If you’ve ever poured a batch of candles and felt the urge to light one straight away, you’re not alone. But candle makers agree—patience pays off. Allowing your candles to cure properly is the secret to stronger scent throw, better performance, and a smoother finish.
Why Do Candles Need to Cure?
Curing is the process of letting your candle rest after it’s been poured. During this time, the fragrance oil bonds with the wax, creating a more even and powerful hot throw (the scent released when burning) and improving cold throw (the scent when unlit).
A proper cure also ensures a cleaner burn, a smoother surface, and more consistent performance. That’s why professional candle makers and small business sellers often recommend waiting before lighting up.
Typical Cure Times by Wax Type
Soy Wax
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Recommended cure: 2 weeks
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Why: Soy needs more time for the fragrance to fully integrate. This results in a much stronger hot and cold throw.
Blends (Soy/Paraffin, Coconut/Soy, etc.)
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Recommended cure: 5–7 days, with many makers still waiting up to 2 weeks.
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Why: Blends can perform well sooner but achieve their peak after about two weeks.
Paraffin Wax
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Recommended cure: 24–48 hours, but waiting longer never hurts.
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Why: Fragrance bonds quickly with paraffin, making it ready faster.
Unscented Candles
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Recommended cure: 24–72 hours
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Why: No fragrance integration is required, so they’re safe to burn much sooner.
What About Test Burns?
If you’re only testing wick performance or burn characteristics, a cure time of 48 hours is usually enough. But if you want to evaluate fragrance throw, give your candle the full cure period—it makes a noticeable difference.
Exceptions and Outliers
Not every maker notices dramatic changes with long cure times. Some hobbyists burn their candles whenever they want. Still, the consensus on Reddit candle-making forums and among professional sellers is clear: two weeks is best for soy and soy-based blends.
Summary Table
| Wax Type | Cure Recommendation | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Soy Wax | 2 weeks | Stronger hot/cold throw, best performance |
| Blends | 7–14 days | Test at 7 days, peak at 14 days |
| Paraffin Wax | 1–2 days | Bonds quickly, longer is still helpful |
| Unscented | 24–72 hours | Safe to burn early, no FO integration |
Final Thoughts
For most homemade scented candles, especially soy and soy blends, allowing a full two-week cure before burning produces the best results. While it can be tempting to light your creations straight away, waiting ensures your candles smell stronger, burn better, and deliver the cosy ambience you intended.
