Candle Wicks

In our first artice we discussed the different types of candle colorants. In this artice we are going to look at the types of candle wicks that can be used. There are many types of wicks but we are only going to take a look at 6 of them. These include cored wicks, flat braid wicks, square braid wicks, HTP wicks, LX wicks and CD series wicks.

Cored Wicks

There are three types of cored wicks, cotton, paper and zinc. The core wick uses a material, most of the time it is zinc, to keep the wick straight while buring. This type of wick can be used in votives, pillars and container candles.

Flat Braid Wicks

Flat braid wicks are made from a bundle of fiber whcih helps the wick to burn consistently. They are also self-trimming, meaning that they curl and dissolve while they are burning. THis type os wick can be found in taper and pillar candles.

Square Braid Wicks

Square braid wicks are more rounded and robust than the flat braided wicks. Because they are more robust they are used for beeswax candles as the wick helps to inhibit clogging of the wick that can be caused by the candle dyes and/or fragrances. This type of wick is mainly used in taper and pillar candles.

HTP Wicks

HTP wicks are a self-trimming wick but also has a rigidity found in core wicks. These wicks tend to have less mushrooming than other wicks. The HTP wicks can be used in paraffin, vegetable waxws and gel waxes.

LX Wicks

LX wicks are a coreless flat wick that curls slightly when burned. This type of wick reduces smoke, soot and mushrooming. Most candle makers will use this type of wick for container cnadles and pillar candles.

CD Series Wicks

The CD series wicks is also a coreless wick but has a special paper filament woven around it. This type of wick will improve the burn of container candles, votives and pillar candles.

Each type of wick come sin differnt sizes for the different sizes of candles. When looking for the right wick size determine what type of wax is being used and the melting point of the wax. Then determine if the candle is going to be free standing or a container candle. Next measure the diameter of the container or mold that is beinf used. Doing these steps will help to determine what size the wick should be in your candle.

Remember to write down the "recipe" of each type of candle that you make. The recipe includes type and amount of wax, type and amount of dye, type and amount of fragrance, size of the container or mold, and the type and size of the wick. Practice by using different wicks and test the candle by burning it. Make notes of the amount of melting pool there is, soot, smoke and mushrooming of each candle. Once you find the right wick for the candle that you are making stick with it!

Happy Cnadle Making!

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