not DIRECTLY ON THE BULB..but like some of the flame can be touching but it doesnt matter..and swirl the flame..dont keep in one spot...when to smoke is something u gotta get the "feel" of..lol..u can see a slight smoke in time...but not thick smoke..or thats bad...u want light misty hard to see smoke...if u get the bulb near a bright light..u can see the vapors...then u just inhale..ull feel it haha,.