When it comes to creating the perfect ambiance for an occasion, candles can play a vital role. And when it comes to candles, taper candles are a classic choice. But the last thing you want is a drippy, smoking candle ruining the mood.
That’s why at Creative Candles, our hand-crafted taper candles are dripless, smokeless, and long-burning. But what are dripless candles, and what makes dripless taper candles, well, dripless?
What “Dripless” Means
First and foremost, it's important to understand that all candles will drip to some extent. However, a dripless candle does not produce excess wax as it burns. This means that there will not be wax dripping down the sides of the candle and no messy wax buildup on the candle holder. A dripless candle will burn cleanly and evenly, leaving behind only a small pool of wax at the bottom of the candle.
Anatomy of a Dripless Candle
There are several factors that contribute to making a taper candle dripless. The wax quality, the type of wick used, the size of the wick, if the wick is trimmed, and how long you burn the candle all play an important role.
Wax Quality
One of the most important elements in a dripless candle is the quality of the wax used to make it. High-quality, natural waxes like beeswax are less likely to drip than lower-quality synthetic waxes like petroleum-based paraffin. These waxes are also cleaner burning, meaning they produce less smoke. So even if you aren’t specifically looking for a smokeless candle, you can rest assured those made from natural materials will often fit the bill.
Wick Size
Another important factor is the diameter of the wick. Wicks that are too small (thin) will not burn hot enough, instead creating a tunnel and possibly drowning itself out. On the other hand, if the wick is too large (thick), it will cause a large flame that will burn too quickly, leading to excess smoke, soot, and mushrooming of the wick. This is why a properly sized wick is necessary to ensure that the candle burns evenly and at the correct rate.
Wick Type
The type of wick can also affect the candle. A good quality wick for taper candles should be made of a tight cotton weave to help ensure it burns evenly without producing excess wax, smoke, and soot. Creative Candles uses our own special brand of proprietary wicks that help promote the smokeless and dripless qualities our premium candles are known for.
Wick Trimming
Properly trimming the wick is also crucial in making a candle dripless. A wick that is too long will produce a large flame that can melt too much wax and lead to dripping. A wick that is too short will not make enough heat to melt the wax, not only causing a tiny flame that lessens the experience, but one that also promotes uneven burning and possible dripping. You should trim your wick to about 1/4 inch in length before your first burn (if it isn’t already) and trimmed to the 1/4 mark before each use.
Burn Time
Finally, the way you burn a taper candle will also affect how dripless it is. It is important to burn your candle in a draft-free area, as drafts can cause the flame to flicker and produce excess dripping. Additionally, it's important not to burn your candle for more than 4 hours at a time.
A Perfect Burn Every Time
As you can see, dripless taper candles are the result of the perfect combination of high-quality wax, a well-made wick, the right wick size, regular wick trimming, and proper burning. That’s why it’s so important to follow the candle manufacturer’s instructions when it comes to burning them; even the best dripless, smokeless candle can create excessive wax and smoke if not correctly used. So, next time you're looking for a candle, keep these tips in mind and you'll be sure to enjoy the perfect taper candle experience.
At Creative Candles, we've been creating small-batch, artisan-made premium candles since 1961. By preserving the centuries-old art of candle making, we’re ensuring that the world has access to premium, high-quality candles that provide the perfect ambiance for any occasion.
