It has to be the right size to make a flame big enough to create a wax pool all the way out to edges of the candle.

Posted by: ? on 2012-02-07, 12:10:13

Dripless candles of more than 2-inch diameter create hollows in their centers as they burn.

Posted by: Rat Catcher on 2012-02-07, 12:20:28

Joseph Jr. I used to earn a healthy side line living from making candles. I saw a lot of what you're seeing too. Still do. It's the wicks. One size *Doesn't* fit all. One needs to use a thicker wick with a thicker candle. *Why* so many 'candle makers' still try to save cents on the cost of thicker wicks, and just lose repeat sales because they sell crap that pisses people off? I'll never know. But, that's what's going on. Stearin, an additive to the petroleum wax used in most candles today, also helps a candle burn 'better'. Slower and more evenly. But, the right thickness of wick is the bottom line. If ye Buying candles that 'Tunnel'? Stop buying from that supplier. If ye Making them? Sort ye wicks out. Loads of defunct candle wax? Heh. Why not learn to make ye own? It's not difficult ~ bit messy, perhaps! But, what better way to get great candles that won't let ye down? Google + Local 'Craft / Hobby Shop' ye could end up with a nice little side line of ye own ;-)

Posted by: futrose on 2012-02-10, 13:12:03

Here is a good article that will help answer your question. uscandleco.wordpress.com/ 2012/ 02/ 10/ why-do-my-candles-tunnel-and-can-i-fix-them/ Basically they give 2 main reasons your candles tunnel. One is poor quality (the wrong wick size) and the other is not burning the candle long enough each time you light it. There is also a tip on how to fix them.