How to Make a Wick for a Candle

Wicks are an important component in candle making. Commercially prepared wicks come in a variety of sizes, including several specialist candle wicks. But, what if we teach you how to make a wick for a candle

Manufacturing your own allows you to manufacture bespoke wicks to accommodate specialty candles of varying diameters. You can have it customized to your preference. Simply follow these simple steps to make wicks for your handmade candles.

how to make a wick for a candle

 

How to Make a Wick for a Candle

Steps on How to Make a Wick for a Candle

Step #1: 

Determine the thickness and length of the wick. Small candles work well with single wicks, however bigger candles require a wick constructed of three braided strands of twine. To make the candle burn evenly, larger candles may require two or three braided wicks spaced apart.

 

Step #2:

Measure and cut the rope. Cut it about three inches longer than the height of the candle for a single wick. If you want to braid a wick, cut three equal strands of twine. 

Make it four inches longer than the height of the candle the wick will be used for. You’ll ultimately cut your wick to the proper size after your candle is finished. But this way you won’t end up with one that’s too short. 

 

Step #3:

In a mixing basin, whisk together the warm water, boric acid powder, and salt. Soak the twine lengths in the solution for at least eight hours, and up to 24 hours. Allow the twine to dry completely after taking it from the solution; this might take up to 48 hours. 

Hang or drape the wicks to allow air to circulate them and speed up the drying process. As the wicks dry, little white crystals will form on them. These are safe, but you can carefully brush them off if you prefer.

 

Step #4:

Melt some of your chosen wax slowly in a double boiler. You’ll need enough to cover your strings or braid. Any excess wax may be remelted the next time you wish to manufacture additional wicks.

 

Step #5:

Next is coating the twine. To coat the twine, soak it for approximately a minute. Because the twine does not “absorb” the wax, a lengthier soaking period is not required. 

An alternative approach is to just hold the string with tongs. Then dip it several times into the wax to coat it. Then hang the string for it to dry.

 

Step #6:

Pull each length of twine out of the wax with tongs to protect your fingers. Allow it to drip for a second to remove excess wax, and then hang it to cool. You may carefully straighten the wick as the wax cools and before it solidifies.

It is so that it is straight when the wax is finally hardened. Allow the wax to solidify and set. But what if you want to add a wick tab to the bottom of your wick?

You can do this if you thread it through the center aperture. Then, crimp it tight using needle-nose pliers. Keep the completed wicks in a cool, dry location.

 

Tips on How to Make a Wick for a Candle

Manufacturing your wicks, like making candles, might require some trial and error. It is not always right away for you to produce wicks that burn properly with your candles. Keep these pointers in mind while you experiment with fresh DIY wicks.

We all go through some challenges when we try something new, right? We don’t always get things the right way on the first try. That is why here are some tips for you on how to make a wick for a candle.

 

Tip #1:

There’s no need to let the wick dry entirely after the initial dip into the heated wax. Especially if you’re manufacturing dipped candles step six above. Then, using basic wax or colored and/or scented wax, dip the wicks as you would with store-bought wicks.

 

Tip #2:

Single-strand wicks can be used in tea lights, votives, taper candles, and even tall, thin pillars. Braid three or four strands of twine together before soaking for broader or bigger candles. In general, the thicker the wick, the bigger the candle.

 

Tip #3:

Candles with a large surface area should utilize more than one braided wick. Distribute them so that the wicks are evenly distributed around the candle. That is why you see some scented candles on bath and body works with three wicks!

 

Tip #4:

If you like, you can replace Borax powder with the boric acid in the solution. The only difference is that when employing Borax, the flame may burn with a little bluish color.

 

Conclusion on How to Make a Wick for a Candle

There are a lot of things to consider in making candle wicks. It is not as simple as placing a regular string on your candle. So, are you ready to make your own now that you know how to make a wick for a candle? Check out more of our candle articles!

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