Here are some of the main wicks commonly found:
1. LX Series Wicks
- Use: Ideal for paraffin wax candles, especially votives, containers, and pillars.
- Features: Braided cotton core designed to minimize carbon buildup (mushrooming). They provide a consistent burn and reduce smoking.
- Sizes: Available in various sizes based on candle diameter, from LX 8 for small candles to LX 26 for larger candles.
2. ECO Series Wicks
- Use: Suitable for soy, beeswax, and other natural waxes.
- Features: Made from flat, coreless cotton, ECO wicks offer a clean burn with minimal soot. They are often preferred for environmentally conscious candle making.
- Sizes: Available in a range of sizes to suit different candle diameters.
3. Hemp Wicks
- Use: Common for beeswax or natural wax candles.
- Features: Made from hemp fibers, they are natural and eco-friendly. These wicks are known for being strong and flexible.
- Application: Often used in container candles or handmade projects.
4. Wooden Wicks
- Use: Great for container candles, offering a modern aesthetic.
- Features: Made from thin wooden slivers (often sourced sustainably), these wicks create a unique crackling sound when burning. They work well with soy wax but require proper sizing to ensure an even burn.
- Types: Single-ply or multi-ply options, depending on the size and burn intensity needed.
5. CD (Stabilo) Wicks
- Use: Perfect for container candles with natural waxes (like soy).
- Features: Coreless, flat-braided cotton wicks with a paper filament. Known for stable, consistent flames and wide melt pools. Minimizes the mushrooming effect.
- Sizes: Available in various sizes to accommodate different candle diameters.
6. HTP Wicks
- Use: Works well with both paraffin and natural waxes, such as soy or palm.
- Features: Coreless cotton wick with a self-trimming effect, designed for a hotter and steady flame.
- Sizes: Widely available for different candle diameters.
7. RRL Wicks
- Use: Mainly used for beeswax candles.
- Features: These are round, braided cotton wicks known for burning cleanly in high viscosity waxes like beeswax.
8. Zinc-Core Wicks
- Use: Good for votive and container candles made from paraffin wax.
- Features: The zinc core helps keep the wick upright while burning, ensuring a consistent flame. These wicks produce a steady flame but can sometimes create more soot than cotton wicks.
9. Cotton-Core Wicks
- Use: Versatile for various types of wax, including paraffin and soy.
- Features: Braided cotton core surrounded by additional cotton fibers to maintain a consistent burn. These wicks are often used in container candles.
LX Series Wick Size Guide
The wax pool ratio (or melt pool diameter) is crucial for candle performance, as it ensures an even burn and prevents tunneling. Below is an outline comparing the Cotton-Core Wicks and LX Series Wicks
Wax Pool Ratio Overview
The wax pool ratio refers to the relationship between the wick size and the candle diameter. A proper wax pool should reach almost the entire candle width by the end of the burn, ideally around ¼ to ½ inch from the edge.
Cotton-Core Wicks: Wax Pool Ratio
- General Characteristics: Cotton-core wicks provide a steady flame, work well with paraffin and soy wax, and are great for container candles.
- Burn Behavior: They create a moderate-sized melt pool, which tends to expand steadily, especially in soft waxes like paraffin.
- Wax Pool Ratio: Typically, cotton-core wicks should create a wax pool that’s 85-90% of the candle’s diameter after burning for 1-2 hours.
Cotton-Core Wicks Wax Pool Guide
- Small Wicks (CC 08 - CC 12): These are suitable for candles with a diameter of 3-6 cm. The wax pool will spread out to around 85-90% of the diameter of the candle within 1.5 hours of burn time.
- Medium Wicks (CC 14 - CC 18): For candles with a 6-8 cm diameter. The melt pool should cover 85-90% of the diameter after a similar burn period.
- Large Wicks (CC 20 - CC 26): For candles with a diameter of 8-10 cm or larger. These larger wicks will create a wax pool that reaches the edges of the container for optimal burning.
LX Series Wicks: Wax Pool Ratio
- General Characteristics: LX wicks are flat-braided cotton wicks known for controlling the melt pool well, reducing mushrooming, and producing minimal soot. They are typically used for votive, container, and pillar candles.
- Burn Behavior: LX wicks create a wide, consistent melt pool and are often more aggressive in reaching the candle’s edges compared to cotton-core wicks.
- Wax Pool Ratio: The wax pool ratio is usually around 90-95% of the candle diameter, providing a stronger and faster burn, which is ideal for harder waxes like beeswax and soy.
LX Wicks Wax Pool Guide
- Small Wicks (LX 08 - LX 12): Best suited for candles with a diameter of 3-5 cm. The wax pool will generally reach 90-95% of the diameter after 1-2 hours.
- Medium Wicks (LX 14 - LX 18): For candles with a diameter of 5-8 cm. The melt pool should cover 90-95% of the candle’s diameter.
- Large Wicks (LX 20 - LX 26): Designed for candles with a diameter of 8 cm or more. These larger LX wicks create a full, wide wax pool that almost completely fills the candle’s diameter, reaching the edges in most cases.
Comparison of Wax Pool Behavior
| Wick Type | Wax Pool Coverage | Best For | Burn Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cotton-Core Wicks | 85-90% of candle diameter | Paraffin, soy, container candles | Moderate, consistent |
| LX Series Wicks | 90-95% of candle diameter | Paraffin, soy, beeswax, pillars | Faster, wider melt pool |
Considerations
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Wax Type: LX wicks tend to perform better in harder waxes (e.g., beeswax or soy), where more heat is required to achieve a full melt pool. Cotton-core wicks, on the other hand, are better suited for softer waxes like paraffin and blended waxes.
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Candle Size: Larger candles or wider diameters may require a stronger wick (such as an LX 20 or higher) to ensure a full wax pool reaches the edges. Smaller wicks (such as CC 08 or LX 08) are perfect for votives and smaller containers.
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Additives: Fragrance oils and dyes can affect the burn. Heavily fragranced or colored candles may require a slightly larger wick to achieve the same melt pool.
Cotton-Core Wicks: Melt Pool Diameter Ratio
Each wick size will affect the diameter of the melt pool it creates. Larger wicks will generate more heat, resulting in a wider melt pool, while smaller wicks will create narrower melt pools and slower burns.
Cotton Wick Size Guide
| Wick Size (mm) | Recommended Candle Diameter | Approximate Melt Pool Diameter | Burn Speed | Best Wax Types |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5mm | Up to 3 cm | 75-85% of candle diameter | Slow, controlled burn | Paraffin, soy, soft waxes |
| 2mm | 3-4 cm | 80-85% of candle diameter | Moderate, steady burn | Paraffin, soy, soft waxes |
| 2.5mm | 4-5 cm | 85-90% of candle diameter | Moderate, steady burn | Paraffin, soy, beeswax |
| 3mm | 5-6 cm | 85-90% of candle diameter | Moderate, faster burn | Paraffin, soy, beeswax, blended |
| 3.5mm | 6-7 cm | 85-95% of candle diameter | Moderate, faster burn | Paraffin, soy, beeswax, palm |
| 4mm | 7-8 cm | 90-95% of candle diameter | Hotter, faster burn | Paraffin, beeswax, palm |
| 4.5mm | 8-9 cm | 90-95% of candle diameter | Hotter, faster burn | Beeswax, palm, hard waxes |
| 5mm | 9-10 cm | 90-100% of candle diameter | Fast burn | Beeswax, palm, hard waxes |
Wax Pool and Burn Ratio Explanation
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Smaller wicks (1.5mm to 2mm): These wicks are ideal for smaller candles or narrow container candles. The melt pool typically reaches about 75-85% of the candle's diameter, with a slow to moderate burn rate. These wicks are great for soft waxes like paraffin or soy.
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Mid-sized wicks (2.5mm to 3mm): Wicks in this range are better for medium-sized candles. They create a melt pool that covers 85-90% of the candle diameter. This is an ideal choice for a balance between slower burns and a wider melt pool. Good for paraffin, soy, or beeswax.
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Larger wicks (3.5mm to 5mm): Larger wicks produce more heat, creating a melt pool that reaches 90-100% of the candle’s diameter. These wicks burn hotter and faster and are suited for larger or wider candles, or for use with harder waxes like beeswax or palm wax.
LX Series Wicks: Melt Pool Diameter Ratio
- General Characteristics: LX wicks are flat-braided cotton designed for a wide, even melt pool. They burn hotter and more efficiently, often leading to faster melt pool formation, making them well-suited for larger candles and harder waxes.
Melt Pool Diameter Ratio Guide: LX Wicks
| Wick Size | Candle Diameter (cm) | Melt Pool Diameter Ratio | Burn Time to Full Pool | Wax Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LX 08 | 3.18 - 3.78 cm | 90-95% | 1 - 1.5 hours | Paraffin, soy |
| LX 10 | 3.78 - 4.98 cm | 90-95% | 1 - 2 hours | Paraffin, soy |
| LX 12 | 4.98 - 5.69 cm | 90-95% | 1.5 - 2 hours | Paraffin, soy, beeswax |
| LX 14 | 5.69 - 6.29 cm | 90-95% | 2 - 2.5 hours | Paraffin, soy, beeswax |
| LX 16 | 6.29 - 7.49 cm | 90-95% | 2 - 2.5 hours | Paraffin, soy, beeswax |
| LX 18 | 7.49 - 8.28 cm | 90-95% | 2.5 - 3 hours | Paraffin, soy, beeswax, palm |
| LX 20 | 8.28 - 8.89 cm | 90-95% | 3 hours | Paraffin, soy, palm |
| LX 22 | 8.89 - 9.49 cm | 90-95% | 3 - 3.5 hours | Paraffin, soy, beeswax, palm |
| LX 24 | 9.49 - 9.98 cm | 90-95% | 3.5 - 4 hours | Paraffin, beeswax, palm |
| LX 26 | 9.98 - 10.79 cm | 90-95% | 3.5 - 4 hours | Paraffin, beeswax, palm |
Notes on LX Series Wicks:
- Burn Speed: LX wicks burn hotter than cotton-core wicks, creating a wider, more immediate melt pool.
- Wax Type: Suitable for harder waxes like beeswax, soy, and palm. They are often used for pillar candles and larger container candles.
- Full Melt Pool: LX wicks typically achieve a melt pool that covers 90-95% of the candle's diameter within the first 2-3 hours, ensuring a complete and efficient burn.
Comparison Between Cotton-Core and LX Series Wicks:
| Factor | Cotton-Core Wicks | LX Series Wicks |
|---|---|---|
| Melt Pool Diameter | 85-90% of candle diameter | 90-95% of candle diameter |
| Burn Speed | Moderate | Hotter, faster burn |
| Best for Wax Types | Paraffin, soy, blended waxes | Paraffin, soy, beeswax, palm |
| Application | Best for container candles | Best for pillars and wide containers |
| Ideal Burn Time | 2-3 hours to reach full pool | 1.5-2.5 hours for full pool |
Considerations:
- Cotton-Core Wicks: Best for a slower, steady burn, great for paraffin and softer waxes. They tend to cover 85-90% of the candle's diameter within 2-3 hours of burning.
- LX Series Wicks: Ideal for faster, hotter burns, excellent for harder waxes like beeswax or soy. They typically reach 90-95% of the candle’s diameter in the same amount of time.
Both wicks work well in specific situations, but if you need a faster melt pool or are using harder waxes, the LX series is a better option. For slower burns and softer waxes, cotton-core wicks are ideal.
Burn Ratio Considerations:
- Wick Thickness: As the wick thickness increases, the wick burns hotter, creating a faster and wider melt pool.
- Candle Diameter: Larger candles need thicker wicks (3mm and above) to ensure the wax pool covers most of the diameter within 2-3 hours.
- Wax Type: Harder waxes like beeswax or palm require thicker wicks to generate enough heat to create a full melt pool.
- Burn Time: Smaller wicks (1.5mm to 2mm) burn slower and are perfect for smaller or longer-burning candles. Larger wicks (4mm to 5mm) burn faster, making them ideal for larger candles or candles where a faster melt pool is desired.
Conclusion
- For small candles (up to 3-4 cm in diameter), use 1.5mm to 2mm wicks for a slower burn and controlled melt pool.
- For medium-sized candles (4-6 cm), use 2.5mm to 3mm wicks to achieve a good balance of melt pool coverage and burn speed.
- For large candles (6 cm and above), go with 3.5mm to 5mm wicks to create a wider melt pool and faster burn, especially when using harder waxes like beeswax or palm wax.
With this guide in hand, you can confidently choose the perfect wick for your next candle-making project, ensuring a beautiful burn every time!