How Long Does It Take For Golden Wax 464 To Burn?

What is Golden Wax 464?

Golden Wax 464, also known as GWA464 or GW464, is an all-natural soy wax produced by Golden Brands. It is a blend of hydrogenated soybean oil and other proprietary additives that is designed for candle making (https://www.candlescience.com/wax/golden-brands-464-soy-wax/).

Golden Wax 464 is often used by professional and hobby candle makers because it has many desirable properties. It has a high melting point (160-165°F) so candles made with GWA464 retain their shape and have reduced frosting. The wax also allows for excellent fragrance retention and scent throw. Additionally, the smooth opaque finish provides an attractive look for poured candles (https://soybeads.com/product/gw-464-soy-wax/).

The key use cases for Golden Wax 464 are container candles, pillars, tarts, and votives. It is versatile enough to be used on its own or blended with other waxes. GWA464 produces candles with an even burn, good fragrance throw, and minimal wet spots or frosting.

Typical Burn Time

The typical burn time for a Golden Wax 464 candle is between 60-80 hours, according to manufacturer specifications. This can vary based on several factors including wick type and size, wax temperature, candle diameter, room temperature, and proper burning technique.

For a standard 16 oz. jar candle made with Golden Wax 464, the typical burn time is approximately 80 hours (https://464candles.com/pages/its-all-in-the-details-faq). However, this can decrease for smaller candles and increase for larger diameter candles. Proper wick sizing is also critical – too small of a wick can result in poor wax pool formation and tunneling, while too large of a wick can cause the candle to burn too hot and fast. Most manufacturers recommend testing different wick types/sizes to find the optimal setup for a complete, even burn.

Burn time also depends on factors like wax temperature and room temperature. Hotter wax and warmer room temperatures make candles burn faster, while cooler temps slow down the melt and burn rate. Technique when lighting the candle can also affect burn time. Allowing the wax pool to form completely on the initial burns helps prevent tunneling issues later.

Wick Type and Size

The type and size of wick used with Golden Wax 464 can significantly impact burn time. Wicks come in different materials like cotton, paper-cored, and wood-cored. The wick material affects flexibility, rigidity, and burn rate.

Cotton wicks are a popular choice with 464 soy wax. They provide a clean, even burn and good scent throw. Paper-cored wicks offer rigidity but may curl or bend when burned. Wood-cored wicks are rigid and allow large diameter pillar candles.

Wick diameter also matters. Thicker wicks typically burn larger candles faster. Using a wick that’s too thin for the candle diameter can lead to poor performance, including tunneling, drowning, or going out.

Testing is recommended to find the ideal Golden Wax 464 wick for your candle type and size. A good starting point is CD wicks for containers and HTP or ECO wicks for pillars. Adjusting wick diameter from there can maximize burn time.

Overall, pairing the right wick to 464 wax and candle dimensions enables an even burn and ideal burn time. Check manufacturer guidelines but also test different wicks.

Wax Temperature

Golden Wax 464 has a melting point of 115°F to 120°F according to Fillmore Container. This means that the wax needs to be heated to at least 115°F for it to become fully liquid. The proper wax temperature for pouring Golden Wax 464 candles is around 135°F (+/- 10°F) as recommended by Fillmore Container.

For burning, you’ll want the wax pool temperature to be between 120°F and 130°F for ideal performance. If the wax is too cool, it may not pool out properly or allow the fragrance to throw appropriately. If the wax is too hot, it can lead to issues like sinking, fogging, frosting, and other aesthetic problems. Maintaining the ideal wax temperature helps ensure proper melt pool dimensions, fragrance throw, and an attractive candle appearance.

Candle Diameter

The diameter of a candle affects how quickly it burns. Larger diameter candles have more surface area exposed to oxygen, allowing more wax to melt at one time. This means that a 3-inch diameter candle will burn faster than a 2-inch diameter candle, assuming they are the same height.

For example, a 3-inch diameter pillar candle may burn for around 20-25 hours, whereas a 2-inch diameter pillar of the same height might burn for 30-35 hours. The increased surface area of the larger candle allows more wax to melt and more fragrance to be released as it burns.

Conversely, smaller votive or tealight candles have less surface area and will burn more slowly, potentially lasting 5-8 hours. Vessels like candle jars and glasses restrict oxygen flow even further, limiting the melt pool and slowing the burn time.

So when estimating Golden Wax 464 burn times, the diameter of the candle is an important factor to consider along with other variables like wick size and room temperature.

Room Temperature

The burn time of Golden Wax 464 candles can vary significantly depending on the ambient room temperature. As a general rule, Golden Wax 464 candles will burn more slowly in colder environments and faster in warmer environments. This is because the wax needs to be heated to its melting point before it can be consumed by the flame. At colder temperatures, it takes longer for the wax to reach this melting point, so it burns more slowly.

One source notes that at temperatures below 17°C (62°F), the wax burns incompletely because the wax remains too cold and solid to melt properly. The candle may tunnel or form a well around the wick as the wax near the flame melts faster than the outer wax. At warmer temperatures above 17°C (62°F), the wax burns more quickly and evenly [1].

A science experiment observed that a candle placed in a 5°C (41°F) refrigerator burned over 50% slower than an identical candle at room temperature of around 20°C (68°F). The colder wax took longer to melt and vaporize, so less wax was consumed by the flame in the same amount of time [2].

Therefore, for best burn time, Golden Wax 464 candles should be burned in a room between 17-24°C (62-75°F) where the wax can melt properly. Colder rooms below 17°C (62°F) will extend burn times but may cause tunneling, while hotter rooms above 24°C (75°F) will decrease burn times.

Drafts and Air Currents

Drafts and air currents can significantly impact how quickly a Golden Wax 464 candle burns. According to this source, drafts can cause a candle to burn unevenly and more quickly. When air is blowing on the candle, it causes the wax to melt and the wick to burn faster on one side. This makes the candle tunnel or form a deep crater on that side, leading to a shorter overall burn time.

For optimal Golden Wax 464 burn time, you’ll want to minimize drafts around the candle. According to The Candle Cafe, still air is ideal for even burning. If the flame flickers and dances in a draft, the wax will not melt correctly. Position your candle away from frequently opened doors, windows, vents, fans, or air conditioning that can cause drafts. This will help the wax melt evenly and the wick burn steadily, maximizing the burn time.

Proper Burning Technique

Properly burning a candle made with Golden Wax 464 is important to maximize burn time and reduce issues like tunneling. Here are some key tips:

Before lighting the candle, trim the wick to 1/4″ to prevent it from producing large flames and excessive sooting [1]. This will allow the wax to melt evenly across the top as the candle burns.

Allow the wax pool to fully form across the entire top of the candle before extinguishing the flame. This will prevent tunneling where the wax melts unevenly. Wait until the wax pool reaches the edges before blowing out the flame.

Avoid drafts around the candle as these can cause the flame to shift to one side, again resulting in uneven melting. Shield the candle from fans or vents in the room.

Trim the wick as needed to maintain a steady flame around 1″ high as the candle burns down. Long wicks will produce more soot.

Storing Candles

Proper storage conditions are important for maximizing the burn time of Golden Wax 464 candles. According to Golden Wax 464Soy Wax from Gateway Food Products, Golden Wax 464 soy wax should be stored at 75°F or below in a dry and odor-free environment. The ideal storage temperature is between 60-75°F.

Storing candles in temperatures above 75°F can cause the wax to soften and slump or lean. It can also cause the fragrance oil to become volatile. These changes to the wax and fragrance can negatively impact burn time. Candles stored in cold temperatures may experience frosting or sweating when burned due to wax crystallization. Storing candles in humid environments can cause wet spots on the wax and wick problems.

Keeping Golden Wax 464 candles in a controlled environment before burning will help maximize burn time. Allow candles to acclimate to room temperature for at least 24 hours before burning. Avoid large fluctuations in temperature when storing the candles. With proper storage, Golden Wax 464 candles will have a shelf life of up to 12 months.

Maximizing Golden Wax 464 Burn Time

There are several factors that impact how long Golden Wax 464 candles will burn (https://soycandlemakingtime.com/review-soy-wax-gw-464-golden-brands/):

• Wick type and size – Larger wicks and cotton or wood wicks can result in faster wax pooling and shorter burn times.
• Wax temperature – Hotter wax tends to burn faster than cooler wax.
• Candle diameter – Wider candles will burn slower than narrower candles.
• Room temperature – Warmer environments cause wax to melt and burn faster.
• Air flow – Drafts or breezes will make candles burn faster.

Here are some tips for maximizing Golden Wax 464 burn time (https://www.reddit.com/r/candlemaking/comments/gwnzwg/how_long_do_you_let_464_wax_cure_after_being/):

• Use smaller wicks, like CD or ECO wicks.
• Allow candles to cure 1-2 weeks after pouring to optimize hot throw.
• Store candles in a cool, draft-free space before burning.
• Trim wicks to 1⁄4 inch before lighting.
• Burn candles in an area free of drafts.
• Allow the wax pool to form completely before extinguishing the flame.

With the right wick, proper curing, and ideal burning conditions, Golden Wax 464 candles can provide 50-80 hours of burn time.