Whether you're new to Foton or have been loving our pearled candles for a while, it’s totally normal to hit a few bumps along the way. Because our candles work very differently than traditional ones, the way you set them up can really impact how well (and how long) they burn.

The good news? A few small adjustments can make a big difference in performance, safety, and how long your Foton candle lasts.

In this post, we’ll walk you through the two most common mistakes people make when using Foton Pearled Candles, and show you exactly how to avoid them. From wick placement to container size, these tips will help you get the most out of every burn. 

Let’s get into it!

1. Not Inserting the Wick Deep Enough

One of the biggest slip-ups we see? Leaving too much wick sticking out of the pearls.

When the wick is too far above the wax pearls, it burns down quickly, racing through the wick before it even reaches the pearls. This can cut your burn time from 12+ hours to just a couple of hours or even less.

✅ The Fix:
Insert your Foton wick deeply into the pearls—so that it’s anchored and surrounded on all sides. You want just enough of the wick exposed to light it (about 1/4 inch).

For wooden wicks, they need to go in even deeper, leave only a 1/8" tip out and to ensure it lights properly. This way, they'll last even longer than the regular cotton wicks. These are the typical burn times per Foton wick type: 

• Foton cotton wicks: ~12 hours burn time
• Foton wood wicks: ~20 hours burn time

2. Using the Wrong Container Size

We love how Foton lets you get creative and repurpose cool containers into candles—but not every bowl, vase, or jar is automatically candle-safe.

What to watch for:
If the container is too small or narrow, your melt pool could reach the edge, overheat the glass, and cause damage (or worse, a fire hazard). Plus, cleaning gets messy when your melted Foton pearls stick to the sides.

✅ Container Checklist:

• Minimum width = 4 inches at the narrowest point for a single wick candle
• One wick per container unless you're working with something wider than 4”
• Don’t place the wick less than 2 inches from the edges or any decor

The 4-2-1 Rule (Your Setup Recap)

Want the best performance from your pearled candle every time? Use the 4-2-1 Rule as your go-to guide:

• 4 inches wide – Your container should be at least 4 inches wide at the narrowest point for a single-wick candle.
• 2 inches of space – Keep at least 2 inches clear in all directions around the wick, between wicks, decor, and container edges.
• 1 inch of pearls below — Ensure there’s at least 1 inch of wax pearls under the wick. This helps the candle burn safely and typically self-extinguishes before the heat reaches the container.

🚫 Don’t:

• Use containers that are smaller than 4 inches in width/diameter in either direction.
• Place multiple wicks in small containers (use 1 wick for a 4 inches wide container).
• Let decor touch the wick or get closer than 2 inches. This could be a fire hazard.

✅ Do:

• Use containers wide enough for at least 2 inches of pearls around each wick
• Space wicks properly from edges and décor (2” of pearls around each wick)
• Trim your wick when you're using a shallow container to make sure you will have 1” in between the bottom of the container and the wick. 

Burn Smarter, Not Harder

Foton Pearled Candles are all about creativity, customization, and creating a cozy atmosphere that feels uniquely yours. And with just a little know-how, you can make sure every candle you pour burns beautifully, safely, and for as long as possible.

Need more guidance or have a setup question? We’re here for you. Reach out to us at info@fotoncandles.com or through our contact form here.