The following information is designed to assist you in choosing the right wick in the candle making process. The recommendations below are only meant to serve as a guide in getting started.
Remember to TEST! TEST! TEST! Testing is the only way to determine the best wick to use for each candle project.
More viscous (thick) waxes like single-pour paraffin wax, soy wax, and beeswax may require wicks several sizes larger than the recommendations provided below.
When you're testing candles, make sure to jot down thorough notes. Remember, several factors can affect which wick size works best for achieving the perfect burning characteristics: The type of wax, the quantity and type of fragrance oil, the size and shape of the container, the amount of dye added, and any extra additives used in your candle-making process. Altering any of these elements can change how the candle burns.
Wick Clip Assemblies
Our wicks come pre-primed (pre-waxed), cut to the specified length, and have tabs already crimped on (Pre-tabbed), making them ready for immediate use. We offer a wide range of lengths across various series. Finding the right size and style of wick for your candle may require some experimentation.
Please note that the wick selection guidance provided on our website is just a recommendation, not a guarantee. Several variables, such as wax type, fragrance load, dye type, and container diameter, affect the choice of the proper wick. As with any aspect of candle making, it's essential to conduct test burns to ensure you've selected the right wick for your specific needs. Note: Pre-tabbed wicks of different sizes may appear similar in thickness. Smaller wicks often have thicker wax coatings, making them seem similar to larger ones. However, they'll burn differently in finished candles.
Understanding Candle Wick Numbers
The numbers actually represent the size of the wick. To burn properly, candles need the correct wick size based on the candle diameter. Smaller candles need smaller wicks, while larger candles need larger ones (unless using multiple wicks). If the wick is too small, the candle might develop ‘tunneling’ or the flame could drown out. If the wick is too large, there could be excess smoking, soot, or mushrooming, and it might reduce burn time.
Choosing a Candle Wick Size
Finding the right wick size is a common question among candle makers, as it significantly affects how a candle burns. Several factors influence the appropriate wick size for each candle recipe, making testing essential. Changing any of these variables may require adjusting the wick size:
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Because there are so many factors involved, testing is crucial to determine the ideal wick size for each specific candle recipe.
Here are some tips for selecting the right wick size:
- The flame should be 0.5” to 2” tall, with smaller candles closer to 0.5” and larger ones up to 2”.
- The candle should have a full melt pool 0.25” to 0.5” deep within 1 hour per inch of diameter.
- Watch out for excess smoke, soot, or mushrooming. The flame should remain steady without flickering or dancing.
- Lower melt point single-pour paraffin waxes and soy waxes are thicker and typically require larger wick sizes than a standard paraffin wax would need.
Choosing a Wick Type
ECO Wicks: ECO Wicks are coreless, cotton flat braid wicks, featuring paper filament for extra strength. They're suitable for tealights, votives, pillars, and container candles. While they're most effective in soy waxes, they can also be used in paraffin waxes with lower melting points. These wicks are self-trimming and burn cleanly, with reduced mushrooming, soot, and smoke.
CD Wicks: Our CD Wicks are a coreless, cotton flat braid wick incorporating a paper filament for enhanced stiffness. They're suitable for tealights, votives, pillars, and container candles. CD wicks are very versatile and excel in thicker waxes like single-pour paraffin and soy waxes. They're self-trimming and designed to maintain a steady burning flame for consistent performance.
How to Test your Candle Wick
Start by pouring a few candles with varying wick sizes, keeping all other factors consistent. Start with your estimated wick size and then also try the next sizes up and down. For instance, if you're considering a CD 14 wick, also test a CD 12 and CD 16. Once the candles have finished curing, burn them side by side to determine the most suitable wick size.
During testing, conduct at least 3 burns per candle, lasting 2 - 3 hours each, allowing a full melt pool to form. For container candles, it is possible that the first few burns will have "hang-up" wax on the container sides, which typically evens out after subsequent burns. This is why it is important to conduct at least 3 test burns before finalizing your wick choice.
It's important to burn the candle all the way down before deciding on a wick size because the burn characteristics can change as the candle burns down.
How to Double Wick a Candle
There isn't a strict rule for when to use double wicks in candles, but as a general guideline, candles with a diameter of 4" or larger might benefit from double wicking (or even triple). The purpose of using double wicks in larger candles is to ensure a full burn pool, which can sometimes be difficult to achieve with only one wick. While there are larger wicks designed for wider candles, they can occasionally lead to issues like mushrooming, smoke, and soot. Double wicking can often be a better alternative.
While double wicking a candle isn't complicated, the main challenge lies in finding the right wick size for double wicking. A useful rule of thumb is to choose a wick designed for half the candle diameter and start testing with two of that size. For instance, for a 5" diameter candle with double wicks, begin testing with a wick size meant for a 2.5" diameter candle. Ensure the wicks are centered, spaced about 1" apart, and not too close to the container's sides to prevent overheating. Remember, testing is crucial to determine the ideal wick size for a specific candle recipe.
The decision to use double wicks is subjective. Some candle makers opt for double wicks in smaller candles, while others prefer single wicks in larger ones. Testing is essential to determine the best wick choice (single or double) for achieving optimal burning characteristics in a specific application.
Wick Q&A
Why is it important to do a test burn?
Testing burns are crucial because every component in a candle affects its burning behavior. It helps you identify and correct any issues before distributing your products.
How do I choose the right wick?
The material and size of the wick depend on your preference and the type of wax you're using. Our Guide to Candle Wicks can help you understand the options.
Why isn't my candle melting to the edges of the container?
It's likely because the wick size you're using isn't suitable for the diameter of your container. Whether it's a single wick or double-wicked candle, choosing the right-sized wick is crucial. Also, using too much fragrance or dye could be contributing to the issue.
Why are my wicks smoking?
Several factors can cause wicks to smoke, such as using too much fragrance or dye, not trimming the wick, or placing the candle in a drafty area.
What's the black ball on my wick after burning?
That's called mushrooming. All wicks produce carbon while burning, some more than others. CD and ECO wicks are designed to minimize this issue. Trimming your wick before each burn can help reduce this effect.
Why is the neck on the wick tab so long?
It's a safety feature to prevent the candle from burning all the way to the bottom, reducing the risk of glass breakage and fire hazard.
When should I use 2 wicks per container?
Generally, if the container is 4" in diameter or larger, using multiple wicks may be necessary. However, you'll need to decrease the wick size to avoid overheating.
Can I use the same wicks for Soy and Paraffin Waxes?
Our CD and ECO wicks can work well in both soy and paraffin. The ECO series wicks are specifically designed for soy wax, but also work well in blend and paraffin waxes with a lower melting point. The CD series are versatile and work well in soy, paraffin, and blends.