The Proper Way to Burn a Pillar Candle
Pillar candles burn very differently from other candles and should be placed on a level surface in a non-drafty area. Also, always place your candle on a heat resistant surface or proper type of pillar candle holder in order to protect the surface of any furniture/countertops and/or other surfaces (this also applies to unlit pillars). Pillar candles should not be allowed to pool out and break through the outside edge of the candle. The pillar candle is designed to hold the wax within the candle which will allow the candle to "glow" as it burns down the center. When you first light your candle, let the candle burn 2-3 hours allowing the candle to pool out to approximately ¼" from the outside edge before distinguishing. This will establish a burning point for the candle to burn within. As the candle burns, the outside edge will begin to peel over. This is normal and is not necessary to remove. Remember, to always keep your wick trimmed and never allow the flame to exceed more than 1" in height. If you adhere to this procedure, you will gain maximum performance from your pillar candle.

A three wick pillar candle should follow the above recommendations. Also, as the wax pools to the outside edge you may want to mold and shape the outside edge of the candle after you extinguish the flame. Simply use your hands while the candle is still warm and gently firm up the sides. This will help the wax to pool directly down the center and will provide you with the proper longevity of the pillar.

What is the proper way to burn a jar candle?
When burning your jar candle you need to burn it long enough for it to pool out to the outside edge of the jar. This will prevent wax build up around the outside of the jar giving the candle a longer burn time.

How to cut and when to cut
Wicks should be cut whenever the flame begins to flicker excessively or exceeds ¾" in length. The best way to trim a wick is with a device called the wick clipper. With this device you can clip the wick either lit or unlit. Proper length should be ¼" after clipping.

Different Types of Wicks:
There are several different types of wicks on the market: metal core, cotton core, and braided. Scentsations Candles uses an all cotton core wick in jars, votives, and pillars.

What is soot and how can I avoid it?
Soot is created when a flame exceeds 1" in length. The quality of wax will determine how much soot a candle will produce. Foreign made candles are known for their low quality and poor burning performance. Scentsations Candles specializes in a high quality paraffin/soy wax blend giving you one of the cleanest burns on the market today. We recommend using a candle caper with a jar candle (see candle caper).

What happens if I cut my wick too short?
If the wick is cut too short the candle will not burn properly, and the flame may go out due to the wax flooding the wick. If this happens, simply pour out some of the liquid wax. This gives the wick more length allowing your candle to burn properly.

Does a candle in a tin get hot, and is it as safe as a jar candle?
Tin candles are one of the safest candles to burn. Candles in tin containers do not get as hot as you might think. Tin doesn't hold the heat like glass, which makes most candles in tin containers cooler. Glass cracks, tins do not.

What does the term "mushroom" mean?
A mushroom is the carbon residue that forms on the wick. This is created from the fragrance. The larger the mushroom is the higher the fragrance level. Excess mushrooms should be removed from the wick, as needed using the wick clipper. This will make the job very simple and keep the mushroom out of the liquid wax.