Chloe Adams
Oil-topped church candles are a great, long-lasting alternative to traditional wax candles. They are easy to refill and can be refilled directly on the candlestick. To fill an oil-topped church candle, you must first remove the empty canister and replace it with a new one. You can then pour the oil into the candle until it reaches the base of the internal thread, which is approximately three-quarters full. It is important to note that overfilling can cause the oil to leak through the air holes, so caution should be exercised. Once filled, the wick assembly can be replaced, and the candle will be ready to use in a few minutes.
Characteristics and Values of Oil-Topped Church Candles
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Filling the candle | Fill the candle with oil to the base of the internal thread - approximately 3/4 full. |
| Oil type | Use liquid paraffin. Do not use lamp oil or kerosene as these can cause respiratory issues. |
| Filling the reservoir | Allow a few minutes for the oil to reach the wick. |
| Wick | The wick is fibreglass and does not need to be trimmed. |
| Burn time | Burn time is a function of candle diameter. The larger the diameter, the longer the burn time. |
| Refilling | Refillable canisters are made of metal and have a screw-off brass top. |
| Clean-up | If using wax tapers, ban them from church premises as wax on the breathing hole will make the candle hard to clean. |
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What You'll Learn
Removing the wick assembly
To remove the wick assembly, start by unscrewing the brass candle follower, also known as the burner, at the top of the candle. This will expose the wick and the oil reservoir. The wick is typically made of fibreglass and is attached to a small brass fitting at the top. This fitting is threaded and screws into the top of the canister or follower.
Once the brass follower is removed, you can carefully lift out the wick assembly. Be gentle, as the wick is fragile and can break if handled roughly. After removing the wick, set it aside in a safe place, as it can be reused multiple times before needing replacement.
If the wick is difficult to remove, it may be stuck due to oil residue or carbon buildup. In this case, you can carefully use a small tool, such as a thin screwdriver or a thin piece of wire, to gently pry the wick loose. Be careful not to damage the wick or the surrounding components.
It is important to note that different brands of oil candles may have slightly different methods of wick removal. For example, some wicks may be attached differently or may require a specific tool for removal. Always refer to the manufacturer's instructions or seek guidance from a specialist if you are unsure about the process for your specific candle.
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Filling the candle with oil
Filling an oil-topped candle is a straightforward process. Before beginning, ensure you are using the correct oil for your candle—for example, Lux Mundi wicks require the use of liquid paraffin. Other types of oil, such as lamp oil or barbecue fluid, may cause issues such as black deposits or increased fire risk.
Once you have the correct oil, it's time to fill the candle. If your candle has a screw-off top, simply unscrew it and pour in the oil. Fill the candle to approximately 3/4 full, or about 1/2 inch from the top. The oil expands when warm, so be careful not to overfill it, as this can cause leakage through the air holes. You can use a small piece of cork to help judge the oil depth, as it will rise as the oil level rises.
If your candle does not have a screw-off top, it may have a removable wick assembly. Remove the wick assembly and fill the candle to the base of the internal thread, again being careful not to overfill.
Some candles may have a different filling method, such as dropping in a new oil canister. Always follow the specific instructions for your candle type.
After filling the candle, allow a few minutes for the oil to reach the wick before lighting. The wick is usually made of fibreglass, and the oil is transmitted by capillary action, so the oil vapour burns, not the wick. This means that once the flame height is set, you won't need to trim the wick.
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Lighting the candle
Once you have filled your church oil-topped candle, you can light it. The first step is to replace the wick assembly if you removed it to fill the candle. Then, wait a few minutes for the oil to reach the wick. The oil is transmitted by capillary action, so the oil vapour, not the wick, burns. This means that once the flame height is set, the wick will not need to be trimmed.
The flame height can be adjusted by the amount of wick exposed. If you are using a Lux Mundi candle, the wick is screwed into the top of the canister or follower. The flame height is set, so the wick will not need to be trimmed.
It is important to note that you should never use lamp oil or kerosene with church oil candles. This is because they can cause respiratory problems for the congregation. Instead, use liquid paraffin, which is designed to burn cleanly and without irritation.
If you are using a wax taper to light the candle, be careful not to let any wax fall into the breathing hole at the top of the candle, as this will cause issues with lighting the candle.
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Attaching oil candles to candlesticks
After the candle has been filled, it is time to attach it to the candlestick. Most oil candles have a threaded hole at the bottom that allows them to screw directly into the candlestick. Different size adapters are often included to accommodate various candlestick sizes. Simply unscrew the socket on the candlestick and thread the candle in its place. This method provides a semi-permanent attachment.
Alternatively, some oil candles can simply be dropped into the candlestick socket, similar to how a wax candle would be placed. However, it is important to ensure that the oil candle is slightly smaller than the socket for this method to work.
It is also possible to purchase sockets that are specifically designed to fit oil candles. These sockets can be used to replace existing ones if they do not accommodate the desired size of the oil candle.
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Burn times
The burn time of church oil-topped candles depends on the oil used, the diameter of the candle, and the amount of oil in the reservoir.
Church oil-topped candles typically burn at a rate of 6 hours per ounce of oil. The burn time is determined by the candle's diameter, with narrower candles burning for less time than wider candles. For example, a 7/8" diameter candle will burn for approximately 4.5 hours, while a 2-1/2" diameter candle will burn for approximately 22 hours.
It is important to note that the height of the candle does not affect the burn time, as the reservoir in the top of all candles is the same depth regardless of height. Therefore, a taller, narrower candle will burn for less time than a shorter, wider candle of the same volume.
The type of oil used can also impact the burn time. For instance, Charles Farris oil is designed to provide a safe and clean burn, while other oils, such as barbecue fluid, may result in black deposits and increase the fire risk. Additionally, the amount of oil in the reservoir will determine how long the candle burns for. When filling the candle, it is recommended to fill it to approximately 3/4 full, as the oil expands when warm and can leak if overfilled.
To ensure optimal burn times and efficient burning, it is important to maintain the candle properly. This includes keeping the candle out of drafts, regularly checking and trimming the wick, and ensuring the candle holder is placed securely on an even surface with the appropriate amount of wick exposed.
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