Does color effect the burn time of candles?

Sometime ago, I was watching an episode of the Martha Show where she was discussing beeswax candles. She said that color and fragrance does effect the burn time of candles. I was in doubt and so I went to search to find out the answer to this burning question - no pun intended. I found out reading the article, Why Some Candles Burn Fast on the website Happy News that color does not factor in to your candle burning any faster than a plain candle. What really does make the candle burn faster? Well, the first thing is that the wick size is the primary factor determining candle-burning rate. If you use a large wick it will speed up the burn time of the candle. Also what it is important to know is that Wax is the most important ingredient that makes a candle burn faster. Soft wax has a higher oil content and lower melt temperature; therefore, it burns faster. Typically, candles in jars have soft wax, and pillar candles have hard wax. The longest burning candles are pillar candles made of a blend of beeswax and paraffin.

Now the National Candle Association may differ on this question. If you would like to find out, the National Candle Association has information on how to conduct your own science project to find out. If any experienced candlemakers out there would like to chime in on this subject, please let us know your thoughts on this matter whether from your own experience or articles that your have read.

Candlemaking E-books by Joan Morais

If you are interested in making your own candles, Joan Morais sells her handouts for her classes.
The first book is on

beeswax candlemaking (http://joanmorais.com/joansbooks/beeswaxcandlemaking.html)

and the other is on aromatherapy soy candles (http://joanmorais.com/joansbooks/aromatherapysoycandles.html).

I have had the pleasure of taking two of Joan's classes at The Nova Studio (http://www.thenovastudio.com/) but I missed taking these two back in December 2008. She is a knowledgeable teacher and her books are great! I highly recommend them. You will not be disappointed.

While I am mentioning candles and The Nova Studio has an ECO Friendly Candlemaking class scheduled for Saturday, February 28th from 10 am to 2 pm. And Lori has just added a second session on Saturday, Marchy 14th from 1 pm to 5 pm. If you are interested in taking this class or would like more information, go to http://thenovastudio.com/description_lori_candles.htm.

If you are interested in learning more about Joan's upcoming classes, visit her website at http://www.joanmorais.com/.