One of the most important parts of candle making is matching the right wick to the rest of the ingredients you will be using. The size required for a candle can be affected by the type of fragrance oil, the fragrance oil filling, the amount of color used and the shape of the candle.
When people start making candles, they become obsessed with what type of wax to use, what scented oil to use, what colorings and what type of containers.
The last thing on their mind is which wick to use or how to choose the right candle wick.
Without the right candle wick, you can have problems with tunnels, drowned wick, soot, and no hot smells. You can burn out a candle too quickly, wasting the ingredients and upsetting your customers and don't want to burn anything.
Let's take a closer look at candle wicks and how to choose the right size so your candles work as intended.
| Table of contents |
| Candle Wicks: IntroductionHow to choose the right candle wick sizeCandle Cure and Wick SizeCandle wick size chart When to use two candle wicksHow to troubleshoot a candle wickHow to test a candle wickDiploma |
Candle Wicks: Introduction
So we know that candle wicks are important to our candles, they are important to how they burn and how long they last. However, we have a few things that we specifically want from our candle wicks.
Properties of a large candle wick
- even flame
- no mushrooms
- no soot
- full wax tank
even flame
We want candle wicks that have a consistent flame. A nice even flame with minimal pops and flickers. A few different types of wicking material, low quality wicks and homemade wicks if you are new to your craft can be problematic. However, if you bought your wick from a reputable seller and not eBay or Alibaba, that's fine.
no mushrooms
Some wicks are more prone to mold than others, and this isn't ideal. While mushrooms can sometimes be attributed to dyes or scented oils, these issues can still be solved by choosing the right wick. Therefore, read the descriptions of all wicks that match the size of your container and choose one that doesn't mention mold growth.
no soot
We want a candle wick that burns clean. If a customer continues to see plumes of smoke coming out of your candle, they are less likely to buy a candle from you in the future.
full wax tank
A full puddle of wax means the wick is hot enough to melt the candle's surface wax end to end, with the surface wax completely melted. A wick that is hot enough to do this while maintaining its level is essentially the perfect wick size for a container.
How to choose the right candle wick size
When choosing the right wick for your candle, there must be a few things you want the wick to do for you.
How do I choose the right candle wick size?Choose the correct candle wick size by measuring the inside diameter of your container, and then take that measurement to refer to the candle wick size chart based on the type of wax used. The suggested wick in the chart is a good starting point for choosing a wick size.
Depending on the fragrance oil, fragrance oil filler, colorants and wax type used, it may be just the wick you need. However, some adjustments may be necessary if you are using a particularly heavy fragrance load or a special wax blend.
Candle Cure and Wick Size
Candle curing is an important part of the candle manufacturing and testing process. The longer a candle cures, the harder the wax becomes, the harder the wax gets, the hotter the flame is needed to properly burn the candle.
I recently made some 4 ounce soy wax candles in tin cans with DC 6 wicks. A DC 6 wick worked great the day after I deflated the candles. However, I waited a full week before trying the other test candle I made. After giving the candle a week to cure, a DC 6 wick just wasn't big enough and the wick kept choking. A DC 8 mecha was the way to go.
So keep this in mind when making candles to sell or give away when it may take a week or more before the candles are used. Not only do you have to cure the candles you sell, but you also have to wait long enough to cure your test candles to ensure your customers or friends receive a properly working product.
I know that this process will take a long time and consume a lotdeliveries. However, the truth is that you should make a few dozen candles beforehand and test them for a few monthsSale of candlesto anyone.
Candle wick size chart
Wick sizes for container candles
Choosing the right size candle wick for soy candles
This chart shows you the wick needed for a soy wax candle based on the type of wax and the diameter of the container used.
It is good practice to purchase both wick options in any box and try them out.
| wax type | Tiny 1,75"-2,19" | Klein 2,2"-2,69" | Bad 2,7"-2,94" | large 2,95"-3,29" | Extra big 3,3"-3,79" |
| Gold Marks 415 | CD 4, ECO 4 | CD 10, ECO 10 | CD 14, ECO 12 | CD 20, ECO 14 | CD 24, ECO 16 |
| Gold Marks 444 | CD 4, ECO 4 | CD 10, ECO 10 | CD 14, ECO 12 | CD 20, ECO 14 | CD 24, ECO 16 |
| Gold Marks 464 | CD 4, ECO 4 | CD 8, ECO 8 | CD 12, ECO 10 | CD 18, ECO 14 | CD 22, ECO 16 |
| Advanced CB | LX14, ECO2 | LX16, ECO4 | LX20, ECO8 | LX22, ECO12 | LX26, ECO14 |
| cb 135 | LX12 | LX14 | LX18 | LX20 | LX24 |
| C-3 | disk 6 | disc 8 | Disc 12 | Disc 22 | Disc 24 |
| C-6 | disc 4 | disc 8 | Disc 14 | Disc 24 | double CD 8 |
Choosing the right wick size for paraffin candles
This chart shows you which wicks you need for paraffin wax container candles based on the type of wax and the diameter of the container you are using.
| wax type | Tiny 1,75"-2,19" | Klein 2,2"-2,69" | Bad 2,7"-2,94" | large 2,95"-3,29" | Extra big 3,3"-3,79" |
| IG 4630 | LX12 | LX14 | LX18 | LX22 | LX24 |
| IG 4627 | LX14 | LX16 | LX18 | LX20 | LX24 |
| IG 4633 | LX14 | LX16 | LX18 | LX22 | LX24 |
Choosing the right wick size for natural wax/paraffin blend candles
This chart will show you what type of wick you need based on the paraffin/natural wax blend you are using and the diameter of the candle holder you are using.
| wax type | Tiny 1,75"-2,19" | Klein 2,2"-2,69" | Bad 2,7"-2,94" | large 2,95"-3,29" | Extra big 3,3"-3,79" |
| IG 6006 | ECO 1 | ECO 2 | ECO 4 | ECO 8 | ECO 10 |
| IGI6046 | CD 3 | disc 4 | disc 8 | Disc 12 | Disc 18 |
Wick sizes for pillar candles
This table contains wick sizes for different types of wax and pillar candle sizes.
| wax type | Votive- | 2 inches | 3 inches | 4 inches |
| Pilar soy blend waxes | LX16 | LX20 | LX26 | LX28 |
| Ecosoja PB | LX14 | LX18 | LX24 | LX26 |
| IGI 4625 Wachssäule | LX12 | LX14 | LX18 | LX24 |
| IGI 1239 paraffin watches | LX12 | LX16 | LX20 | LX24 |
| IGI 6028 Parasoy Pilar Mix | LX14 | LX16 | LX24 | LX28 |
When to use two candle wicks
When to use two candle wicks.Use two candle wicks when the candle size reaches 4 inches in diameter. At a certain point, enlarging the candle creates a very large, smoky flame. Prevent these things from happening by using two smaller wicks. For example, use two DC 6 fuses instead of one DC 24 fuse.
If you're struggling to choose the right candle wick, double wick candles can address many of the issues some candle makers face such as:
As long as you don't use double-wick candles that are too large, the advantages often outweigh the disadvantages of double-wick candles. Cleaner flame, less mould, better flavor and more even burn.
How to troubleshoot a candle wick
How to troubleshoot a candle wick.Light the candle and allow the wax to melt from end to end before extinguishing the flame. If the wick starts to suffocate, the wick may be too small, if the flame gets too big or the puddle of melted wax gets deeper than 1/2 inch, the wick may be too big.
There are several other types of problems that can arise when troubleshooting a candle wick and related solutions.
Here are some common symptoms related to candle wicks and how to fix them.
Candle wick problems and solutions
The flame is too small
When a candle flame is too small, it means that either the wick is too small for the size of the candle, or the wick is too small for the type of wax the candle is made of. Possible solutions to these problems are increasing the size of the wick or getting a wick that burns hotter, such as a wick. B. Hemp.
candle smoke/soot
If the candle smokes or produces a lot of soot, there may be too much color or fragrance oil in the candle wax mixture, or the wick may be too large. Some solutions to this problem include reducing the amount of additives in the candle, or using a smaller wick or a different type of wick.
The flame is too big
If the candle flame is too big, the wick size is too big or the wick needs to be trimmed. You should try using a smaller wick for your test candle, or you should make sure the wick is trimmed to about 1/4 or 5/16 inch.
The wick multiplies
A fast growing candle wick is a sign that the wick you are using is too big or simply needs to be trimmed. You can try using a smaller wick, trimming the wick used, or changing the type of wick entirely. Zinc wicks are famous for multiplying, so if you're using one, consider a different type.
does not burn evenly
If your candle isn't burning evenly, it's either because the wick isn't in the center or the wick isn't sticking out straight from the bottom. You can fix this problem by using a wick centering tool like a wick rod or clothespin. Another possible problem could be that the place where you are testing the screen has been closed. Make sure there are no drafts during the test that could affect the candle's burn profile.
will not remain connected
If the candle does not burn, the wick you are using may not be primed or the wick may be clogged. A prepared wick is a wick that has been coated with wax prior to making a candle. Prepared wicks are easier to light and burn more evenly.
If it doesn't light up because it's clogged, it could be because the candle has been colored with pigments, or because dust and dirt have built up on the surface wax. Pigments are dyes that use small particles like mica or crayons to color candles.
The candle tunnels
If your candle tunnels or leaves wax on the sides of the container as it burns, it's probably because the candle's wick is too small. Some solutions to this problem include increasing the wick size or using a softer type of wax.
How to test a candle wick
How to test a candle wick
- Choose the suggested wick size, size below and size above.
- Create 3 identical candles, each with one of the 3 wick sizes.
- Allow the candles to cure for at least a week.
- Cut the strands to 1/4 inch.
- Light the three candles and let them burn at the same time.
- Place the candles 15cm apart on a clean, flat surface and light.
- After two hours, record the firing profile and weld pool size.
- After four hours, record the fire profile and weld pool size.
- Allow the candle to cool completely and repeat steps seven and eight.
Choice of wick sizes
After measuring the inside diameter of your container, select the recommended wick size from the chart. Also, choose the wick size below and above the suggested one. This gives you three wicks to make test candles to make sure you get the right wick.
Create three test candles
Make enough material mix to make three identical candles. The only difference in these candles is the size of the wicks on them. These three different wick sizes allow you to experiment with a variety of wicks and see the effect of your combination of wax, fragrance oil and dye.
Let the candles heal
Allow all three soy wax candles to cure for at least 7 days. Wax hardens as it cures, so testing the candles right after pouring instead of waiting 7 days gives different results. For results most similar to a client's, you should wait the full 7 days.
trim locks
Trim all three wicks by 1/4 inch so each candle starts at exactly the same point.
light the three candles
Light all three candles and record when they light or start timing so you can track the burn over time.
Place the candles safely and light them
When lighting candles, make sure they are at least 15cm apart on a safe burning surface.
burns two hours
After two hours of burning, the surface wax needs to be melted from end to end of the container. If not, the wick size you are using is probably too small. If the puddle of melted wax is deeper than 1/2 inch, the wick is probably too big.
burns four hours
After four hours of burning, the surface wax should melt from end to end of the container. The puddle of melted wax should be at least 1/2 inch. If the puddle of melted wax is significantly deeper than 1/2 inch, the wick may be too large.
At this point, the wick may grow like mushrooms and burn more than usual. This is generally the limit for which one candle should be used at a time.
Let cool and repeat steps seven and eight.
When the candle has completely cooled, repeat steps seven and eight. You need to ensure that the burn profile continues for the rest of the candle without significant problems. Continue documenting the sail profile at each step of the process.
Note how the candle looks when you light it, how it works after 2 hours, and how it looks after 4 hours.
You do this to know how the candle works for your customers. Being able to test the candle and see if there are any problems can save you a headache later. If the candles have an issue that needs fixing, it's better to see it and fix it than have customers wanting a refund.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the size of a candle's wick matter?
The size of a candle's wick is important. If the wick is too small, the candle will have a hard time burning. If the wick is too big, the candle will burn down too quickly and produce smoke. The ideal sized wick produces an even flame with no issues like tunneling or smoke.
Does a wick need to be waxed?
Candle wicks need to be waxed or primed. Waxing or "priming" a candle wick has several benefits. A prepared candle wick ignites more easily, burns more evenly and reliably. Preparing the candle wicks is just one additional step you can take to ensure you are making a quality product.
Can you use string as a candle wick?
You can use a cotton thread as a candle wick. The challenge, however, is matching the string size to the candle size and type of wax used. Most store-bought wicks are stranded and cored to make them stronger.
Is a CD16 candle wick good for an 8 ounce tin candle with 464 soy wax?
CD 16 and CD 18 are good wick sizes for making 8 ounce candle tins with Soywax 464. The wick you choose will depend on how much fragrance oil you are putting in the candle. Choose wick size by making a candle with each wick size and compare the burn profile and burn time of the candles.
Diploma
In summary, there are several steps involved in figuring out how to choose the right candle wick size. There is even more than one solution to this problem, depending on the size of the candle and the type of wick you want to use. In the end it all boils down to trial and error.
Use all 3 wick sizes to test your candles and if one wick is not perfect, consider testing 2 smaller wicks per candle to solve the problem.
The most important thing is to test, test, test your candles. Light multiple candles individually for different burn times you think a consumer would do just to see how the candle performs. Also, give some candles to your friends and family and ask them to try them.
Ask your friends and family to give you feedback on how they found the candles' performance compared to candle brands they've used in the past. Ask questions about burn time, wick multiplication, scent release, tunneling and get as much feedback as possible.
Ultimately, it can take a few months to be sure you have the perfect product for your customers and that you can sell your candles with confidence. However, it is worth it. If you want to learn more about candle fire testing standards and specifications, read onASTMF2417.