Basics
Pro Tips
Why Your Candle Flame Is Too Big (Or Too Small) and How to Fix It
Mar 8, 2025
A properly burning candle should have a steady, medium-sized flame that provides an even burn. However, sometimes candles burn with flames that are either too large, creating excessive soot and heat, or too small, leading to tunneling and weak scent throw. Understanding why your candle flame is behaving this way will help you adjust your wick, wax, and fragrance ratios for a perfect burn every time.
1. Why Is Your Candle Flame Too Big?
A large flame that flickers aggressively or produces excessive soot is usually a sign of one or more issues.
a) Wick Is Too Large
A wick that is too thick or wide pulls too much wax, causing the flame to grow too large.
This leads to soot buildup, fast-burning candles, and potential overheating of the container.
✅ Solution: Use a smaller wick size or switch to a wick type better suited for your wax and container size.
b) Too Much Fragrance Oil
Excess fragrance oil can clog the wick, causing it to burn hotter than usual.
Some fragrance oils contain additives that alter how a candle burns.
✅ Solution: Stick to the recommended fragrance load (3-12%) and ensure oils are specifically formulated for candle making.
c) Poor Wick Trimming
If a wick is too long, it produces a taller, flickering flame.
Long wicks create more soot and uneven burning.
✅ Solution: Trim the wick to ¼ inch (6 mm) before each burn for a steady flame.
d) Drafts or Airflow Issues
If a candle is near a fan, window, or air vent, airflow can cause the flame to burn unevenly or too high.
✅ Solution: Burn candles in a draft-free environment to maintain a stable flame.
2. Why Is Your Candle Flame Too Small?
A weak, struggling flame is just as frustrating as one that’s too large. If your candle is producing a tiny flame, it may not burn evenly, leading to tunneling and wasted wax.
a) Wick Is Too Small
A wick that is too thin or narrow does not pull enough wax up for a proper burn.
This causes a weak flame and tunneling, leaving wax around the sides of the container.
✅ Solution: Use a larger wick size suited for your wax type and candle diameter.
b) Too Much Dye or Fragrance Oil
Excess additives (such as too much fragrance oil or candle dye) can clog the wick, preventing it from drawing up wax properly.
✅ Solution: Stick to recommended fragrance and dye percentages to prevent wick clogging.
c) Wax Is Too Hard
Some waxes, such as beeswax or hard paraffin blends, require larger or hotter-burning wicks to achieve a full melt pool.
✅ Solution: Choose a wick designed for harder waxes or test a different wax blend.
d) Wick Is Drowning in Wax
If the wick is too short or has been over-trimmed, it can sink into the melted wax and struggle to stay lit.
✅ Solution: Allow the candle to burn longer on the first burn to create an even wax pool and avoid tunneling.
3. How to Choose the Right Wick for a Perfect Flame
Selecting the right wick is essential for a well-burning candle. Here’s how to choose the right one based on your wax type and container size.
Best Wick Types for Different Waxes
Wax Type | Recommended Wick Type |
|---|---|
Soy Wax | Cotton wicks (CD, ECO, or HTP) |
Paraffin Wax | Zinc-core or LX wicks |
Coconut Wax | Wooden wicks or cotton wicks (larger size) |
Beeswax | Square braid wicks |
How to Determine the Correct Wick Size
Measure the diameter of your container and match it with the recommended wick size.
Start with a wick guide from your wax supplier and conduct burn tests.
Consider the fragrance and dye load—heavily scented or dyed candles may require larger wicks.
4. How to Fix a Candle That’s Burning Incorrectly
If your candle is already burning with the wrong flame size, try these quick fixes:
If the Flame Is Too Big:
Trim the wick to ¼ inch and relight.
Move the candle away from drafts or vents.
Use a smaller wick size for future candles.
If the Flame Is Too Small:
Let the candle burn longer (at least 2-3 hours) to create a full melt pool.
If tunneling has started, use a heat gun to melt the top layer evenly.
Try a larger wick size in your next batch.
5. Preventing Wick Issues in Future Candles
Always test different wick sizes before mass-producing candles.
Follow recommended fragrance and dye percentages to avoid wick clogging.
Let candles cure properly before testing burn performance.
Store candles in a temperature-controlled environment to prevent wax shrinkage.
Achieve the Perfect Candle Flame Every Time
A well-sized wick and proper candle-making techniques will ensure that your candles burn evenly with a steady, safe flame. Whether you need to fix an existing candle or prevent wick issues in future batches, following these steps will help you create high-quality candles that look and burn beautifully.
In my Candle Making Course, I teach how to troubleshoot wick issues, select the perfect wick for different wax types, and conduct professional burn tests. You’ll also get access to a supplier list for high-quality wicks, fragrance oils, and wax blends.
Want to make candles that burn perfectly every time? Join my Candle-Making Course (click here) and take your candle-making skills to the next level.
