Choosing the Right Wick Size for Perfect Candles

Selecting the correct wick size is one of the most critical aspects of candle making. The wrong wick can cause tunneling, poor scent throw, smoking, or even safety hazards. Here's your complete guide to choosing the perfect wick.

Understanding Wick Basics

What does a wick do? The wick draws liquid wax up through capillary action and burns it to create light and heat. The size and type of wick determine how much wax is consumed and how the candle burns.

Key Factors for Wick Selection

1. Container Diameter

The most important factor is your container's diameter:

• 2-2.5 inches: Small wick (HTP 52, CD 4-6)
• 2.5-3 inches: Medium wick (HTP 62, CD 8-10)
• 3-3.5 inches: Large wick (HTP 72, CD 12-14)
• 3.5+ inches: Extra large or multiple wicks (HTP 83+, CD 16+)

2. Wax Type Considerations

Different waxes have varying burn characteristics:

• Soy Wax: Generally requires larger wicks due to harder consistency
• Paraffin: Burns hotter, may need smaller wicks
• Beeswax: Very hard, requires larger wicks
• Coconut Wax: Burns very hot, usually needs smaller wicks

3. Fragrance Load Impact

Higher fragrance loads can affect burning:

• 6-8% fragrance: Standard wick sizing
• 8-10% fragrance: May need one size larger
• Dye additives: Can require wick adjustments

Common Wick Types

Cotton Wicks (CD Series)

• Best for: Soy and paraffin waxes
• Characteristics: Clean burning, minimal smoke
• Sizes: CD-4 through CD-20

Paper Core Wicks (HTP Series)

• Best for: All wax types, especially soy
• Characteristics: Strong, consistent burn
• Sizes: HTP-52 through HTP-126

Wood Wicks

• Best for: Wide containers, ambiance
• Characteristics: Crackling sound, wide flame
• Considerations: Require special techniques

Testing Your Wick Choice

The Burn Test Process

1. Make test candles with different wick sizes
2. Burn for 2-4 hours for first test
3. Check the melt pool - should reach edges within 2-3 hours
4. Monitor flame height - should be ½ to ¾ inch tall
5. Look for smoke or soot - indicates wick too large

Warning Signs

Wick Too Small:

• Tunneling (wax doesn't melt to edges)
• Weak scent throw
• Flame drowns in wax pool
• Burns less than 2 hours per ounce of wax

Wick Too Large:

• Flame too tall (over 1 inch)
• Smoking or sooting
• Burns too fast
• Container gets too hot

Professional Tips

Multi-Wick Candles

For containers over 3.5 inches wide:

• Use multiple smaller wicks rather than one large wick
• Space wicks evenly (about 2 inches apart)
• Test different wick combinations

Climate Considerations

• Humid climates: May need slightly larger wicks
• Dry climates: May need slightly smaller wicks
• Altitude: Higher altitudes may affect burning

Documentation

Keep detailed records of:

• Container size and type
• Wax type and amount
• Fragrance type and load
• Wick type and size
• Burn test results

Quick Reference Chart

| Container Diameter | Soy Wax | Paraffin | Coconut Wax | |-------------------|---------|----------|-------------| | 2-2.5" | CD-6, HTP-52 | CD-4, HTP-52 | CD-4 | | 2.5-3" | CD-8, HTP-62 | CD-6, HTP-52 | CD-6 | | 3-3.5" | CD-10, HTP-72 | CD-8, HTP-62 | CD-8 | | 3.5-4" | CD-12, HTP-83 | CD-10, HTP-72 | CD-10 |

Final Thoughts

Remember, wick selection is both science and art. What works for one combination of wax, fragrance, and container may not work for another. Always test your specific combination and keep detailed notes of what works best.

The extra time spent testing wicks will result in professional-quality candles with perfect burn performance, maximum scent throw, and safe operation.