Wicks are an integral part of the candle-making process. Commercially prepared wicks are available in a range of sizes, including several specialty candle wicks. But what if we showed you how do you make a candle wick?
Making your wicks allows you to create bespoke wicks to fit specialty candles with varying diameters. You may have it tailored to your specifications. To produce wicks for your handcrafted candles, simply follow these easy procedures.
You may buy candle wicks to use in homemade candles, but you can also make your own. The most prevalent are candle wicks coated with borax. However, with a few basic materials, you can make hardwood wicks or mobile wicks.
How Do You Make A Candle Wick
Steps on How Do You Make A Candle Wick
Step #1:
Measure the thickness and length of the wick. You have one wick. However, larger candles require three strands of twisted twine. Larger candles may need two or three wicks apart to burn correctly.
Step #2:
The rope has to be measured and cut. Cut a single wick three inches longer than the height of the candle. If you want to weave a wick, cut three equal strands of twine.
Make the wick 4 inches taller than the height of the candle you will be using. Then, when the candle is complete, cut the wick to the desired size. But not too short.
Step #3:
Whisk together the warm water, boric acid powder, and salt in a mixing bowl. Allow the twine lengths to soak in the solution for at least eight hours and up to 24 hours. Allow up to 48 hours for the twine to dry entirely after removing it from the solution.
The wicks should be hung or draped to let air flow and speed up the drying process. Tiny white crystals will grow on the wicks as they dry. These are harmless, but you can brush them off carefully if you wish.
Step #4:
Slowly melt some of your selected wax in a double boiler. You’ll need plenty to wrap around your strings or braid. Any leftover wax may be remelted the next time you want to make more wicks.
Step #5:
The string is then coated. Next, soak the twine for about a minute to cover it. A more extended soaking period is not necessary since the cord does not “absorb” the wax.
Another option is just to grip the thread with tongs. Then, numerous times, dip it into the wax to coat it. You should then hang the thread to dry.
Step #6:
To protect your fingers, use tongs to pull each length of twine out of the wax. Allow it to drip for a while to remove excess wax before hanging it to cool. Straighten the wick gently as the wax cools and before it hardens. It’s done this way so that when the wax hardens, it’ll be straight.
Allow the wax to harden and set. What if you want to attach a wick tab to the bottom of your wick? It is possible if you thread it through the central aperture. Then, using needle-nose pliers, crimp it tightly. Keep the finished wicks in a cool, dry place.
Tips for Making a Candle Wick
Creating your wicks, like making candles, may necessitate some trial and error. It is not always possible for you to make wicks that burn correctly with your candles right immediately. Keep these tips in mind while you experiment with new DIY wicks.
When we try anything new, we all face some difficulties, don’t we? We don’t always get things perfect the first time. As a result, here are some pointers on how do you make a candle wick.
Tip #1:
After the initial dip into the hot wax, there’s no need to let the wick dry completely. Especially if you’re making dipped candles as described in step six above. Then, dip the wicks in basic wax, colored and scented wax, as you would with store-bought wicks.
Tip #2:
Tea lights, votives, taper candles, and even tall, thin pillars can benefit from single-strand wicks. For larger or wider candles, braid three or four strands of twine together before soaking. In general, the larger the candle, the thicker the wick.
Tip #3:
Candles with an enormous surface area should use many braided wicks. Then, distribute them evenly around the candle so that the wicks are evenly dispersed. That’s why you may find sure scented candles with three wicks at bath & body works!
Tip #4:
If you like, you can substitute the boric acid in the solution with Borax powder. The main difference is that when Borax is used, the flame may burn with a bluish hue.
Candle Wicks of Various Types
Place your cotton strings on a board and braid your wick in the style of a friendship bracelet. Continue to pull and tighten the braid as you go. You may also save time by purchasing cotton thread that has already been braided.
The flat wick is the most frequent wick style. Three cotton strings are firmly braided into flat wicks. They also coil and break off when lighted, which is referred to as “self-trimming.”
Square wicks, like flat wicks, breakaway, but they are thicker than typical flat wicks. For beeswax candles, candlemakers choose this sort of candle. Soy wax is less clogging than beeswax.
Instead, use a cored wick for manufacturing votive or devotional candles. Cotton and metals such as tin or zinc are used to make these wicks. They’re designed to stand erect, but they’re more difficult to make at home.
Conclusion
There are several factors to consider while creating candle wicks. It is not as simple as just tying a thread around your candle. So, now that you know how do you make a candle wick, are you ready to make your own?