Are Zinc Core Wicks Good?

What are zinc core wicks?

Zinc core wicks are candle wicks that have a zinc metal wire in the center of the braided cotton exterior. The zinc wire helps the wick stand upright and burn evenly. Unlike older wick styles that used lead cores, zinc is a non-toxic metal that provides rigidity without releasing any harmful substances.

According to the Hive & Honey Candle Co., zinc core wicks are suitable for use in tealights, votives, pillars, and container candles. The addition of the zinc wire center provides stiffness that allows the wick to remain upright as the wax pool forms. This helps ensure an even, consistent burn.

In comparison to regular cotton wicks without a core, zinc core wicks tend to burn hotter and brighter. The increased rigidity allows more complete combustion and less tendency for the wick to bend over into the melted wax pool. This produces a stronger flame and less mushrooming at the wick top.

Pros of zinc core wicks

One of the main pros of zinc core wicks is that they burn longer and slower than other types of wicks like cotton (Candle Wicks Explained). The zinc core helps sustain an even burn and prevents “drowning” of the wick in wax pools. This results in less soot, a cleaner burn, and less frequent trimming needed. Zinc core wicks are also very rigid, which makes them easy to center in jars and prevents bending or leaning (Zinc Core Wicks and Containers – Craft Server). The thickness and stiffness of the zinc core gives stability to the wick and allows larger candles to burn evenly. Overall, zinc core wicks are a good choice for jars, pillars, and other large candles where you need a strong, steady flame.

Cons of zinc core wicks

One of the main cons of zinc core wicks is that they tend to be more expensive than cotton or paper wicks. The zinc metal that runs through the center of the wick increases the manufacturing costs. According to CandleScience, zinc core wicks can cost 2-3 times more than regular cotton wicks.

The higher price tag may make zinc wicks prohibitive for some hobby candle makers or small businesses that are trying to keep their costs down. However, supporters argue that the benefits of zinc wicks, like their longevity and lack of mushrooming, make them worth the extra investment over the long run.

Another potential downside is that zinc wicks are not compatible with all wax types. As Candlewic notes, zinc core wicks work best with paraffin and gel waxes. They are not recommended for use with natural or soy waxes because the wax can build up on the metal core and clog the wick.

Therefore, candle makers who prefer to use all-natural wax blends may want to avoid zinc wicks and opt for cotton or wood wicks instead. The wick content needs to complement the wax formula being used.

While more expensive upfront, proponents argue that zinc wicks create a better burn and last longer overall, making them a wise investment. But candle makers should weigh the higher initial cost against their particular wax preferences and budget.

Best uses for zinc core wicks

According to https://hiveandhoneycandleco.com/collections/zinc-core-wicks, zinc core wicks are best suited for candles with wider openings, like container candles. Zinc core wicks hold a stronger flame as they burn, which allows the melt pool to get wider in candles with wider openings and large diameter container candles. The stiff wick helps maintain an upright burn, ensuring good combustion and minimizing issues like tunneling.

The https://www.theflamingcandle.com/candle-wicks/zinc-candle-wicks/60-44-18-zinc-core-6-pre-tabbed-wick/ recommends using zinc core wicks for tealights, votives, pillars, and containers with openings 2-3 inches or larger. Their stiff construction prevents clogging in wide wax pools, providing consistent flame height and burn in larger openings.

In summary, the best uses for zinc core wicks are in container candles with openings 2 inches or wider. Their rigid core allows for wider melt pools and prevents issues like drowning in large diameter containers. Zinc core wicks are ideal for pillar candles, votives, tealights, and containers with wide openings.

Alternatives to zinc core wicks

There are several alternatives to zinc core wicks that can deliver comparable performance without the use of metal. Two popular options are wooden wicks and paper wicks.

Wooden wicks are made from natural wooden fibers that provide stiffness without using zinc. Some benefits of wooden wicks include:

• Made from renewable materials like wood and cotton
• Provide structure and rigidity similar to zinc
• Produce a pleasant crackling sound when burning

Popular wooden wick brands like Wooden Wick Co. and Nashville Wicks offer wooden core wicks in various sizes and styles. Wooden wicks work well for soy, vegetable, and beeswax candles.(1)

Paper wicks are another metal-free wicking option made from flat braided paper fibers. Benefits of paper wicks:

• Provide structure without zinc
• Made from natural and renewable materials
• Offer excellent capillary action for wax flow

Top paper wick brands include Fil-Tec Ultra Core wicks which are rigid all-natural paper wicks designed for container candles. Paper wicks tend to work best with vegetable waxes.(1)

How to maintain zinc core wicks

Proper maintenance of zinc core wicks is important to ensure optimal burn and minimize issues like mushrooming. Here are some tips for maintaining zinc core wicks:

Trimming: It’s recommended to trim the wick to 1⁄4 inch before each use to expose a fresh wick top and remove any carbon buildup from previous burns. Use sharp scissors or a wick trimmer specifically designed for trimming candle wicks. Trimming helps the candle burn cleanly and prevent excess smoke or soot.

Centering: Keeping the wick centered in the wax pool is crucial. If the wick leans too much to one side, it can create an uneven melt pool resulting in tunneling. Use a wick stick, wooden skewer or other tool to gently nudge and straighten the wick as needed. For containers, ensure the wick tab is properly embedded in the bottom and centered when pouring wax.

It’s also important not to let zinc core wicks bend over into the melted wax pool. The rigidity of the zinc helps the wick stand upright, but occasionally they may need recentering. Proper wick maintenance allows for the best performance of zinc core wicks.

Zinc Wick Safety

One potential safety concern with zinc core wicks is the possibility of lead contamination. Some lower quality zinc wicks may contain traces of lead which can release toxic fumes when burned, according to a study by Nriagu (2000) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10811249/. The Consumer Product Safety Commission has warned about the dangers of lead in candle wicks and considered banning them (CPSC, n.d.) https://www.cpsc.gov/s3fs-public/pdfs/foia_canwick2.pdf.

When zinc core wicks burn, they release small amounts of zinc oxide particles into the air. At low concentrations this is not considered dangerous, but high exposure over time may cause metal fume fever with flu-like symptoms. Making sure to trim wicks to 1⁄4 inch before lighting and allowing proper ventilation can minimize risks.

Reputable candle makers take steps to ensure their zinc wicks are lead-free and meet safety standards. However, it’s still a good idea to check labels and avoid any candles listing lead in their wicks. With reasonable precautions, high quality zinc core wicks should not pose significant health hazards.

Top zinc core wick brands

Two of the most popular brands for zinc core wicks are Luminara and Yankee Candle.

Luminara specializes in flameless candles but also offers traditional wax candles. Their zinc core wicks are designed to provide a bright, tall flame while reducing soot and mushrooming. The wicks have braided cotton exteriors and zinc alloy cores. Popular sizes include 44-24-18 and 51-32-18.

Yankee Candle is one of the largest candle manufacturers in the world. They use custom zinc core wicks in their jar candles, tapers, and votives. The zinc core helps sustain an even burn and reduces issues like tunneling. Their wick sizes often range from 44-20-18 to 44-32-18. The zinc core wicks are part of what makes their candles so renowned for their scent throw and clean burn.

Zinc vs Cotton Wicks

When choosing between zinc core wicks and cotton wicks, there are a few key differences to consider in terms of burn time, cost, and maintenance.

Zinc core wicks generally provide a longer burn time than cotton wicks. The zinc conducts heat and helps the wax melt from the inside out. This allows the candle to burn slower and more evenly down to the bottom of the container (Candle Wicks Explained). Cotton wicks tend to burn faster since they do not conduct heat as efficiently.

In terms of cost, zinc core wicks are more expensive upfront than basic cotton wicks. However, they may save money in the long run because fewer wicks are needed per candle to achieve a complete burn. With cotton wicks, sometimes multiple wicks are required, driving up costs (Types of Wicks and Which to Use for Candle Making).

For maintenance, zinc core wicks require occasional trimming of the charred tip as the candle burns to prevent clogging and encourage an even melt pool. Cotton wicks generally do not require trimming. However, they can become flooded more easily with liquid wax. Proper wick sizing for the wax type is important for both wick varieties.

The future of zinc core wicks

Recent years have seen an increasing interest in and adoption of zinc core wicks for candle making. One source predicts the popularity of zinc core wicks will continue to grow in the future, as more candle makers discover the benefits over traditional cotton and paper cored wicks.

The rigid zinc core allows candles to burn cleaner, cooler, and with less soot or smoke. This superior performance compared to other wick types is driving the popularity of zinc cored wicks. As demand increases, more manufacturers are offering zinc cored wick options in various sizes and designs. Brands like Lonestar Candle Supply report exponential growth in zinc wick sales year over year.

Community forums and social media groups focused on candle making also indicate increasing interest in zinc wicks. Many members share tips and best practices and rave about the performance benefits of zinc over other materials. This word of mouth exposure among candle making enthusiasts is fueling further adoption.

While cotton and paper cored wicks will likely remain popular due to lower costs, many expect zinc core wicks to become the gold standard for those focused on candle performance and a cleaner, more eco-friendly burn. Their growing popularity indicates zinc core wicks will play an expanding role in the future of candle making.