Tunnel effect in candles: what it is and how to prevent it from happening.

For artisans like us, tunneling is both a challenge and an opportunity to better understand the science behind candle burning.

Tunneling, often seen as an imperfection, occurs when a candle does not burn uniformly, leaving a path of unmelted wax around the flame/wick. This effect can deepen each time the candle is lit, decreasing burning efficiency and resulting in wasted wax.

The quality/composition of the wax and the diameter of the wick contribute significantly to this effect, as do the environment where the candle is lit and the duration of the candle's burn time.

Low-quality waxes or inadequate wicks can lead to uneven burning.

Drafts or the candle not being left lit long enough to completely melt (pool) on the first burn can intensify this effect.

Therefore, it is essential to allow the candle to burn long enough the first time to create a "pool" of melted wax that reaches the edges of the container. This sets a pattern for subsequent burns, helping to prevent tunneling and ensuring a more uniform burn throughout the candle's lifespan.

Compared to industrial candles, handmade candles often exhibit less wax waste. Our meticulous attention to material selection and production techniques helps maximize wax burning, significantly reducing tunneling and providing a more efficient and sustainable experience.

 

 

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The best way to test our scents. This set consists of 6 candles, 15g each. With the purchase of the Aromatic Discovery Set, we offer a €10 coupon to use later on the purchase of a 250g scented candle.

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