Candle-Making 101: Using the Right Wick

When thinking about making your candle, the wick is probably the last thing that comes to mind. You secure the wick, pour the wax, and that's it...right? Actually, choosing the right wick can be an important step in the candle-making process. The properly chosen wick can mean the difference between a long-burning candle and a waxy mess. It's not that hard to pick the right wick, as long as you know a few basic facts.

There are a few different types of wicks, each made for a different purpose. You're probably most familiar with the flat, braided wick, most commonly seen in taper candles (and sometimes small pillars.) There's also a square braided version that's seen in larger pillars, other larger candles and rolled beeswax candles. There are also wicks with a core running through the middle of it: paper core wicks are found in the more "delicate" candles, like tealights and votives, as well as container candles (but not gel container candles.) Metal core wicks are also seen in votives and tealights, and can be placed in pretty much any candle including gel. Just be absolutely certain that the metal-core wicks you purchase don't contain any lead. The metal core wicks of yesteryear did contain lead before everyone realized how toxic it was, and a few companies outside the US still make them this way.