Disappointed With the Performance and Finish
"I really wanted to like this wax, but after testing more than 18 candles, I’ve been disappointed with both its performance and appearance. I’ve tested multiple fragrance oils and wick sizes while carefully following the recommended temperatures, fragrance loads, and procedures. My biggest issue has been hot throw. The fragrance oils I’ve tested from The Flaming Candle smell wonderful out of the bottle, but I’ve gotten little to essentially no hot throw from them in 464. I’ve completed the recommended two-week cure on previous tests with the same disappointing results. More recently, I tested fragrance oil from another supplier in the same wax and was able to get detectable hot throw even before the full two-week cure. That makes me wonder whether some of the fragrance oils I’ve chosen simply aren't performing particularly well in 464 rather than there being an issue with the fragrances themselves. I certainly don't expect optimal hot throw before a soy candle has fully cured, but after 18+ test candles—including candles given the full recommended cure—I don't think expecting detectable fragrance is unreasonable. I’ve also experienced small oily droplets appearing on the surface after burning despite keeping my fragrance loads well within the published guidelines. The very rough post-burn tops may be normal for soy wax, but combined with the other issues, the finished product simply isn't meeting the standard I'm looking for. This process was further complicated by a thermometer I previously purchased from The Flaming Candle that I eventually discovered was reading approximately 10–15°F differently from my Thermapen. That introduced an unnecessary variable into my early testing and troubleshooting. I’m giving the wax two stars based on my experience with the product itself. I have contacted the company with detailed information about my testing and am awaiting their response, so I don't think it would be fair to evaluate their customer service until they've had an opportunity to respond. I would like information on returning the 45# unopened box of 464 soy flakes that I have remaining."