Wicks - More information

Candles burn because the molten wax is drawn into the wick.

If the size of the wick is the right one for the candle, it will give an even, smoke-free flame, and an even-melting candle is the result.

A candle works similarly to a paraffin heater or a lamp. If the wick in it is too small, there will be too much molten wax-and, the chances are, the candle will be flooded. On the other hand, if the wick is too large there will be a shortage of wax and the candle will smoke.

Wicks are sized in strands, which are plaited together in three bundles. For example, 3/6's means three bundles of six strands each.

All wicks are marked as A column
but for Bees Wax convert across to B column.

Strand Rating

A.POOLBURNING (Diameter of candle in inches).

B.CLEAN BOWL
(For use mainly with Bees Wax and Bees Wax mixtures).

3/10

1"

0.5"

3/14

1.5"

0.75"

3/20

2"

1"

3/24

2.5"

l.5"

3/30

3

2"

3/35

4

2.5"

3/40

4"+

3"

The above is a general guide and it must be remembered that waxes and all candles vary, for instance a small percentage increase of stearin will make a difference. It is advisable to make 1 candle tried and burning well before making a batch of 20! Bear in mind the following:-

• Trim wick to about 0.5" before lighting.
• Ensure wick is central.
• Keep burning area of candle clean shreds of wick and old match heads will clog the wick.
• Avoid burning candles in a draught.
• Give your candle time to burn properly, about 30 minutes burning should have established whether all is well.
• Put your candle out properly, by pushing the wick into the pool of wax. This will stop smouldering and ensure a well-waxed wick, when the candle is relit.

If the candle smokes, which candle "B" is prone to do, this is because the wick itself is burning, as there is insufficent fuel (ie molten wax), if trimming the wick fails to rectify this, then the wick is too large.

If the wax overflows, as candle "A" is prone to do, a wick, one size smaller is necessary. It must be remembered that it is not generally not possible to burn a well more than 5" deep.

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