Candle Terminology
Beeswax: (cera alba) is a natural wax produced by honeybees of the genus Apis.
Chandler: One who makes and or sells candles.
Cold Throw (CT): The fragrance emitted from a candle when it is not burning.
Cure: To allow a candle to set or age to help enhance it's hot throw. Soy candles typically 2 weeks for optimal performance.
Fragrance Oil (FO): A blend of synthetic and/or natural components used to create scented oil
Fragrance/Scent Load: Amount of fragrance a wax will hold, usually stated in a percentage.
Hang-Up: Unburned wax that remains on the wall of jar candles when the candle has expired.
Hot Throw (HT): used to describe the strength of fragrance while a candle is burning.
International Fragrance Association (IFRA): is the global representative body of the fragrance industry. It seeks to represent the collective interests of the industry and promote the safe use of fragrances.
Melting Point: The temperature at which melting wax gets hot enough to turn from a solid into a liquid.
Melt Pool: The wax that liquefies as a candle burns.
Memory Burn: The most crucial burn to your new candle is its first one! This is what is known as a memory burn. The initial burn is the one that is most vital for a complete melt pool. And, even more importantly a memory burn in the candle is the one that sets the boundaries and scent throw for every burn after that.
Mushrooming: Carbon build-up on the tip of a wick after burning. Always trim off before relighting.
Paraffin Wax: Made of refined petroleum; most commonly used wax in candle making.
Power Burn: The act of burning a candle for longer than 4 hours, often 8+ hours. This can be dangerous, and it is not recommended. For Chandlers testing products only.
R.I.F.M.: Research Institute for Fragrance Materials
Scent Throw: The fragrance emitted by a candle. (See also cold and hot throw)
Soy Wax: An all-natural wax made of soybeans. A clean burning wax that is a natural alternative to paraffin.
Tunneling: When a wick does not make a full melt pool and leaves a ring of unmelted wax on the inside of the vessel.
Wick: a strip of porous material up which liquid fuel is drawn by capillary action to the flame in a candle, lamp, or lighter (similar to a straw).