7 Candle Making LIES That Somehow Keep Spreading

Summary

In this informative video, Wade from Black Taii Barn debunks seven common myths about candle making, emphasizing the balance between art and science in the craft. He clarifies that adding more fragrance doesn't necessarily enhance scent throw and can cause issues, explains that all waxes can soot and it's not a sign of wax quality, and advises that candles can expire over time. Wade also dispels the belief that expensive materials guarantee better products and counters the myth that a full melt pool on the first burn is essential. He warns about the safety of using essential oils in candles and separates the concepts of cold and hot throw, stressing the importance of truth and experience in candle making.

Takeaways

• 🎨 Candlmaking involves a blend of art and science, with room for creativity but not for misinformation.
• ❌ The belief that 'more fragrance equals stronger scent throw' is a common myth; higher fragrance loads don't always enhance scent throw and can cause issues.
• 🌿 The statement 'soy wax doesn't soot, only paraffin wax does' is false; all waxes can produce soot under certain conditions.
• 🕒 Candles can expire over time, especially those with natural or organic components, affecting their appearance, scent, and performance.
• 💸 Expensive materials don't necessarily equate to better quality candles; value is subjective and should be determined through testing and personal experience.
• 🛡️ Not all essential oils are safe for candle making due to their flammability and potential to produce toxic fumes when burned.
• 🔥 A full melt pool on the first burn is not a requirement for all candles and can sometimes indicate an over-wicked candle.
• 🌬️ Cold throw and hot throw are distinct; a candle with a strong cold throw doesn't guarantee a strong hot throw, and vice versa.
• 📚 As a candle maker, it's crucial to avoid myths, stick to facts, and learn from personal experiences to ensure success in the craft.

Q & A

What is the main focus of Black Taii Barn according to the video?

The main focus of Black Taii Barn is candle making, candle business education, and selling supplies and other materials to help candle makers, whether they are hobbyists or business owners.

Why is adding more fragrance oil to a candle not always the best way to increase scent throw?

Adding more fragrance oil can introduce burn issues, wicking problems, and clog the wick, which can inhibit scent throw. It can also lead to mushrooming or carbon buildup on the wick, affecting the candle's performance. Moreover, there's a point of diminishing returns where adding more fragrance oil doesn't improve results but increases cost and waste.

What is the myth about soot and wax types that the video aims to dispel?

The myth that soy wax doesn't soot and paraffin wax is the only wax that soots is incorrect. All candles and waxes can soot, and it's not strictly due to the wax type but can be influenced by factors like fragrance oil, wick type, burning practices, and environmental conditions.

Can candles expire, and if so, what factors might contribute to this?

While most candles are fine for several years, some with natural organic blends can degrade, discolor, or go rancid. Factors contributing to this include exposure to sunlight, UV light, extreme temperature changes, and the nature of the fragrance oils used.

What is the relationship between the cost of materials and the quality of candle products?

More expensive materials do not necessarily equate to better quality products. High costs can be due to marketing, trends, or demand, and not always due to the quality or performance of the material. It's important to test materials to determine their value and suitability for one's candle making needs.

Why is it a myth that candles should get a full melt pool on the first burn?

A full melt pool on the first burn is not a universal requirement and depends on the jar, wax type, and other factors. Over-wicking and improper burning can occur if a full melt pool is achieved too quickly, and some waxes will naturally catch up as they burn down.

Are all essential oils safe for candle making?

Not all essential oils are safe for candle making. Some have low flash points and can be flammable or produce toxic fumes when burned. It's crucial to test essential oils in candle making to ensure safety and efficacy.

What is the difference between cold throw and hot throw, and why are they not always related?

Cold throw refers to the scent strength of a candle when it's not lit, while hot throw refers to the scent strength when the candle is burning. They are not always related because the properties of the wax and fragrance oil can change when heated, affecting how the scent disperses in the air.

How can one avoid falling for myths in candle making and ensure they are making informed decisions?

To avoid myths in candle making, one should stick to facts, learn from experiences, and not base decisions on false information. It's important to test different materials and methods to understand what works best for one's specific candle making needs.

What resources does the speaker offer for those interested in candle making education?

The speaker offers educational resources on the Black Taii Barn website, including information on fragrance oils and other supplies, as well as free resources for learning more about candle making.