Making handmade candles can be overwhelming for novices as well as more experienced candle-makers.
Although candle wax is often the first thing that comes to your mind when you consider making handmade candles (it can be, but it's certainly not the most exciting component), selecting the right wick for your project is equally important.
The following information will help you get started learning about the different types and tips to troubleshoot common candlewick problems.
How Can I Choose A Candle Wick?
The science of choosing the candle wick is hard work. But there is an intuitive component to it. When you make candles at home, you will find that there are many trials and errors. Use small candles for the first time.
You will not only save tons of wax and time but you will also get to know the process of candle-making.
You can also use the manufacturer's instructions to choose the right kind of wick. While it may be necessary to experiment with different sizes, you will find the accompanying instructions helpful and exact.
Candle Wicks
The main three categories are for most types of candlewicks:
Cored Woven Wicks: Braided/Knitted Woven Wicks are made with a round core, either from paper, cotton and zinc.
Flatwicks Flat-Braided/Knitted Wicks: are usually made from three layers. They're known for being self-trimming as well as having a consistent fire.
Square Wicks: Self-tying wicks that can either be knitted or braided. These wicks are often combined with beeswax, which is used to make taper and poured candle wicks.
There are many different types of wicks available within each of these three categories.
Zinc Core Wicks
You can use it for many different kinds of candles: votives or gel candles, moulded candles, and tea lights.
Made of the cotton braid with zinc core (the strongest core substance), this keeps the wick straight and upright when it burns.
Zinc Core Wicks Burn Cooler, which makes them perfect for paraffin, soy, or blended waxes.
Core Wicks
This is a widely-used method for making many different kinds of candles, including votives and tea lights.
Made of a cotton braid with paper inner core. It gives the wick greater rigidity.
These wicks from paper core burn cooler than other wicks and are great for melting paraffin waxes, soy waxes, or other blends.
Hemp Wicks
This can be used as a container candle, tea light, or moulded container.
Made braided hemp (if at all possible, unbleached hemp Wicks).
These wicks for hemp are extremely rigid, heat up quickly, and emit very little smoke.
Wooden Wicks
They can be used to make votives, tea light candles, container candles, and moulded candles. However, you should keep the candles free from any decorations or additions to reduce fire danger.
Wooden Wicks can be made from flat wood slabs or thin tubes, unwaxed/unoiled.
They are well-known because of the crackling, soothing sounds they make when they burn.
Wooden and softwood wicks can be purchased in both hardwood and softwood. However, they differ in their material, testing, use, and usage.
