Candle Wicking FAQ

How do I find the right candle wick?

Candle wicking is the most difficult part of candle making. It is the most pertinent component of a candle and it must meld entirely with the other elements (for example, wax, fragrance, etcetera) in order to create an ideal burn. Finding the right wick takes patience and a lot of testing. Each recipe for a candle might need a different wick, even if you’re using the same jar and wax. You might find a wick that works great in your 4 oz jar with chocolate fragrance and brown colored soy wax, but that wick might not work properly when you replace the chocolate fragrance with the graham cracker fragrance. In order to find a wick that works best for your purpose, you need to know if you are using a paraffin wax or a natural wax. You also need to know the diameter of the widest part of the mold or container you are using. Once you know this essential information, you can then use our candle wicking chart to determine which wick matches the wax you are using and the diameter of your candle. The Wick Chart is for recommendation purposes. Always test your wicks to see if they will give you the safe burn that you are looking for.

How do you double wick a candle?

In order to double wick a candle, first measure the diameter of the widest part of your container or mold. Then, take that measurement and divide it by 2. Next, use that number as your new diameter, look at our candle wicking chart to find a wick that meets that diameter’s size. (For example, you have a container that is 8 inches in diameter. 8 / 2 = 4 Look at the chart to find a wick that would work well in a 4 inch diameter container. Then, use 2 of those wicks to double wick your container candle.)

Is there lead in your candle wicks?

No, all of our candle wicks are lead free. Using the element lead in wicks was officially banned in the United States in 2003. If you are looking for a wick with a metal center we offer zinc wicks.

What is a burn rate of a candle wick?

When looking at our candle wicking chart, the burn rate is the number of grams of wax that is consumed per hour by the wick. The higher the burn rate number, the hotter the flame will be.

What do the three sets of number on the cotton core and zinc core pre-tabbed wicks mean?

The first number is the thickness of the wick. The bigger this number, the thicker the wick. The second number is coded for the speed of which the string (all wicks start out with very thin string) goes through the wicking machine gears. The faster it goes through the machine, the tighter the wick is wicked, which should slow the wick from burning too fast. The last number is a code for the temperature of the wax as the string (wick) goes through the various gears. This temperature varies according to the previous numbers.

What is mushrooming?

Mushrooming is when carbon and/or other substances build up on the end of the wick interfering with combustion. Mushrooming can cause sooting and give off odors.

What is tunneling?

Tunneling occurs when the wick is too small or when the candle is burned for short periods of time. The candle will burn down the middle and leave a wax shell around the outside. Container candles will leave wax attached to the sides of the glass and pillar candles could collapse inward.

What happens if you choose a wick that is too large for the candle?

In container candles, if a wick is too large, it will burn quicker and produce deeper burn pools. It may also cause sooting and short burn times. In pillar candles, guttering may also occur (wax leaking through the side of the candle).

How short should I keep the candle wick trimmed?

We recommend keeping wicks trimmed to 1/4 inch.