Choosing Wicks

The wick forms the basis of every good candle. You cannot use just any size wick. It is important that the wick is the appropriate size for the candle you intend to make; otherwise the candle will not burn effectively. If you choose the right wick, the wick will curve over the top when the candle is burning, so that it is constantly being burnt away and requires very little trimming.

Wicks come in a variety of sizes, from as small as 1in. Choosing the right wick size for your candle is easy. You should choose your wick according to the size of the candle. For example, 25 (1 in) wick should be used for a 25mm (1in) diameter4 candle. 38mm (1 ½ in) wick should be used for a 37mm (1 1/2) in) diameter candle. If you are unsure, you should opt for a smaller wick, larger wicks usually cause the candle to smoke, whereas smaller wicks are usually preferred because the flames are smaller, minimising damage to the decorate sides of the candle. All wicks should be primed before use by soaking them in hot wax.

Types of wicks

There are two main types of wicks: container wicks and cotton wicks.

Container Wicks

Container wicks come in a variety of sizes and as mentioned already, you need to select the size of the wick according to the candle you intend to make; in this case, you need to choose a wick to suit the diameter of the container. These wicks have a core of either paper or metal that will hold the wick vertically at all times.

Plaited Cotton Wicks

Plaited cotton wicks are popular and are used for dipped, moulded and hand formed candles. They are available in a variety of sizes ranging from 6mm (1/2 in) up to 100mm (4 in) and more. They are available by the metre or in large rolls of about 30m.

Other Wick Materials

Wick Sustainers
Wick sustainers or wick supports are small metal discs and are vital in the candle making process. They are used to keep the wick in the candles in position by acting as an anchor. You use them by pushing the wick into the sustainer and then pinching the metal together to sit in flat on the base of the container.

Wick Holder
Wick holders keep the wick positioned centrally in the mould or container so that the wax can set. You can purchase wick holders or make them yourself with bamboo skewers and elastic bands

Candle Making Home Introduction to candle making Candle making guide Beeswax candles Materials Waxes - paraffin wax Additives Wicks Candle molds The work area & safety		Choosing Wicks The wick forms the basis of every good candle. You cannot use just any size wick. It is important that the wick is the appropriate size for the candle you intend to make; otherwise the candle will not burn effectively. If you choose the right wick, the wick will curve over the top when the candle is burning, so that it is constantly being burnt away and requires very little trimming. Wicks come in a variety of sizes, from as small as 1in. Choosing the right wick size for your candle is easy. You should choose your wick according to the size of the candle. For example, 25 (1 in) wick should be used for a 25mm (1in) diameter4 candle. 38mm (1 ½ in) wick should be used for a 37mm (1 1/2) in) diameter candle. If you are unsure, you should opt for a smaller wick, larger wicks usually cause the candle to smoke, whereas smaller wicks are usually preferred because the flames are smaller, minimising damage to the decorate sides of the candle. All wicks should be primed before use by soaking them in hot wax. Types of wicks There are two main types of wicks: container wicks and cotton wicks. Container Wicks Container wicks come in a variety of sizes and as mentioned already, you need to select the size of the wick according to the candle you intend to make; in this case, you need to choose a wick to suit the diameter of the container. These wicks have a core of either paper or metal that will hold the wick vertically at all times. Plaited Cotton Wicks Plaited cotton wicks are popular and are used for dipped, moulded and hand formed candles. They are available in a variety of sizes ranging from 6mm (1/2 in) up to 100mm (4 in) and more. They are available by the metre or in large rolls of about 30m. Other Wick Materials Wick Sustainers Wick sustainers or wick supports are small metal discs and are vital in the candle making process. They are used to keep the wick in the candles in position by acting as an anchor. You use them by pushing the wick into the sustainer and then pinching the metal together to sit in flat on the base of the container. Wick Holder Wick holders keep the wick positioned centrally in the mould or container so that the wax can set. You can purchase wick holders or make them yourself with bamboo skewers and elastic bands



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