Candle-Making Dictionary

A substance that causes a candle to burn faster or hotter than intended. This usually happens when too much fragrance oil or an incompatible additive is used. Accelerants can create oversized flames, overheating, or unsafe burn conditions.

Any substance added to wax to change its properties. Additives include hardeners, UV stabilizers, scent fixatives, and dyes. They help candle makers adjust burn performance, appearance, and fragrance retention.

The ability of wax to stick to the container walls. Good adhesion prevents gaps, wet spots, and separation. Pour temperature and container preparation play major roles in achieving strong adhesion.

The faint glowing ember at the tip of a wick after the flame is extinguished. Afterglow can cause minor smoke or, in rare cases, reignition if the wick is too hot.

The thin smoke that rises from a wick after the flame is put out. Proper wick trimming and extinguishing help reduce aftersmoke.

A bubble or void inside the wax caused by trapped air during pouring or cooling. Air pockets can affect appearance and burn quality.

The spot where the wick tab attaches to the bottom of the container. A secure anchor point keeps the wick centered and stable.

A natural wax made from apricot kernels. It has a creamy texture, excellent fragrance retention, and blends well with other natural waxes.

The molecules that create fragrance in oils. Aroma compounds determine scent strength, character, and how well a fragrance performs in wax.

The American Society for Testing and Materials. ASTM provides safety and performance standards for candles and materials used in candle making.

A gentle water-bath method used to melt wax slowly and evenly. It prevents scorching and helps preserve wax quality.

The longest-lasting part of a fragrance. Base notes provide depth and richness and linger after top and middle notes fade.

The first layer of wax poured when making multi-layer candles. It sets the foundation for additional pours.

A natural wax made from bayberry berries. It has a mild herbal scent and a traditional place in colonial candle making.

A natural wax produced by honey bees. It burns cleanly, smells naturally sweet, and produces a steady flame.

A mixture of two or more waxes designed to improve burn performance, scent throw, or appearance.

A white, powdery film that appears on natural waxes like soy. Bloom is harmless and caused by crystallization.

The period after curing when a fragrance fully develops inside the wax. Some scents become richer over time.

Dried flowers, herbs, or spices added for decoration. Botanicals can be hazardous because they may ignite or release oils when heated.

Another term for base note.

When a wick curls into the melt pool and extinguishes the flame. Bridging blocks wax flow and causes premature flame loss.

The full process from lighting a candle to extinguishing it. Understanding burn cycles helps optimize wick and wax choices.

How quickly a candle burns, usually measured in hours per ounce.

A controlled test to evaluate flame height, melt pool, wick performance, and overall candle behavior.

The total number of hours a candle burns before being fully consumed.

The calculations used to determine correct wax, fragrance, and dye amounts for a candle.

A natural wax made from canola oil. It burns cleanly and holds fragrance well.

The process that draws melted wax up the wick to fuel the flame.

Accumulated carbon on the wick that causes mushrooming or soot.

The hollow center of a mold or a large air bubble inside wax.

A wick with a paper filament core designed for container candles.

A device that keeps the wick centered while wax cools.

A candle used for religious or ceremonial purposes.

A candle maker or seller.

Small ridges or lines on molded candles caused by uneven cooling. Clamshell Pour Temperature /ˈklæmˌʃɛlz pɔr ˈtɛmprətʃər/ (KLAM-shelz pore TEM-pruh-cher) ​ The specific temperature at which wax should be poured into plastic clamshell molds for wax melts. Pouring too hot can warp or melt the plastic, while pouring too cold can cause uneven surfaces or sinkholes. ​ ​

Plastic containers used for wax melts.

A wick blocked by carbon, fragrance, or dye, preventing proper burning.

Classification, Labeling, and Packaging regulations for safe handling of candle products.

Another term for mushrooming.

A natural wax made from coconut oil. It has excellent scent throw and a smooth finish.

The scent released from an unlit candle.

The area of active flame where wax vapor burns.

A candle poured and burned inside a container.

A container’s ability to withstand heat without cracking.

Wax formulated for container candles. It is usually softer and creamier than pillar wax.

The center material of a wick, often cotton, paper, or zinc.

A wick made entirely of braided fibers without a core.

A wick made from cotton fibers. It burns cleanly and is widely used in container candles.

The formation of crystal structures as wax cools.

The recommended time a candle should sit before burning.

The process of letting a candle rest so fragrance binds properly with wax.

Delamination happens when wax pulls away from the container walls as it cools. It creates visible gaps or patches where the wax no longer touches the glass. This usually comes from temperature shock, poor adhesion, or wax shrinkage.

The inside width of a candle container, measured from one inner wall to the other. Diameter determines wick size, melt pool width, and burn rate.

The process of fragrance molecules spreading through the air as a candle burns. Good diffusion depends on wax type, fragrance quality, melt pool temperature, and room airflow.

A candle made by repeatedly dipping a wick into melted wax until layers build up. This traditional method is used for tapers and creates smooth, elegant shapes.

A two-pot setup used to melt wax gently. The wax sits in the top pot while the bottom pot holds hot water, preventing overheating.

Using two or more wicks in one candle to increase heat output or ensure even burning in wide containers. Proper spacing is essential to avoid overheating.

Air movement that disrupts the flame, causing flickering, uneven melt pools, or impingement. Drafts can come from vents, fans, or open windows.

When melted wax drips down the sides of a taper or pillar instead of forming a melt pool. Usually caused by an oversized wick or excessive heat.

A wick that becomes submerged in melted wax and extinguishes. This happens when wax floods the flame or the wick curls into the melt pool.

Colorant added to wax to create colored candles. Dyes come in liquid, chip, or block form and must be formulated for candle use.

A wick made from natural fibers without a metal core. ECO wicks burn cleanly and are popular in container candles.

A term used in mold making to describe how easily a finished candle can be removed from its mold.

A material that helps blend water-based additives with wax. Rarely used in candle making but appears in specialty formulations.

The point at which a candle can no longer be safely burned, usually when only a small amount of wax remains at the bottom. Usually about 90% burned.

The cooling phase where wax absorbs heat from the environment as it transitions from liquid to solid.

Natural plant-derived oils sometimes used for scenting candles. Essential oils are highly flammable and can release harmful compounds when burned, making them risky for candle use.

Heat released during wax solidification or fragrance binding. This reaction can slightly raise the candle’s temperature as it cools.

To put out a candle flame. Common methods include blowing out or using a snuffer.

A natural crystalline pattern found in palm wax. Feathering creates a textured, feathery appearance on the candle surface. It is purely cosmetic and does not affect burn quality.

Another term for a container candle that has been filled with wax.

The temperature at which wax vapors will burn continuously after ignition without an external flame.

The height of a candle’s flame. Ideal flame height is usually between half an inch and one inch.

The lowest temperature at which wax vapors will momentarily ignite when exposed to flame.

When additives or fragrances lower the safe flash point of wax. This increases sensitivity to overheating.

A dangerous event where the entire surface of a candle ignites at once. Flashover is usually caused by excessive heat, over-wicking, or unsafe additives.

Rapid or irregular flame movement caused by drafts, wick issues, or impurities in the wax.

A candle designed to float on water while burning. Usually made with a wide base and lightweight wax.

The percentage of fragrance oil added to wax. Most waxes hold between five and ten percent.

The layers of a fragrance: top, middle, and base. Each note appears at different stages of the burn.

A candle that holds its shape without a container, such as pillars or tapers.

A white, powdery film on natural waxes caused by crystallization. Frosting is harmless and common in soy and beeswax.

When the entire top surface of a candle melts into liquid wax. Achieving a full melt pool prevents tunneling.

A term used when measuring wick performance, flame height, or melt pool depth during testing.

A candle made from clear gel wax that can suspend decorative items like shells or beads. Gel candles are usually poured into glass containers to show off their clarity.

A condition where wax partially solidifies into a jelly-like consistency. Often caused by incompatible additives or temperature issues.

A material added to wax to create a gel-like consistency. Used in decorative or specialty candles.

How well wax sticks to glass as it cools. Good adhesion prevents wet spots and separation.

Sudden temperature change that causes a glass container to crack. Preheating containers helps prevent shock.

A humectant sometimes used in specialty wax blends to adjust texture or clarity.

The natural texture pattern that appears in some waxes as they cool. Grain is most visible in soy and beeswax.

When melted wax runs down the side of a candle instead of forming a melt pool. Usually caused by an oversized wick or uneven burning.

Wax that clings to the sides of a container instead of melting evenly into the pool. Hang up is normal during early burns but should resolve once a full melt pool is achieved. Persistent hang up usually means the wick is undersized.

A glossy or oily appearance on the candle surface caused by overheating the wax during melting or pouring. Heat bloom can also appear if the candle is stored in a warm environment.

A spot in the candle where heat dissipates faster than expected, often due to impurities or uneven wax density.

A vertical tunnel that forms when heat rises too quickly through the center of a candle, often caused by an oversized wick or fast-burning wax.

A natural wax derived from hemp plants. It has a creamy texture and is often blended with soy or coconut wax for improved performance.

An area on the container wall that becomes hotter than the rest of the candle. Hot spots are usually caused by an oversized wick or a flame leaning toward the glass.

The scent released when a candle is burning. Hot throw depends on wax type, fragrance quality, melt pool temperature, and wick performance.

A wick made with high-temperature paper fibers. Designed for high-melt-point waxes and known for stable flames and reduced mushrooming.

A layered pillar candle with a textured exterior resembling hurricane glass. Often used decoratively and typically unscented.

The International Fragrance Association. IFRA provides safety guidelines for fragrance usage, including maximum allowable percentages for specific ingredients.

When a wick takes longer than normal to light. Often caused by clogged wicks, poor priming, or trimming the wick too short.

When the flame leans and touches the side of the container. Impingement can cause overheating, soot marks, or glass damage. Impurity /ɪmˈpjʊrɪti/ (im-PYUR-ih-tee) Any unwanted substance in wax that can affect burn quality, clarity, or scent throw.

Decorative or functional items suspended inside wax. Only non-flammable materials should be used to avoid fire hazards.

A non-contact thermometer used to measure wax surface temperature. Essential for accurate pouring and mixing temperatures.

The temperature inside the wax, measured with a probe thermometer. Internal temperature determines when fragrance and dye should be added.

A cooling defect where the top of the candle sets before the lower layers, causing uneven texture or internal voids.

A term used by chandlers to describe the process of preparing, cleaning, and warming jars before pouring wax. Proper jarring improves adhesion and reduces wet spots.

A translucent, rubbery wax blend used for decorative gel candles. Jelly wax can suspend objects like glitter or beads and is typically used only in glass containers due to its soft structure.

Air channels or streaks that form inside gel wax as it cools. Jetting creates cloudy or uneven areas in otherwise clear gel candles. It is caused by trapped air or rapid cooling.

The heat generated by electrical resistance. In candle making, this term is occasionally used when discussing electric warmers or testing equipment that heats wax without flame.

Horizontal lines or bands that appear on pillar candles when wax is poured at inconsistent temperatures. Each “jump” marks a shift in cooling speed, creating visible rings. Jump lines are cosmetic and do not affect burn performance, but they can be minimized by maintaining steady pour temperatures.

A petroleum-derived wax similar to paraffin but softer and more translucent. Kerosene wax is used in specialty candles and sometimes blended to improve clarity or burn speed.

A term used when a candle suddenly increases flame height or heat output mid-burn. Kicking is usually caused by fragrance pooling near the wick or a wick entering a hotter burn phase.

Wood dried in a kiln to remove moisture. Kiln-dried wood is used for wooden dough bowls and wooden wick holders because it resists warping and reduces the risk of secondary ignition.

A wick defect where fibers twist or knot during manufacturing or priming. Knotting can cause uneven burning, curling, or inconsistent flame height. Kraft Paper Wick Tabs /kræft ˈpeɪpər wɪk tæbz/ (KRAFT paper wick tabs) Wick tabs made with kraft paper instead of metal. They are used in eco-focused candle lines and reduce metal waste.

When fragrance or color shifts between layers in multi-pour candles. This can cause uneven coloring or scent distribution.

When wax sticks to the underside of a candle lid. This usually happens if the candle is closed before fully cooling or stored in warm conditions.

A sudden temperature change caused by placing a lid on a hot candle. Lid shock can lead to frosting, wet spots, or surface texture changes.

A dye in liquid form used to color wax. Liquid dyes blend easily and allow precise color adjustments.

The maximum amount of fragrance a wax can hold before performance issues occur. Exceeding load capacity can cause sweating, separation, or poor burning.

The amount of visible light produced by a candle flame. Lumen output varies by wick size, wax type, and flame stability.

A flat-braid cotton wick designed for container candles. LX wicks resist mushrooming and provide a stable flame, especially in softer waxes like soy.

A residue sometimes found in homemade wax blends that use saponification processes. Lye residue can affect burn quality and should be fully neutralized.

The temperature at which wax transitions from solid to liquid. Melt point affects burn rate, fragrance release, and candle hardness.

The liquid wax that forms around the wick as the candle burns. Melt pool width and depth determine scent throw and burn quality.

A candle’s tendency to burn according to its previous melt pattern. Achieving a full melt pool during early burns helps prevent tunneling.

A shimmering mineral powder used for decorative effects. Mica does not dissolve in wax and can clog wicks if used in container candles.

Tiny cracks that form in cooling wax. Micro-fissures are cosmetic and often appear in soy or beeswax due to natural crystallization.

The heart of a fragrance that emerges after the top notes fade. Middle notes define the main character of the scent.

A petroleum-derived wax, typically referring to paraffin. Mineral wax holds fragrance well and produces vibrant colors.

The temperature at which fragrance and dye are added to melted wax. Proper mix temperature ensures full binding and prevents separation.

A container used to shape freestanding candles. Molds can be made of metal, silicone, or plastic.

A pliable material used to create custom candle molds. Mold putty allows chandlers to design unique shapes.

A product applied to porous molds to prevent wax from sticking or leaking.

Uneven coloration or spotting on candle surfaces. Mottling is common in paraffin blends and can be intentional for rustic effects.

Material Safety Data Sheet. Provides safety information about materials used in candle making. Now referred to as SDS.

Carbon buildup on the wick tip that forms a mushroom shape. Mushrooming is caused by oversized wicks, heavy fragrance loads, or certain wick types.

Wax derived from plants or animals. Although many waxes are marketed as “natural,” only beeswax, tallow, and bayberry wax are truly natural in the traditional sense. Most plant-based waxes undergo processing similar to paraffin.

The vertical shaft of a wick tab that determines how high the wick sits above the bottom of the container. Longer necks are used in wooden bowls or vessels to prevent secondary ignition.

A defect where wax pulls inward around the wick, forming a small crater. Nesting is usually caused by an undersized wick or low melt pool temperature.

A stable burn with balanced flame height, consistent melt pool, and minimal soot. Neutral burns indicate proper wick and wax pairing.

An area free from air movement where candles burn most consistently. Establishing a no-draft zone helps prevent flickering, tunneling, and impingement.

A container that does not chemically react with wax or fragrance oils. Glass, stainless steel, and glazed ceramics are considered non-reactive.

The act of smelling fragrance oils to evaluate their top, middle, and base notes before adding them to wax.

A wick that is not centered in the container. Off-center wicks cause uneven melt pools, tunneling, and impingement.

When fragrance oil separates from wax after pouring. This is caused by incorrect mix temperature, exceeding fragrance load, or incompatible oils.

A candle that does not allow light to pass through it. Opaque candles are common in soy, beeswax, and parasoy blends.

A candle designed for outdoor use, often formulated with insect-repelling ingredients like citronella. Outdoor candles typically use larger wicks to withstand wind.

Dipping a finished candle into a contrasting color of wax for decorative purposes. Overdipping creates layered color effects on tapers and pillars.

Pouring too much wax into a container, causing overflow or uneven tops. Overpouring can also affect curing and adhesion.

Using a wick that is too large for the candle. Over-wicking causes excessive heat, large flames, soot, and potential container damage.

A chemical reaction where wax or fragrance oils degrade when exposed to air, heat, or light. Oxidation can cause discoloration or scent changes.

A natural wax made from palm oil. Palm wax forms crystalline patterns such as feathering or starburst effects. It is firm, long-burning, and often used for pillars.

A petroleum-derived wax known for excellent scent throw, vibrant color, and smooth tops. Paraffin is widely used in commercial candles and blends well with other waxes.

A safety symbol used on CLP and SDS labels to indicate hazards such as flammability or irritants.

A freestanding candle that burns without a container. Pillars require harder waxes and proper wick sizing to prevent dripping or tunneling.

A firm wax formulated for freestanding candles. Pillar wax has a higher melt point to maintain structure during burning.

A synthetic additive used to strengthen wax, improve clarity, or adjust hardness. Common in paraffin blends.

The temperature at which melted wax is poured into a container or mold. Pour temperature affects adhesion, frosting, texture, and surface smoothness.

A wax blend created by a manufacturer before sale. Pre-blends combine waxes and additives to improve consistency and reduce formulation work for chandlers.

Warming containers before pouring wax to improve adhesion and reduce wet spots. Preheating is especially helpful for glass vessels.

A wick coated with wax before use. Priming helps the wick ignite faster and burn more consistently.

When wax contracts during cooling and separates from the container walls. Pull away is common in paraffin and can be minimized with proper pour temperature.

The chemical breakdown of wax molecules due to heat. Pyrolysis produces the vapors that fuel the candle flame.

A structured evaluation of a candle’s performance, including flame height, melt pool formation, scent throw, and safety. Quality tests ensure consistency across batches.

Differences in wax or fragrance measurements between batches. Even small variances can affect burn performance and scent throw.

The act of extinguishing a candle flame using a snuffer or dipping the wick into the melt pool. Quenching reduces smoke and afterglow.

Rapid cooling of wax after pouring. Quick cooling can cause sinkholes, frosting, or uneven texture.

The stage during cooling when wax appears still but is actively binding fragrance and forming crystalline structures.

A specialty wick made from rolled paper or plant fibers. Quill wicks burn with a soft flame and are used in decorative or novelty candles.

A plant-based wax made from rapeseed oil. Rapeseed wax burns cleanly, has excellent adhesion, and is popular in European candle making.

The speed at which a candle burns, usually measured in grams or ounces per hour. Rate of consumption helps chandlers evaluate wick size and burn efficiency.

A candle used for religious rituals or ceremonies. Often unscented and made in specific shapes or colors depending on tradition.

The heat retained in the wick and wax immediately after extinguishing a candle. Residual heat can cause afterglow or minor smoke.

The ability of a candle’s fragrance to fill an entire room. Room fill depends on wax type, fragrance quality, melt pool size, and room airflow.

A textured or uneven candle surface after cooling. Rough tops are common in soy wax and can be smoothed with a heat gun.

Wax that drips down the sides of a pillar or taper instead of forming a melt pool. Runoff is usually caused by an oversized wick or fast-burning wax.

A textured candle surface created intentionally for aesthetic purposes. Often achieved with paraffin blends or specific cooling techniques.

A chemical reaction between fats and lye that produces soap. In candle making, saponification may occur in certain homemade wax blends and can create lye residue.

The overall strength and reach of a candle’s fragrance, including both cold throw and hot throw.

Safety Data Sheet. Provides hazard, handling, and storage information for materials used in candle making.

When a nearby object inside the candle vessel ignites due to excessive heat. Common risks include botanicals, wood pieces, or debris.

When wax and fragrance fail to bind properly, causing visible oil pockets or uneven texture.

Wax contraction during cooling. Shrinkage can cause sinkholes, pull away, or uneven tops.

A cavity that forms beneath the candle surface as wax cools. Sinkholes are common in paraffin and can be fixed with a second pour or heat gun.

Black carbon particles produced by incomplete combustion. Soot is caused by oversized wicks, drafts, or impurities.

A plant-based wax made from hydrogenated soybean oil. Soy wax is known for frosting, smooth tops, and clean burning.

Wax that flows over the edge of a container or mold during burning or pouring. Spillover can be caused by over-wicking or overpouring.

A crystalline pattern found in palm wax that resembles radiating lines or stars.

A fatty acid used to harden wax, improve opacity, and enhance scent throw. Common in pillar wax formulations.

The cohesive force that affects how wax spreads and levels during pouring and cooling.

Small beads of fragrance oil that rise to the candle surface. Sweating is caused by high fragrance loads, warm storage, or incompatible oils.

A wick that bends or sweeps to one side during burning. Sweeping can cause uneven melt pools or impingement.

A traditional candle wax made from rendered animal fat. Tallow was widely used before modern waxes became available. It burns with a warm glow but has a natural scent and lower melt point.

A long, slender freestanding candle typically used in holders. Tapers are often dipped or molded and require firm wax with a high melt point.

A mold specifically shaped for taper candles. Usually made of metal or silicone.

A flat-braid cotton wick designed for natural waxes like soy. TCR wicks help reduce mushrooming and maintain a stable flame.

A dangerous condition where heat builds faster than it can dissipate, causing wax to overheat and potentially ignite. Often caused by over-wicking or unsafe additives.

Sudden temperature change that causes wax or containers to crack.

A general term for how well a candle releases fragrance. Includes both cold throw and hot throw.

The first scent impression when smelling a fragrance. Top notes are light, bright, and evaporate quickly.

A burn defect where the candle melts straight down the center, leaving unmelted wax around the edges. Usually caused by an undersized wick or short burn sessions.

The process of fixing tunneling by extending burn time or using a heat gun to level the surface.

Using a wick that is too small for the candle. Under-wicking causes weak flames, tunneling, and poor hot throw.

Removing a candle from its mold after cooling. Proper unmolding requires correct cooling time and mold preparation.

Wax that has not undergone full purification. Unrefined wax may contain natural color variations, scent, or impurities.

A candle made without fragrance. Unscented candles are often used for décor, ceremonies, or environments sensitive to scents.

A term used by chandlers to describe the brightening or strengthening of a fragrance after curing. Some scents gain clarity or intensity over time.

A flame that rises higher than expected due to increased fuel flow or wick behavior.

An additive that protects wax and fragrance from UV light exposure. UV stabilizers help prevent discoloration and scent degradation.

The temperature at which wax begins releasing vapors that can sustain combustion. Vapor point is closely related to flash point and helps chandlers understand safe heating ranges.

Any wax made without animal-derived ingredients. Soy, coconut, apricot, and rapeseed waxes are commonly used in vegan candle lines.

The container that holds a candle. Vessels can be made of glass, ceramic, metal, or stone. Vessel thickness, shape, and material affect burn performance and heat distribution.

The measure of a fluid’s internal friction or resistance to flow; in candle making, it governs how easily liquid wax pours, levels, and releases air bubbles. High-viscosity wax pours slowly and may trap air pockets, while low-viscosity wax flows easily and levels smoothly.

An empty space inside a candle caused by trapped air or uneven cooling. Voids can lead to sinkholes or inconsistent burning.

A small freestanding candle designed to melt into its holder as it burns. Votives require specific wax blends that liquefy easily.

A soft wax formulated for votive candles. Votive wax melts readily and relies on the holder for structure.

The ability of wax to stick to a container’s interior surface. Good adhesion prevents wet spots and pull-away.

A small piece of scented wax designed to be warmed in a wax melter rather than burned with a flame. Wax melts release strong fragrance without combustion.

Another term for melt pool. The shallow puddle of warm, liquid wax that forms inside the dish of an active wax warmer as the solid melt liquefies.

Areas where wax pulls away from the container wall, creating lighter patches that look wet. Wet spots are cosmetic and common in soy and parasoy blends.

The braided or structured material that draws wax to the flame. Wick type, size, and treatment determine burn behavior, flame height, and scent throw.

A thin strip of wood attached to a wooden wick to increase flame strength. Boosters help correct weak flames in thicker waxes.

The natural bending of a wick as it burns. Wick curl helps reduce mushrooming by directing carbon away from the flame.

Choosing a smaller wick size to reduce heat, prevent soot, or correct over-wicking.

A device used to keep the wick centered during pouring and cooling. Wick holders ensure even burning and prevent impingement.

The metal or paper base that anchors the wick to the bottom of the container. Wick tabs keep the wick upright and prevent it from floating.

The process of attaching a wick to a wick tab. Proper tabbing ensures stability and consistent burn behavior.

Cutting the wick to the recommended length before burning. Wick trimming reduces soot, improves flame stability, and prevents mushrooming.

Choosing a larger wick size to increase heat output or correct under-wicking.

A wick made from thin wood strips. Wooden wicks create a crackling sound and wide flame but require careful sizing and proper neck height in wooden vessels.

A wick defect where fibers cross in an X-shape, causing uneven burning or inconsistent flame behavior.

A group of aromatic hydrocarbons sometimes found in trace amounts in certain fragrance oils. Xylenes contribute to solvent strength and evaporation behavior but are regulated for safety.

A plant-sugar residue occasionally present in natural waxes. Xylose residue can affect clarity or create minor surface texture variations.

Discoloration of wax over time due to oxidation, UV exposure, or certain fragrance ingredients. Yellowing is common in natural waxes and can be reduced with stabilizers.

The total amount of finished candles produced from a batch of wax. Yield varies based on vessel size, fragrance load, and wax density.

Wax or product lost during production due to spills, trimming, or leftover wax in melting pots. Yield loss affects batch consistency and cost calculations.

A floral essential oil sometimes used in candle fragrances. Ylang-ylang has a sweet, exotic aroma but can be unstable in high-heat wax blends.

A manufacturer’s proprietary wax blend beginning with the letter Z. Z-blends often combine paraffin and vegetable waxes for balanced scent throw and smooth tops.

A burn test performed in a completely still environment. Zero-draft burns help chandlers evaluate wick performance without external interference.

A wick with a zinc metal core that provides rigidity and strong flame support. Zinc core wicks are used in paraffin and gel candles but produce more soot than cotton or paper wicks.

The study of fermentation. In candle making, zymology is referenced when discussing natural waxes that may contain trace fermentation byproducts affecting scent or clarity.