Candle Wicks 101: Choosing the Right Wick for a Perfect Burn

The proper wick is as essential as choosing the right wax when making homemade candles. The wick determines how well your candle burns, how much fragrance is released, and whether your candle will burn evenly. In this guide, we’ll break down the basics of candle wicks and help you choose the best one for your needs.

Why the Wick Matters

An adequately chosen wick ensures your candle burns evenly, produces minimal soot, and delivers a strong scent throw. Using the wrong wick can lead to issues like tunnelling, excessive smoke, or an unstable flame.

Types of Candle Wicks

There are several types of wicks available, each suited for different candle-making needs:

1. Cotton Wicks

• Best for: Soy wax, beeswax, and paraffin wax candles

• Pros: Burns clean, easy to use, and widely available

• Cons: You may need multiple wicks for larger candles

2. Wooden Wicks

• Best for: Soy wax and coconut wax candles

• Pros: Creates a crackling sound, burns evenly, and offers a modern aesthetic

• Cons: Requires proper trimming and may need a booster wick for larger candles

3. Zinc-Core Wicks

• Best for: Paraffin candles and votives

• Pros: Provides a stable, self-supporting wick

• Cons: Can produce soot if not correctly sized

4. Hemp Wicks

• Best for: Natural and beeswax candles

• Pros: Eco-friendly, burns slowly, and produces minimal soot

• Cons: Requires proper priming and can be harder to find

How to Choose the Right Wick Size

The size of your wick determines how efficiently your candle burns. Here’s what to consider:

• Container Diameter: A more exhaustive candle requires a thicker or multiple wicks.

• Wax Type: Soy wax requires a larger wick than paraffin wax for the same burn pool.

• Fragrance and Dye Load: A heavily scented or coloured candle may need a thicker wick for even burning.

Wick Maintenance Tips

To ensure a perfect burn, follow these simple wick care tips:

• Trim your wick to ¼ inch before each burn to prevent excessive soot and flickering.

• Avoid tunnelling by letting your candle burn long enough for the entire top layer to melt.

• Use a wick holder or centring device to keep your wick in place while making candles.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the proper wick is key to creating high-quality homemade candles. Whether you opt for a cotton, wooden, or hemp wick, testing different sizes and types will help you achieve the best results. With the proper wick, your candles will burn evenly, last longer, and provide a beautiful fragrance throw.