Wick selection is not something to be done without proper consideration. A wick must be the correct size in relation to the diameter of the candle and you will also need to take into consideration that different waxes require different thicknesses of wick.
If you select a wick that is too thick or chunky for your candle diameter, the result will be that the flame burns too brightly and this in turn will mean that your candle burns far too quickly. This is not only an inefficient use of your candle, but may also create a fire hazard. If you choose a wick that's too narrow, the opposite happens and the candle burns too slowly or gently. This may result in only the inner portion of the candle melting and eventually the wax will saturate the wick and the flame will go out. If you are at all serious about your candle making, you'll want to experiment with wick sizes and candle sizes before you'll know for sure which wicks go well with which candles.
In addition to using the correct wick, it is also important to note that there are certain advantages to be had if you prime your wicks before using. A wick that's primed tends to light with greater ease and burns more evenly and reliably. In addition, with a primed wick, you don't have to worry about moisture being absorbed by the wick. Priming the wick helps to keep moisture at bay and that's one of the main reasons why a primed wick will burn more readily.
A noticeable difference between an unprimed and primed wick is the rigidity of the wicks. A primed wick is stiffer than an unprimed one and it is this quality that is useful when positioning the wick when pouring the melted candle wax. A more rigid wick is generally easier to work with in all cases.
When you prime a wick, you simply dip it into melted wax until it's completely saturated with wax. You will be able to tell when it is saturated as it will start to release bubbles. You can use a small paperclip to dip them so that you do not burn your fingers. Alternatively, you can leave a small length of wick unwaxed to hold but which you cut off at a later stage. You then remove the wick from the wax, pull it taut, dip it into water, then lay out on wax paper to harden. You can dab the excess water off with a paper towel.
For a stiffer wick, the priming process can be repeated more than once. Primed wicks can then be stored in rolled up newspaper until required.
If you are making and priming your own wicks, this is an ideal opportunity to make your candles even more unique and personal by adding scent to your wicks (either instead of or as well as adding fragrance to your wax). Before priming the wick, all you need to do is dip the wick into your fragrance oil before you dip it in the wax.
Julie Sinclair is a candle making enthusiast who enjoys helping others to get started in this amazing hobby. For more great information on making candle wicks, visit www.candlemakingtoptips.com
Click the XML Icon Above to Receive Crafts Articles Via RSS!
