Selecting the correct candle wick family and then size, is the final and most essential part of the candle development process. Using the proper wick size drastically improves the candle’s overall combustion and has numerous benefits for both manufacturers and the end consumer.
Understanding Candle Wick Designations & Rate Charts: An Introduction
All candle wick braiders list their wicks for candle manufacturers in some type of chart format. These charts show all of the different wicks within one family generally listed from smallest to largest or vice versa. Braiders also try to give some context of the wicks burning properties through ROC (Rate of Consumption), Flame Height, and Burn Pool Diameter. These parameters are general guidelines and are not representative of how that wick will burn in any particular manufactured candle. There is no substitute for through burn testing to determine the best wick for each candle.
Selecting the Correct Wick Size
Determining which size candle wick is best for a particular candle type is dependent on a variety of factors. During Wicks Unlimited’s confidential candle wick size consultation, we begin the conversation by asking a few fundamental questions.
What is the diameter of the particular candle?
The diameter of the candle/container determines how large the burn pool needs to be for optimum performance. Whether it is a single wick or multiple wicks, the size of the wick controls the efficiency, safety, and quality of melting and burning the candles overall diameter.
What type of wax?
Different waxes, Soy, Paraffin, Palm, and blends, all require different capillary and burning properties from the wick. The wick’s thickness, braiding tension, construction material, and burning profile all need to be in sync with the waxes own specific melting and burning properties as well.
What types of fragrance oils and colors?
The quantity of the oil and color used in the candle also matters when selecting a wick size. In general, colorful candles with strong scents usually require much larger wicks or multi-wicks than those with less oil and color.
What is the expected burn time?
Burn time is directly affected by the type, size, and number of wicks in the candle. In general, when the candles combustion properties for safety and quality are optimized, so is the burn time.
Benefits of Selecting the Correct Wick Size
Using the correct wick size in your candle has numerous advantages for both manufacturers and the end-user.Uniform flame size, minimal or non-existent blooming (carbon deposits), and little to no afterglow once the candle is extinguished are just some of the correct wick size benefits.
Choosing the correct size wick is a crucial decision and is the first step in formulating a safe and well-performing candle. Wicks Unlimited supplies premium pre-waxed candle wick for manufacturers to create candles with unique specifications that their customers want. Schedule your confidential wick sizing consultation today with our industry experts to help you ensure that your candles burn safely, cleanly, and without excess soot or smoke.
Fill out the contact form below to schedule your confidential wick sizing consultation today!
