Prototype Guidelines for Beeswax Candles

Material Selection  

Beeswax Quality  

- 100% Pure Beeswax: Ensure the wax is unbleached and free from additives.  

- Color Variations: Natural beeswax ranges from light yellow to deep amber. If a lighter shade is desired, filtered or bleached beeswax may be used (though this may affect purity).  

- Supplier Verification: Source from reputable beekeepers or certified suppliers to avoid adulteration with paraffin or soy wax.  

Wick Selection

- Cotton vs. Wood Wicks:  

  - Cotton wicks (braided or flat) are standard; size should match candle diameter.  

  -Wooden wicks provide a crackling effect but require precise sizing to avoid tunneling.  

- Wick Priming: Pre-coat wicks in beeswax to improve ignition and reduce soot.  

- Testing Wick Size: Conduct burn tests to ensure full melt pool formation without excessive smoking.  

Prototyping Process  

Melting & Pouring  

- Double Boiler Method: Melt beeswax gently (65–75°C / 149–167°F) to avoid scorching.  

- Temperature Control: Overheating can darken wax and degrade scent.  

- Pouring Temperature: 60–65°C (140–149°F) to minimize shrinkage and sinkholes.  

Molding & Shaping  

- Mold Types:  

  - Silicone Molds: Flexible and ideal for intricate designs.  

  - Metal Molds: Best for pillar candles; preheat to prevent air bubbles.  

- Release Agents: Use minimal vegetable oil or beeswax spray for easy demolding.  

- Cooling Time: Allow 24 hours at room temperature to prevent cracking.  

Adding Fragrance & Color (Optional)

- Essential Oils: Use 3–5% concentration for scent; citrus and floral oils pair well with beeswax’s natural aroma.  

- Natural Dyes: Options include turmeric (yellow), cocoa powder (brown), or spirulina (green).  

- Avoid Synthetic Additives: These can compromise the candle’s clean-burning properties.  

Quality Testing  

Burn Test  

- First Burn: Allow candle to burn for 3–4 hours to check melt pool formation.  

- Wick Trimming: Ensure the wick is trimmed to 6mm before each test to prevent sooting.  

- Even Burn: The wax should melt evenly without tunneling or excessive dripping.  

Fragrance Throw Test

- Cold Throw: Scent strength when unlit.  

- Hot Throw: Scent dispersion when burning; adjust oil concentration if weak.  

Stability & Safety  

- Draft Testing: Ensure flame stability in drafty conditions.  

- Container Candles: Verify glass/metal containers withstand heat without cracking.  

Packaging & Labeling Considerations  

- Eco-Friendly Materials: Use recycled paper, hemp twine, or biodegradable wraps.  

- Labeling: Include:  

  - "100% Pure Beeswax"  

  - Burn time (e.g., 40 hours for a 8oz candle)  

  - Safety instructions (e.g., "Trim wick to ¼ inch before each use")  

Troubleshooting Common Issues  

| Issue | Possible Cause | Solution |  

|-----------|--------------------|--------------|  

| Tunneling | Wick too small | Upsize wick or preheat mold |  

| Sooting | Wick too large | Use smaller wick or trim more |  

| Cracking | Rapid cooling | Cool candles slowly at room temp |  

| Poor Scent Throw | Low oil concentration | Increase essential oils (max 6%) |  

A well-executed beeswax candle prototype ensures product viability, safety, and market appeal. Focus on pure materials, precise wick selection, and rigorous testing to deliver a premium, sustainable candle. Document each iteration for refinement before mass production.