The Distinctive Candle
In a Will & Baumer candle, the blend of wax, type of wick, and the candle diameter are all matched so that
during burning a continuous, balanced cycle of events is taking place. Once a candle is lit, wax present
in the wick is consumed by the flame. Hot air rises, while heat radiating downward from the flame melts
more wax, creating a molten pool. The liquid wax enters the wick, where it travels upward to replace the
wax which has been burned. This wax is in turn consumed by the flame, and the cycle continues.
A Will & Baumer candle is clean burning, smoke-free and drip-free because the combustion of the liquid wax is complete; the flame is the perfect size to generate just the heat necessary to melt the right amount of wax — no more or less than the flame requires.
Getting the Most from Your Will & Baumer Candles
Long, clean, trouble-free burning is ensured by following a few simple steps in the preparation and use of your candles.
Preparation
Always store candles in a cool, dry place until you are ready to use them.
Set the candle securely straight in a holder on a flat, level surface.
Trim wick, whether new or burned, to approx. 3/4”. Make sure it is straight.
Candle followers are recommended for the best burn conditions. Set a clean, properly sized candle follower
(same diameter as candle) on top of the candle, gently pressing and turning the follower to“seat” it.
Precondition wicks by burning for 2 minutes before placing candle on altar.
Lighting
Use a lighting taper to prevent debris from falling into the candle. Lighting sticks and matches must be carefully
used to prevent foreign material from falling into the candle cup.
Avoid contacting the wick or follower with the lighting taper. Extinguish the lighting taper by retracting into holder. Do not blow out.
Extinguishing
Always use a candle snuffer to extinguish the candle. Do not touch the wick or follower with the snuffer.
Simply cover the flame with the snuffer until it goes out. Do not extinguish a candle burning for less than
two minutes, as the wick may burn down and become difficult to relight. Wait a few minutes for liquid wax
to harden before moving candle.
Reconditioning
Occasionally, a candle that has not burned for the required length of time may burn down into the center
of the candle body.
A candle in this state must be trimmed and reconditioned by trimming the top of the
candle to provide a flat, level surface and to expose at least 3/4” of wick.
Best Burn Tips
Burn candles long enough to liquefy top. Large diameter candles in particular should burn continuously
until the top surface has been liquefied to its proper proportion. For best performance, candles should
burn at least the minimum times shown below.
| Candle Size | Minimum Burning Time |
| 1 1/2” | 20 minutes |
| 1 3/4” | 25 minutes |
| 2” | 30 minutes |
| 2 1/4” | 40 minutes |
| 2 1/2” | 50 minutes |
| 3” | 60 minutes |
Use a candle follower. Wilbaum followers are ideally sized and weighted to give the longest, cleanest burn possible when paired with Will & Baumer candles.
Candle Type Tips
Sanctuary Candles should always burn covered by a globe. Designed to burn continuously, the sanctuary candle must be on a level surface and should not be extinguished and relit.
Cemetery Lights are designed to burn outdoors with a continuous flame. Should not be extinguished or relit.
Gleamlights are designed to burn with a continuous flame. Must be placed on a level surface for best burn efficiency.
Plastic Offerlights are designed to burn continuously and be placed in a glass holder.
Vigil Lights, Voticandles and Twinkle T-Lites should be placed in clean dry containers. Remove all tins after the candle is consumed.
Candlelight Service Candles should be used with a drip protector or bobeche. When passing a flame from one candle to another, hold the burning candle vertically, tipping the unlit candle towards it.
Trouble Shooting
Even the best candles have to function in a changing and imperfect world. External conditions such as air
temperature and drafts impact how well a candle burns. The candle user must also know best techniques for
lighting and extinguishing the candle.
Dripping
Make sure the candle has a follower, the follower is the right size, and that it is properly seated.
Be sure that the candle is secure and straight in its holder, and not subject to excessive drafts.
Double flame
Burned portions of wick, debris from a match or lighting stick, or even an unlucky moth can act as a
secondary wick and will cause a double flame. Extinguish the candle and carefully remove the contamination
before relighting.
Curled wick/smoking
Smoking or a large flame indicates the wick may be too long and/or curled.
Make sure the wick is no longer than 3/4” and, if necessary,
trim it.
Short wick
This happens when the wick is accidentally broken or smoldered after the last use. Using a dull knife,
“re-head” the candle, exposing unburned wick. Trim the wick to 3/4”, reseat the burner, and relight the candle.
Download Candle Care Sheet
Download the Candle Care Sheet here.
