Taper Candle Drip Prevention

Due to their slenderness, taper candles are much more likely to drip than pillars or votives. Many taper holders, candlesticks and candelabras are also very slender, which increases the risk of wax spills onto tabletops or table cloths. You can, however, help prevent these mishaps by following a few simple guidelines.

Quality

The most important factor in preventing dripping from taper candles is even burning. This means the candle must be made of a quality wax that will create an even melt pool. The wick must also run precisely through the center of the candle. Look at the bottom and the top of the candle to ensure the wick is centered. Finally, the candle should be very straight and not warped. If the candle appears straight, roll it across an even surface. If it rolls smoothly, it is straight.

Mounting

When you mount a taper candle into a candlestick or holder, align the candle as close to vertical as possible. If it is leaning in one direction, even slightly, the flame will melt one side faster than the other, which will lead to drips. If the candle fits loosely in the holder, use a bit of wax adhesive (sometimes sold as "tacky wax") around the base of the candle so it fits firmly.

Balance

Candles burn best when they the melt pool and the wick size are balanced. If the wick is too small, it will melt the wax faster than it can burn it up. This creates a larger melt pool and drowns the wick. A large wick will burn the wax up faster, create a larger flame, produce more smoke and sometimes "sputter" due to lack of available fuel. Find a taper that has a wick that looks almost too big for the candle. Very fine wicks are more apt to drip, but very large wicks can create problems, as well.

References

• Candle Making; Bob Sherman; 2002