Wick testing is imperative to creating any candle. ALWAYS, ALWAYS test your wicks.
Have you ever made or received a candle, and it didn't burn properly? Maybe it burned too quick and too hot or uneven? Or maybe the flame just didn't catch at all? All of these are due to wicks not being tested at all or not being tested properly. Let take a look at what needs to happen in order to have a successful wick testing.
When it comes to testing wicks, all components of the candle matter. From the type and size of the candle jar to the kind of wax you're using as well as the type fragrance/aromatherapy oils and the type of wicks you use. These decisions determine whether the wick will burn too quick and hot, too slow and uneven, or just right.
Choosing the right wick for scented candles is crucial for achieving a quality burn and scent throw. Here are the steps you can follow when selecting a wick:
Consider the diameter of your candle jar and choose a wick that fits appropriately.
Decide on the type of wax you're using, as some wicks work better with certain types of wax.
Determine the fragrance load of your candle, as a higher fragrance load may require a larger wick.
Consider the burn time you're aiming for and choose a wick that matches that goal.
Wick too big?
When candle wicks are too big, they can cause several issues. The flame may become too large and produce excessive heat, leading to soot buildup and potentially causing the candle to smoke.
The wax may also melt too quickly, causing the candle to burn unevenly and reducing its overall burn time. Additionally, a large flame can be a fire hazard and may cause the candle to burn through the wax too quickly, resulting in a shorter lifespan. It is important to choose an appropriate wick size for the candle's diameter to ensure safe and effective burning.
Wick too small?
When candle wicks are too small, they may not be able to draw up enough wax to keep the flame burning consistently. This can result in a weak flame that struggles to stay lit or even extinguishes itself altogether.
Additionally, a small wick may not create a wide enough pool of melted wax, which can cause the candle to tunnel or burn unevenly. It's important to choose the right size wick for your candle to ensure a safe and effective burn.
Wick just right?
When a candle wick is the right size, it will burn properly and efficiently. The flame will be steady and not too large, which helps to prevent the candle from dripping or burning too quickly. The wax will melt evenly across the surface of the candle, and the scent will be released in a consistent manner.
If the wick is too small, the candle may not burn properly and can cause tunneling, while a wick that is too large can create a large, flickering flame that can be dangerous. Therefore, it is important to choose the right size wick for your candle to ensure a safe and enjoyable burn.
Test your chosen wick with your specific wax and fragrance to ensure it performs well. Following these steps can help you create a high-quality scented candle with a great burn and scent throw.