Melting & Mixing

Melting. Click to enlarge

 This is how every CandleWitch candle starts. 100% pure paraffin wax is heated up to 200 degrees (Fahrenheit) and the carefully measured and poured into a mixing pot (see photo below). Wax dye and scent are then added, and the mixture is then slowly heated to the proper pouring temperature. (time: 1/2 hour)

 The most critical part of mixing (and therefore the candle) is the wax. Cheap or poorly mixed wax will not settle evenly in the mold. The result is a candle that does not burn evenly, or drips wax down is side.

 Some large manufactures will whip tiny air bubbles into their wax to reduce the amount of wax needed. Whipping air into the wax does not hurt the candle, nor alter it's appearance, it just reduces it's burn time by about half.

Pouring

 This is the longest process in making a candle. After the wax is heated to the proper temperature, it is poured into the mold, and then set aside to cool. Because wax shrinks significantly when it cools, the candle must be carefully watched while it's cooling (to prevent bubbles), and then periodically more wax must be added on top. It generally takes 5 to 6 pours for each candle. (Time: 4-6 hours)

Cutting (no photo)

 Even the most carefully poured candle will have it's base (candles are poured upside down) uneven. By using a special jig we developed, along with a band saw in our garage, we are able to cut off the wax left over from the pouring process. This leaves a nice smooth base for the candle to rest on that is almost perfectly level. (Time: 1/2 hour)

Leveling

 A candle that is not level will not burn properly; the wax will pool to one edge and then run down the side. By rubbing a candle back and forth on a smooth surface, we are able to remove any imperfection left from the cutting process. This leaves a candle that is very stable and is exactly, perfectly level. (Time: 1/2 hour)

Finishing (no photo)

 Did you know that ordinary pantyhose, when rubbed back and forth on the surface of a candle, will buff out slight imperfections? We do because that's our final process for our candles. Of course Teri has been doing this for several years and has an "Eagle Eye" for any slight bump or scratch. (Time: 1 hour)

 When a candle leaves the Candle Witch, it is literally perfect. The candle shines with zero flaws or scratches. It is exactly level, so it will sit perfectly on you table or mantle. And it is backed by the best guarantee in the business: us. We make the candles, so we stand behind them 100%.