Which Wicks Are Better For Candles?

ByDylan Baker

Candle wicks are a crucial component of candles. They serve the important purpose of bringing wax to the melting point so that it transforms to a liquid fuel. This liquid wax is then drawn up the wick via capillary action and vaporized at the tip of the wick. As the wax vapor combusts, it produces the flame that burns to emit heat, light, and fragrance. Without a properly functioning wick, a candle cannot burn.

Choosing the right wick is therefore essential for candles to burn properly. Wick selection impacts characteristics such as flame size, hot throw, burn time, reducing tunneling, and more. There are several factors to consider when selecting a wick, including the type of wax, vessel size, fragrance load, and desired burn properties. Understanding the different types of wicks and their properties allows candle makers to optimize their candle’s performance.

Wick Materials

There are several common materials used to make candle wicks, each with their own properties and benefits:

Cotton Wicks: Cotton is one of the most popular wick materials. It’s affordable, burns cleanly without releasing any scent or smoke, and is suitable for most wax types. Cotton’s natural braided structure promotes an even burn. However, cotton can create more soot compared to other materials. (Source)

Wooden Wicks: Wooden wicks are made from natural wood fibers. They create a pleasant crackling sound as they burn, which some people enjoy. Wood wicks also tend to leave less soot. However, they may struggle to stay lit in softer wax blends.

Paper Wicks: Paper wicks are thin and flat wicks made from paper or paper-like materials. They are inexpensive but may not hold up as well in hot wax compared to other wick types.

Zinc or Lead Core Wicks: These wicks have a zinc or lead core surrounded by cotton or paper. The core helps the wick stay upright and rigid in softer waxes. Zinc core wicks in particular burn cleanly without releasing heavy metals. However, zinc wicks can be more expensive than plain cotton.

Wick Sizing

Proper wick sizing is crucial for candle performance. The width of the wick determines how much wax the wick can pull up to the flame. If the wick is too small for the candle, it won’t be able to keep the melt pool liquified and the candle may tunnel or go out. On the other hand, a wick that is too large can lead to sooting, mushrooms, or an excessively large flame.

When determining wick width, it’s important to consider the diameter of the candle container as well as the type of wax being used. For example, soy wax typically requires a larger wick than paraffin wax since it becomes more viscous when melted. As a general guideline, larger candles need wider wicks. But the exact width depends on testing.

Many manufacturers provide wick sizing charts or calculators to help determine the appropriate width. For example, CandleScience has a helpful wick guide with specific recommendations based on candle diameter and wax type.

Testing different wick widths is the best way to dial in the perfect size. Start in the middle of the manufacturer’s recommendation and adjust up or down based on burn performance. With testing, you can optimize the wick for an ideal melt pool and minimize issues like tunneling or sooting.

Braided vs Knitted Wicks

There are two main types of wick styles used in candle making – braided and knitted. Braided wicks are made by twisting individual wick fibers together to form a rope-like strand. Knitted wicks use a knitting process that interlocks the fibers into a flat wick with a lace-like appearance [1].

Braided wicks tend to be more robust and hold their shape better than knitted wicks. The twisting process makes them naturally curl into the flame as they burn. This curling action promotes full combustion and an even burn. Braided wicks are a good choice for container candles where the wick needs to stand up over time [2].

Knitted wicks lay flat and have more surface area touching the wax pool. This allows for excellent capillary action to draw fuel up to the flame. Knitted wicks work well for votives, tea lights, and pillars where the wick lays horizontally. However, knitted wicks may need to be straightened periodically in a container candle [3].

In summary, braided wicks tend to hold their shape better for self-trimming, while knitted wicks offer superior capillary action. Consider the candle design and how the wick will be oriented when choosing between braided and knitted wicking.

Wooden Wicks

Wooden wicks have become increasingly popular for candles in recent years due to several benefits they offer over traditional cotton wicks. Some key advantages of wooden wicks include:

  • They produce a pleasant crackling sound when lit that many find relaxing.
  • The larger flame size creates more fragrance throw.
  • They are self-trimming, meaning the wick curls up as it burns and does not produce excess black smoke.
  • Wooden wicks are made from natural materials like bamboo and are more sustainable.

However, there are also some potential drawbacks to consider with wooden wicks:

    wooden wicks can provide a pleasant crackling sound but may not work as well in soft waxes.

  • The larger flame can be more dangerous if left unattended or too close to flammable objects.
  • Not all wax types work well with wooden wicks, like softer wax that can clog the wood grain.
  • Wooden wicks require special care like keeping the wick dry prior to use and trimming the wax pool properly.[1]
  • The wood may crack or break, preventing the wick from burning evenly.

Overall, wooden wicks can provide a unique, eco-friendly option for candle making if used properly. Testing wick performance in your specific wax type is recommended.

[1] https://www.jackpotcandles.com/blogs/news/wooden-wicks-guide-how-to-perfectly-burn-your-wood-wick-candle

Zinc Core Wicks

Zinc core wicks are a popular choice for candle makers because of their strength and flexibility. According to Hive and Honey Candle Co., zinc core wicks have a rigid inner zinc strand that is tightly wrapped in cotton (https://hiveandhoneycandleco.com/collections/zinc-core-wicks). This construction allows zinc core wicks to maintain an upright posture and consistent burn in a variety of wax types and candle vessels.

Zinc core wicks are useful for container candles, pillar candles, votives, and candles with large diameters over 3 inches. The inner zinc strand gives the wick stability to stand upright in a pool of melted wax. The cotton outer braid provides flexibility so the wick can bend as the candle burns down without breaking. Zinc core wicks also have excellent thermal conductivity, which helps disperse heat and minimize mushrooming of the wick tip.

According to Nature’s Garden Candles, zinc core wicks are best for soy, vegetable, paraffin, and beeswax candles as well as candles with additives like fragrance oils or essential oils (https://www.naturesgardencandles.com/candle-making-supplies/shop/candle-wicks/zinc-core-wicks/). The stiffness of the zinc core allows the wick to remain upright and burn evenly when used with these common candle waxes.

Wick Trimming

Properly trimming the wick before lighting a candle is crucial for performance and safety. As the candle burns down, the wick will become longer and longer. This can create issues like tunneling, an uneven wax pool,excessive smoke, and fast, uncontrolled burning. Trimming helps maintain the proper wick height relative to the wax pool for ideal melt and fragrance dispersion.

Wicks should be trimmed to 1/4 inch before lighting. Once lit, trim the wick again between each burn to maintain 1/4 inch height when the wax has re-hardened. This ensures clean, even burning and prevents mushrooming or drowning of the wick (VedaOils). Special wick trimming tools like the Candle Wick Trimming Tool from Great South Bay Candles allow quick, clean cuts each time.

For wooden wicks, simply use scissors to trim them to around 5mm before lighting and between burns (Hetkinen). Proper wooden wick height prevents clogging, promotes even burning, and reduces excess smoke.

Testing Wicks

Properly testing wicks is crucial to ensure optimal candle performance. There are a few key factors to examine when testing wicks:

  • Flame height – The flame should be 1-2 inches high for most containers. Too short and the wax won’t melt evenly. Too tall and it risks sooting.
  • Mushrooming – Some mushrooming of the burning wick tip is normal, but it shouldn’t be excessive. Mushrooming can clog the wick and lead to tunneling.
  • Sooting – Check for black smoke and soot on the wax and container. Soot indicates the wick is too large.
  • Hot throw – Evaluate scent throw when burning. An ideal wick allows for good hot throw without being smoky.
  • Burn pool – The melted wax should reach the container edges to minimize tunneling. If not, a larger wick may be needed.
  • Burn time – The candle should burn evenly for 4-6 hours per inch of diameter. Time a few burns.

Testing multiple wicks for each candle is key. Let candles cool completely between tests. Keep detailed notes on each wick’s performance to optimize your candlemaking. For more tips, see this article on burn testing.

Wick Maintenance

Keeping candle wicks in good condition through regular maintenance is critical for optimal performance and safety. As a candle burns, black soot can build up on the wick. This soot needs to be trimmed off to allow the wick to continue burning properly.

The standard recommendation is to trim wick to 1⁄4 inch before each lighting (source: https://medium.com/amplifying-success/how-to-properly-care-for-candles-wicks-and-save-money-3dc502278ca0). This helps the wick burn evenly and prevents excess smoking and tunnelling.

Allowing the melted wax pool to reach the edges of the container before extinguishing the flame is also critical. This prevents tunneling where a cavity forms around the wick. Tunneling makes the candle dangerous to burn because it focuses heat around the wick (source: https://thecandlemaker.co.uk/pages/candle-care).

With proper wick maintenance of trimming and allowing complete melt pool before extinguishing, the wick will provide a safe and even burn throughout the candle’s life.

Conclusion

When selecting candle wicks, the key factors to consider are the wick material, wick sizing, braided vs. knitted wicks, and specialty wicks like wooden or zinc core wicks. The optimal wick leads to an even, full melt pool and clean burn without excessive dripping, smoking, or causing the candle to tunnel. Testing different wicks with your specific wax type and vessel is recommended. Proper wick maintenance through trimming the wick before each use can also improve performance. In summary, the best candle wicks are those matched to the candle’s specifications and cared for through regular trimming and maintenance.

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