Oil Candles
What are Oil Candles?
The most distinctive aspect of oil candles and oil lamps is that they last a lifetime. This reason is why
they are sometimes refered to as the eternal candles. Oil candles and
lamps offer the soothing glow and warmth of candles but without some of the inconveniences of wax
candles. Nowadays oil candles are available in a vast array of ornamental and decorative pieces. An oil
candles thus has the ability to enhance your home by accentuating and complementing your décor. Oil
candles make a wonderful, beautiful functional gift for holidays, birthdays and housewarmings.
Oil Candles "Dissected"
Most oil candles come in a glass vessel. However, you are not restricted to glass alone these days. You
can choose from a wide variety of vessels that include: wood, granite, marble, chrome and brass and of
course even ornamental glass.
Oil candles are basically made of clear glass holders in any shape that is filled with
clear odorless paraffin oil. These glass holders can be mason jars filled with herbs, flowers, or
elegantly designed colored glass holders. An oil candle making kit will usually come with a funnel and
wick, and with the paraffin oil included or it may be sold separately.
Oil candles require specially manufactured candle
wicks. These candle wicks are usually braided fiberglass, and are contained in an eyelet or glass
tube to support it within the vessel.
A Note of Caution:
- The wick holder in an oil candle should allow some airflow between it and the container, or pressure
will build up and result in fuel leakage and potential fires. This would then pose a real fire
hazard.
- The positioning of the oil candle wick within the holder should be even or just below the top of the
holder for a half-inch flame.
- Although fiberglass wicks are long-lasting and should not require trimming, a smoking flame from an
oil candle may be due to carbon build-up. All you will be required to do is to gently brush off the
residue before lighting the candle again.
- Oil candles should never be left unattended.
- Oil candles should be burned in a well-ventilated room away from drafts.