We live in a world of instant gratification. We want next-day delivery, instant downloads, and immediate results.
But, when it comes to artisan candle making, patience isn't just a virtue, it’s a necessity.
You might be surprised to learn that when we pour a batch of our signature candles, they don't go straight onto the website.
Instead, we place them on a shelf and leave them alone.
This is all down to candle curing time.
It can be tempting to ship them out as soon as they have set, especially when the studio smells absolutely divine.
However, we wait a full two weeks before we even think about selling them.
Why? Because like a fine wine or a good cheese, a high-quality candle needs time to mature to perform its best.
What exactly is candle curing?
In simple terms, curing is the chemical process where the wax and the fragrance oil bond together.
When you mix fragrance oil into melted wax, the two substances are blended, but they haven't fully integrated on a molecular level.
If you were to light the candle immediately after it cooled (which we call "burning fresh"), the scent might be weak, or the candle might not burn evenly.
By allowing for a proper candle curing time, the wax molecules have time to expand and trap the fragrance oil effectively.
This creates a harder, more stable candle that smells incredible both when it’s sitting on your coffee table (cold throw) and when it’s lit (hot throw).
Why the type of wax matters
Not all candles are created equal, and different waxes require different waiting periods.
This is often why mass-produced candles can be churned out so quickly compared to small-batch artisan ones.
Paraffin wax
Paraffin is a mineral wax derived from petroleum. It has a very simple molecular structure, which means it doesn't need much time to cure.
A paraffin candle is often ready to burn in just 24 to 48 hours.
Soy and natural waxes
We use natural wax (such as soy or rapeseed) because it is cleaner, renewable, and biodegradable.
However, natural waxes have a crystalline structure that is constantly changing and hardening over time.
Because vegetable waxes are polymorphic (meaning their crystals can change shape), they need significantly longer to stabilise.
During the first two weeks, the wax continues to harden. If we interrupt this process by lighting the wick, we compromise the quality of the candle.
Did you know? A soy candle continues to cure and harden basically forever, but the vast majority of the magic happens in those first 14 days.
The benefits of waiting two weeks
So, what do you, the customer, get out of this waiting game?
We believe the difference is noticeable. Here are the three main reasons we stick to a 14-day rule curing time:
1. A stronger scent throw
This is the big one. The hot throw is the strength of the fragrance when the candle is burning. If you light a soy candle too early, the scent can feel faint or "light."
After a two-week cure, the fragrance oil is fully locked into the wax, resulting in a robust, room-filling aroma that lingers.
Suggestion: Read our post on What is scent throw.
2. A longer burn time
As mentioned, natural wax continues to harden as it cures. A harder candle burns more slowly and evenly.
If you burn a candle that is too soft (because it’s too fresh), it will burn down quickly, meaning you get fewer hours of enjoyment for your money.
3. Better structural integrity
During the curing period, the wax settles. This allows us to spot any imperfections. Sometimes, temperature changes can cause "frosting" or slight dipping in the surface.
By waiting, we can ensure that every candle that leaves our studio meets our standards of aesthetics and quality.
How to tell if a candle has been cured
Ideally, you shouldn't have to worry about this! A reputable chandler will have already done the waiting for you.
When you buy from us, you can be confident that the candle arriving at your door is "shelf-stable" and ready to light immediately.
However, if you ever buy a candle from a market that was "poured yesterday," our top tip is to pop it in a cupboard and let it rest for a week or two.
You will thank yourself when you finally light it!
Making candles is a mix of art and science. While the pouring is the artistic part, the candle curing time is the science that ensures quality.
We know that waiting two weeks requires a bit of planning and a lot of shelf space, but we believe the result is worth it.
By respecting the process, we ensure that when you finally strike that match, you are greeted with a perfect, clean burn and a beautiful fragrance that transforms your home.
Do you have a favourite candle scent that you think is worth the wait?
We’d love to hear what fragrances you are burning this season, let us know in the comments below!
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