Do White Candles Burn Faster Than Colored Candles? Find Out Here!

Updated on January 4, 2023

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Do White Candles Burn Faster Than Colored Candles?

Most individuals who enjoy candles will, at some point or another, find themselves considering the question of whether white candles or colorful candles burn more quickly. Many people have the preconceived notion that white candles would burn more rapidly than colored ones since the wax used to manufacture white candles does not have any additional dye added. The reality of the situation can take you by surprise.

Do White Candles Burn Faster Than Colored Candles?

White candles burn more slowly than colored candles because they lack any coloring or dye. Pure wax burns more slowly than candles that have been colored because colored candles often have a larger quantity of chemicals, additives, and colors. However, the variation between the speeds at which the various kinds of candles burn is not very significant.

Whether you are conducting research for a scientific project or you want to buy a candle that will last you a long time, understanding whether or not white candles burn quicker than colored candles can be a surprisingly important piece of information to have.

Continue reading because many more factors and intricacies influence how rapidly a candle burns, but for now, let's go right into it!

What Are Some Of The Factors That Determine How Quickly A Candle Will Burn?

Throughout the entirety of this piece, I have maintained that colored candles will burn faster than white candles because the chemicals and dyes burn at a higher rate. Nevertheless, I also emphasized that this is not always the case owing to the numerous unknown variables and effects that can alter how quickly a specific color candle burns. These variables and influences can affect the rate at which a candle burns.

What Are Some Of The Factors That Determine How Quickly A Candle Will Burn?

White candles without any added dye have the potential to burn faster than colored candles of the same size and kind when placed in the same atmosphere. Because so many factors are at play, it is hard to state with complete assurance that "colored candles will ALWAYS burn quicker than white ones." In certain conditions, white colored candles burn quicker than usual, although this is not always the case. Exceptions are inevitable.

In the following few parts, I'll discuss some key factors that determine how quickly a candle burns and maybe shed some light (haha) on some of the reasons why candles burn at varying speeds.

1. The Measurement and Kind of Wick

The wick is one of the most important factors determining the rate at which a given candle will burn. Since the flame itself is contained within the wick, it stands to reason that the wick will significantly impact the fire's intensity and size.

The speed at which the candle burns may increase by making the wick both larger and thicker. Because of the increased surface area of the thicker wick, the flame will be able to grow and, as a result, will get hotter. A candle with a smaller wick will typically burn for longer than one with a bigger wick; however, larger candles burned with smaller wicks may experience uneven melting.

The Measurement and Kind of Wick

2. The Kind of Wax That Was Employed in the Production of the Candle

Candles may be crafted from many different kinds of wax, with soy wax, paraffin, and beeswax among the most common and widely used forms. Although every variety of wax possesses its characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages, certain waxes are superior to others in their ability to maintain a steady flame for an extended period.

To make sure that your jar candle burns for the longest time possible, it is recommended that you use wax with a higher hardness. Waxes such as beeswax and paraffin wax are examples of hard waxes. Since soy wax is in the softer range, candles manufactured with soy wax will not have a lifespan comparable to those made of beeswax or paraffin wax. This causes it to burn more quickly.

3. Scents and Essential Oils

Similar to the dyes and color additives we were discussing, the smells and essential oils added to candles can impact how long the candles burn if you have a candle with an excessive amount of essential oil or any other type of fragrance. In that case, it is possible to clog up the wick, preventing the fragrance from dispersing and preventing the candle from burning correctly.

If you can prevent the wick from burning correctly, the candle will not burn as effectively or for as long as it would have otherwise. Unless you are producing your candles, adding an excessive amount of fragrance or essential oil to a candle is not often going to cause any issues; nonetheless, it is important to keep this in mind just in case it does happen.

4. The Circumstances of the Place Where You Light the Candle

The surrounding atmosphere is yet another significant factor that plays a significant role in determining the maximum amount of time a candle may remain lit. To some extent, a candle's burn time is affected by various factors, including the air's quality, the direction and strength of the wind, and the temperature.

The wind is one of the most influential aspects of an environment that has the most potential to affect the behavior of a candle. Ensure there is very little or no wind in the region that might affect your candle so the wick can burn for as long as possible. This will allow your candle to burn for the longest time possible.

The Circumstances of the Place Where You Light the Candle

5. The Length of Time Spent Burning and Its Current State

Although it may not appear crucial at first glance, the age of your candle significantly impacts how long it will burn. If you keep your candles in the right conditions, their age won't affect how long they will burn. On the other hand, if you don't keep them in the right conditions, incorrect storage can drastically reduce how long they will remain lighted.

If candles are exposed to the outside air for a lengthy period, they tend to grow dry and brittle. To ensure that this does not occur, it is recommended that you keep candles in an area that is either cool or at room temperature and store them in an airtight container. This will allow you to preserve the candles for a longer period.

Smell is one of the human senses which can flow through the whole body. I am the Founder of NeoCandle.com where we talk all about scented candles. Known as Candace the Candle Girl, I know pretty much all there is to know about scented candles. I make and sell them on Etsy and Ebay - so be sure to ask if you have any burning questions :) (pun intended ;) )

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