Container candles – These are an easy way to make your candles. Many people start with a standard jelly jar. However, you have endless options.
Three safety rules are essential when selecting a container.
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- It won't catch fire
- It won’t leak
- It won't crack nor break
It sounds easy, right? You would be shocked at the amount of dangerously made container candles. These could easily cause a disaster or even set fire to your entire home.
You Won't Catch Fire
This seems like a simple rule to follow but it's being broken all the time. You shouldn't make a candle using a birch bark container, a coconut shell or a plastic margarita cup. Anything that you can't hold an open flame to is prohibited.
Another popular example of this is flower pots or other porous clay containers used for candles. A porous material such as terra cotta may absorb the wax. This can become a giant flame that rises along the rim.
Again, never make a candle that can burn in a container. It doesn’t matter how pretty the candle looks or how certain you feel that the flame will not get near the edge of the container.
Won't Leak
Two problems can result from a leaky container. First of all, hot melted wax should not spill out onto your counters, coffee tables, mantles, shelves, or nightstands. It can create a mess. It could also lead to a fire hazard, depending on how quickly or suddenly the wax leaks.
If the melted wax drips out of the candle faster than it melts, your wick will burn much hotter and longer than it should. In just a few moments, you can have a very large flame. Even a slight turn of your head can lead to a loss of control.
Most metal tins leak because they have a seam at the bottom or side. You can test a metal tin by filling it with water and letting it sit for a few days to see if it holds hot melted wax.
We Won't Crack
This is perhaps one of the most common problems with container candles. It can also be the most troublesome.
Hot wax can be spilled from a cracked container in the same way as a leaky container. The flame will quickly grow to several inches high, as the wax-soaked candlewick will suddenly become dry. The flame can reach heights of several inches and catch fire in nearby drapes, cabinets or plants.
There are many stories and urban legends regarding exploding jelly candles. Most cases are caused by gel heating up and cracking the glassware, such as martini glasses, fishbowls, or other dangerous glassware.
What To Look For In A Container?
Containers that resist heat and are resistant to leaks, fire, and cracks are also important. Even if your candle does burn properly, the wax pool will heat up and the flame will get hotter as it burns. Your container must be able to withstand that heat.
This is why jelly wholesale candle jars have become so popular over time. They are strong and will hold wax for a long time. Other types of glassware can also be used, but only if they are thick enough to withstand high heat.
Ceramic bowls as well as properly treated flower pots or metal tins can make great containers. They are more heat-resistant than clear glass.
Consider the shape of the container. It's more likely to crack if it has a large mouth and narrow bottom.