Glossary
When you are starting out, it is important to quickly learn the main terms and expressions used in the world of candle making. This will allow you to quickly learn some basic concepts. It is equally important to find out about the equipment you need before anything else. This allows you to assess the starting costs. Accessories are essential to facilitate your comfort and accelerate your manufacturing progress.
A
Additive:
An ingredient added to wax to improve specific properties, such as burn time, heat resistance, fragrance diffusion quality, or wax texture.
B
Bain-marie:
A method of gently heating wax by placing it in a container immersed in another filled with boiling water, ensuring a controlled melting process without direct heat exposure.
Burn rate:
The amount of wax a candle consumes per hour while burning, typically measured in grams per hour (g/h), influenced by wax type, wick size, and additives.
Burn time/duration:
The total time a candle can burn before fully extinguishing, determined by wax weight, burn rate, and wick size, often indicated by the manufacturer.
C
Capillarity:
The phenomenon by which wax rises in the wick, fueling combustion by drawing molten wax upwards.
Candle:
A long and tapered wax object, commonly found in places of worship, created by dipping or molding techniques.
Candle holder:
A low support designed to hold candles securely in place.
Candle maker:
An artisan who crafts candles using various techniques and materials.
Candlestick:
A holder for tall, tapered candles, often used for decorative purposes.
Capillarity:
The process by which wax travels up the wick to support the combustion of the candle.
CMR:
Carcinogenic, mutagenic, or reprotoxic substances that can be present in fragrance compositions but are typically in such low quantities (less than 1%) that they pose minimal health risks while still contributing to the scent profile.
Cold casting:
A method of producing candles by pouring melted wax into a cooled mold, allowing it to solidify without additional heat.
Container/poured candle:
A type of candle created by pouring melted wax into a container, often glass or ceramic, frequently scented for ambiance and decoration.
Crystallization:
The formation of crystals on the surface of a candle due to changes in temperature or an excess of fragrance, impacting texture and appearance.
D
Diameter:
A measurement of the width of a candle or container, influencing burn characteristics and wax distribution.
Demolding:
The process of removing a solidified candle from its mold, often requiring care to prevent damage.
DIY:
"Do It Yourself" – crafting your own candles at home using raw materials such as wax, wicks, and fragrances.
E
Essential oil:
A natural, aromatic compound extracted from plants, used to scent candles but typically less concentrated and less long-lasting than synthetic fragrances.
F
Floating candle:
A small, molded candle designed to float on water, adding a decorative touch to tablescapes or events.
Fusion pool/swimming pool:
The area of liquid wax surrounding the wick on the surface of a burning candle, important for ensuring even burn and fragrance diffusion.
G
Gel candle:
A type of candle made from paraffin gel, known for its translucent appearance and ability to hold decorative elements suspended within the gel.
H
Height:
The vertical distance of a candle, affecting its burn time and decorative presence.
Hot filling:
A technique where wax is poured at high temperatures into molds or containers, ensuring a smooth surface and even cooling.
Hurricane candle:
A type of large candle designed to provide heat and light, often used outdoors or in hurricane lamps to protect the flame from wind.
L
Lantern:
A protective enclosure for a candle or lamp, shielding the flame from wind while diffusing light.
M
Marbling:
A decorative technique used in candle making to create a swirling pattern of colors on the candle's surface.
Massage candle:
A candle made with skin-safe waxes and oils that, when melted, can be applied to the skin for massage, offering both warmth and hydration.
Molded/pillar candle:
A rigid, often cylindrical candle created using a mold, typically unscented and used for decorative purposes.
Mushroom formation:
The buildup of carbon on the wick after prolonged burning, which can cause uneven burning and should be trimmed to maintain optimal performance.
N
No definition for this letter.
O
Operating/pouring temperature:
The temperature at which wax is poured into molds or containers, ensuring a smooth finish and proper fragrance dispersion.
P
Paraffin:
A common type of wax derived from petroleum, known for its ability to hold and diffuse scents effectively in candle making.
Perfume/fragrance/scent/perfume oil:
A liquid substance used to impart a specific scent to candles, derived from natural or synthetic sources.
S
Scented melts/pebbles:
Small, wickless pieces of wax infused with fragrance, designed to be melted in a burner to release their scent.
Sculpted candle:
A candle made by dipping it multiple times in wax layers, which are then carved to create intricate patterns and designs.
Stearic acid/stearin:
A natural fatty acid used as a hardener in candle wax, improving burn time and ensuring the candle holds its shape.
R
Rolling mill:
A tool used to smooth and level the surface of a candle after pouring, removing air bubbles and creating an even finish.
T
Tea light candle:
A small, round candle typically encased in aluminum or plastic, used for decorative purposes and known for its long burn time despite its size.
Tealight holder:
A small container, usually made of metal or glass, designed to hold a tealight candle and protect the surface from heat.
Tunnel effect:
The phenomenon where a candle burns with a central hole, often caused by an undersized wick or overly hard wax, leading to wasted wax and uneven burning.