What String Can You Use For Candle Wick?

Candle wicks are a crucial component of candles. Their purpose is to deliver the melted wax to the flame in a controlled way so the candle can burn evenly and safely. The wick acts as a fuel delivery system, using capillary action to draw liquid wax up to the burning tip where it vaporizes and ignites. Proper wicking is key for a long-burning candle that doesn’t produce excess smoke or soot.

Wicks come in different materials, thicknesses and styles depending on the type of wax, container, and desired burn characteristics. The width of the wick must match the viscosity of the wax – thicker natural waxes require a larger wick, while thinner paraffin waxes need a thinner wick. Wicks also provide structure for the melted wax pool and anchor the flame. This overview covers common wick materials and considerations when selecting the right wick for your candle project.

Cotton

Cotton is the most common wick material used for candles. It’s a natural fiber that comes from the cotton plant. Cotton makes an excellent wick because it has some key properties:

• Absorbent – Cotton wicks soak up melted wax and bring it up to the wick top to fuel the flame.
• Durable – Cotton is sturdy enough to withstand the heat of a candle flame without breaking down too quickly.
• Affordable – As a widely grown crop, cotton is an inexpensive wick material.

Cotton wicks are soft, flexible, and easy to work with. They give a nice, even flame. The natural fibers produce little soot as they burn. Most standard candle wicks use cotton centers braided with cotton or paper over-wraps.

Hemp

Hemp is a natural plant fiber alternative to materials like cotton for candle wicks (1). The fibers come from the stalk of the cannabis sativa plant. Hemp wicks have some unique properties that make them desirable for candle making:

Hemp burns cooler and slower than cotton due to the higher lignin content, making the flame last longer. This allows for more complete combustion and less soot (1,2).

Hemp wicks are also more durable and stable. The fibers don’t fray as easily, so the wick stays rigid as it burns (1,3). This helps sustain an even flame.

Additionally, hemp is biodegradable and eco-friendly. It’s a renewable resource that requires less water, pesticides, and land to grow versus cotton (2).

The natural beeswax coating on hemp wicks also produces a cleaner burn with less contaminants than butane lighters (3). No odors or flavors are imparted either.

With proper braiding, hemp wicks can provide excellent capillary action. This ensures the fuel is drawn up efficiently as the wick burns (1).

Overall, hemp is an excellent natural alternative to cotton for wicks. It has desirable properties like slow-burning, durability, and sustainability.

Wood

Wooden wicks have been used for centuries in candlemaking. They are often used for large candles like pillars or votives. Wooden wicks have a natural wooden core that is wrapped in cotton or paper. The wood helps the wick stand up in large diameter candles and promotes full wax pool melting. As the candle burns down, the wood provides more rigidity for the wick so it continues to burn properly to the bottom of the candle. Some benefits of wood wicks include:

• Provide structure and support in large diameter candles
• Allow for full melt pools due to their rigidity
• Make a delightful crackling sound while burning to provide ambiance

Wooden wicks should only be used for large candles, as they may clog and drown out in smaller containers. The most common woods used are bamboo, birch, and pine. Wooden wicks are safe to burn as long as they are lead-free. Look for wooden wicks made from natural, untreated wood for candlemaking. With proper wick sizing, wooden wicks can provide excellent performance in large jar candles, pillars, or votives.

Paper

Paper is another option for candle wicks. Paper wicks are often braided or twisted to increase their strength and stability.^[1] The main benefit of paper wicks is that they generally produce less soot and smoke than cotton wicks. This makes them a good option for candles where minimal soot buildup is desirable, like pillar candles or votives. Paper wicks also tend to have a crisper burn with a brighter flame compared to cotton. However, paper wicks may not be as effective at retaining and releasing fragrance from scented candles. They also don’t have the same flexibility as cotton wicks and can be prone to bending. Proper wick sizing is important with paper wicks to get the best performance. Overall, paper wicks are a good choice when a clean burn and bright flame are the top priorities.

^[1] https://baisuncandleco.com/blogs/news/cotton-wicks-vs-crackling-wooden-wicks-guide-to-choosing-the-right-wick-for-you

Zinc or tin core wicks

Candle wicks with a zinc or tin core help the wick stand upright as the candle burns. The metal core provides rigidity and support. According to The Flaming Candle, zinc wicks are made of a cotton braid with an inner zinc core that keeps the wick straight in the melted wax. The metal core also enhances capillary action, ensuring an even burn.

The rigid structure of zinc or tin wicks makes them well-suited to small candles like tea lights and votives where the wick needs to stand up in a shallow pool of melted wax. They are also commonly used in container candles. The metal core enables consistent, reliable burning.

Compared to regular cotton wicks, zinc core wicks tend to burn cooler. The metal dissipates heat and reduces mushrooming or emissions. This makes zinc wicks a good choice when a cooler, slower burn is desired.

Wax-Coated

Wax-coating a wick before using it in a candle improves its rigidity and allows it to hold its shape better. According to The Wax Chandler, the wax coating helps the wick maintain its braid and makes it easier to straighten if it gets bent during manufacturing or shipping.

The wax coating provides extra stiffness to the wick so it stands upright and doesn’t bend over when the candle burns. This helps ensure proper capillary action as the melted wax travels up the wick. An unwaxed or unprimed wick is more likely to lean and inhibit wax flow.

In addition, the wax coating helps the wick better absorb the wax in the candle as it melts. This improves combustion and allows for a brighter, stronger flame.

Lead-free

For safety, it is important to use lead-free wicks in candles. Lead wicks can release toxic lead fumes when burned, which can be hazardous if inhaled. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, lead-cored wicks were banned in 2003 due to the dangers posed by lead vapor [1].

Many manufacturers now produce lead-free wicks made from materials like cotton, wood, or tin. These alternative wick materials do not release dangerous fumes. When shopping for candles, look closely at wick labels or product descriptions to ensure they are lead-free [2]. Making your own candles? Be sure to source wick that is guaranteed lead-free.

Choosing lead-free wicks is an easy way to protect yourself and your home from the risks of lead vapor. For peace of mind, take a moment to check that any candle you light contains a lead-free wick.

Choosing a Wick

When choosing a wick for candle making, there are a few key factors to consider:

The diameter of the wick is important. Thicker wicks typically work better for larger diameter candles, as they help ensure full melt pool coverage. Thinner wicks are best for smaller candles. Using a wick that is too thin for the candle diameter will cause tunneling, while too thick of a wick can lead to sooting. Generally, wick manufacturers provide guidelines on ideal wick sizes based on candle diameter.

Look for braided vs single ply wicks. Braided wicks tend to burn cleaner and hold their shape better as they burn down. They resist mushrooming at the tip which helps sustain an even flame. Lone Star Candle Supply recommends using braided wicks whenever possible.

Consider wick material. The most common are cotton, wood, hemp, and zinc or tin core. Cotton burns well but may need priming. Wooden wicks make a crackling sound and give a woodsy aroma. Hemp offers an eco-friendly option. Zinc or tin core wicks provide excellent capillary action but may require a metal tab for lighting. Testing different wick types can help determine the best option for a particular wax and fragrance blend.

Conclusion

There are several good options when choosing a wick for candle making. Cotton is a classic choice that burns evenly and cleanly. Hemp also works well and is more sustainable. For container candles, wood or paper wicks can help anchor the wick in place. Metal-core wicks with zinc or tin prevent smoking and assist with an even burn. Wax-coated wicks help strengthen the wick. Lead-free wicks are important for safety. Consider the type of wax, candle size, burning needs, and sustainability when selecting a wick material. The right wick will provide an optimal burn for candlemaking success.