Candle Care & Burning Tips

Granite Firefly candles are not only unique in the way they look and feel, but also in the way they burn. The clean burning, plant based wax used to create our candles is very dense and burns very slowly. The density of the wax also causes the candle to burn inward, instead of over the sides as other pillar candles might. This results in a 70-90 hour burn time, depending on the size of the candle. Additionally, the natural cotton wick has been carefully selected to ensure an even, efficient burn. However, it does burn extremely hot to handle to dense wax. As the flame descends, the walls of the candle become progressively thinner, allowing the candlelight and the unique feathering patterns to shine through.

Burning Tips:

1. Place the candle on a small plate, or a candle coaster to avoid any wax residue on furniture. A quality hurricane vase can also be used.

2. Keep the wick trimmed to approximately ¼ inch. The wick used is hot and powerful, essential to manage our distinctive, dense wax. The wick will require trimming & straightening to promote an even burn.

3. When lighting the candle initially, allow it to burn until the wax pool reaches the perimeter. This may take between 3-6 hours, and is dependent upon ambient room temperature.

4. Always burn within sight. They do prefer to be admired as they burn!

   
   

Troubleshooting Tips

Our candles are known for their distinctive designs, extended burning times and for the soft glow they emit. However, our signature wax is extremely dense and the wick we utilize burns extremely hot. These factors can sometimes present challenges when burning your candle, such as an uneven burn, excessive outer shell or even a thin spot or hole that forms in the shell. Understanding why these things may happen and learning how to troubleshoot these issues effectively can increase the life of your Granite Firefly candle and promote a safe and happy burning experience. Read on to explore reasons behind these potential issues, and what you can do about them!

Uneven Burn

An uneven burn can occur when the wick is not properly trimmed, if the candle is exposed to a draft/air current, or if the candle has not been allowed to burn for a long enough duration during its initial, or subsequent, uses. To remedy this, it is advisable to keep the wick trimmed to about 1/4 inch before each burn. We recommend using a wick trimmer. This will ensure a controlled flame and promote an even melt pool. Additionally, ensure that the candle is placed on a stable, level surface to avoid any tilting, which can also lead to uneven wax consumption.

Excessive Outer Shell

Because of the density of the wax, the duration of the initial burn is very important. When lighting your candle for the first time, allow the candle to burn until the wax pool reaches the perimeter of the candle. This may take between 3-6 hours, and is dependent upon ambient room temperature, meaning the candle will burn more quickly in a warm room and more slowly in a cooler environment. It is best to keep a close eye on your candle during this maiden voyage to ensure it burns evenly, the wick remains short and straight, and the wax pool reaches the perimeter. If you need to extinguish the candle briefly during a burn to trim or adjust the wick, don't hesitate to do so! If the outer shell remains thick following the initial burn, please allow for extended subsequent burns as well. At the end of the candles life, leftover shell can be carefully cut into pieces to use in a wax melt warmer, or put into a small mesh bag and used as a closet or drawer freshener.

Thin Spot in the Shell

If the candle is allowed to burn unevenly for an extended period, a thin spot, slit or hole may form. This is a bummer, as wax can leak from the candle as a result. However, all is NOT lost, as you can see in the above photo. Extinguish the candle immediately, and let cool completely. The next time you light it, the new wax pool will form beneath the troubled spot. Monitor it closely during this time to ensure this happens, but generally the candle can continue to be enjoyed.

In Conclusion...

Granite Firefly candles are truly one of a kind from start to finish. Beginning with their unique patterns and designs, to the way each one burns in its own individual way down to the end of its life.

After conducting over three years of research and burn tests, we continue to learn the intricacies of burning these unique candles. We are continuously improving our understanding of the wax, and continue to refine the process of creating each candle. We have discovered that both creating AND burning each candle is a bit of a scientific endeavor, and each one evolves into an original little work of art.

We love to watch each one take shape throughout its life, and we hope you do too. If you wish to alter the rim of the candle by removing some of the uneven sections to achieve a more uniform look, this can be accomplished either by simply gently breaking off the pieces or by laying the (completely cooled) candle on its side and using a serrated knife to gently and carefully even out the shell. Again, these pieces can go right into your wax warmer! If you ever have any questions, comments issues or concerns about the behavior of your candle, please don't hesitate to reach out to us at granitefirefly@gmail.com. We always love to hear from you!!

Love & Candlelight,

Alicia and Donnie