Candle Making (Tea Lights)

[shazzer]

I had a little Beeswax to spare recovered from unneeded frames. So made some Tealights, I filtered the wax and made the candles all went well tried a couple of different sizes of wick. They burn quite well for about 10 to 15 mins then the flame gets so tiny it almost goes out. Is there anything else I should be doing eg. refining the wax more, using a certain type of wick or leaving to cure or set for longer? I am using the polycarbonate Tealight containers and have used both pre waxed wick with retainers and also retainers with thicker wick and beeswax.

 

[Erichalfbee]

It sounds like your wick isn't thick enough.
I make lots of Tealights and I a made a lot of practice ones.
Beeswax wicks are the ones to use

 

[shazzer]

It sounds like your wick isn't thick enough.
I make lots of Tealights and I a made a lot of practice ones.
Beeswax wicks are the ones to use

Thanks Ericha, what size wicks are you using please?

 

[chrisb]

you need to try a couple of sizes bigger than you are using.
some state there sizes in lettering ie ax bx etc or traditional sizing as per the weave of the wick Ie 3/6 3/10 etc

in traditional sizing a 3/10 is the usual, but wax vary s especially a natural wax like bees wax, what size works for one might not quite work for another

 

[enrico]

Yep, a sure case of the wick becoming flooded. Beeswax candles need wicks approx twice the size of paraffin candles. You have to play with it if you add paraffin flakes
E

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

It sounds like your wick isn't thick enough.

story of my life

 

[Erichalfbee]

Thanks Ericha, what size wicks are you using please?

I use 4Candles.co.uk
http://www.4candles.co.uk/candle-making-wick/waxed-tealight.html

WickWell NT Wick in size NT23 or NT26. They do sample packs so you can experiment.

 

[Eyeman]

What depth of tea light are people using.
Noticed some on ebay for 5p each but only 1cm deep.
thanks

 

[shazzer]

I use 4Candles.co.uk
http://www.4candles.co.uk/candle-making-wick/waxed-tealight.html

WickWell NT Wick in size NT23 or NT26. They do sample packs so you can experiment.

Thanks Ericha will melt them all down and have a go with a thicker wick.

 

[shazzer]

What depth of tea light are people using.
Noticed some on ebay for 5p each but only 1cm deep.
thanks

I purchased this kit although the retainers and polycarbonate cups were good the wicks are not suitable.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00EPF6HY4/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1