What is a wick?
A wick is the heart of a candle or oil lamp. It consists of a thread-like braid or a thin piece of wood and transports the liquid fuel, i.e. wax or lamp oil, to the flame by capillary action. In this way, it ensures an even and controlled burn.
How do I choose the right wick?
The right wick depends on several factors: the candle diameter, the type of wax used, and any additives such as fragrance oils or colourants. If the wick is too small, the candle may tunnel; if it is too large, it will soot or drip more quickly.
The following points provide a useful guide:
1. Match the candle diameter
The wick thickness should always suit the widest part of the candle. The larger the diameter, the stronger the wick must be so that the wax melts cleanly to the edge. The following values are guidelines and not a standardised measurement:
- Up to 50 mm candle diameter: fine wick, for example flat wick 3x8 or 3x10.
- Up to 60 mm candle diameter: medium wick, for example flat wick 3x12 or 3x15.
- Up to 80 mm candle diameter: stronger wick, for example flat wick 3x16 to 4x4.
- Over 100 mm candle diameter: two or three wicks are often required, or alternatively special large flame-shroud wicks.
The designation 3x8 means 3 bundles with 8 threads each. 4x4 means 4 bundles with 4 threads each.
2. Choose the right wick type
Different candle types call for different wick types:
- Candle wicks: Classic wicks for many candle shapes. They are available with or without a wick tab, either pre-cut or on spools for custom cutting.
- Tea light wicks: Short wicks with metal tabs, usually already coated with wax. This helps them stand upright during pouring.
- Flame-shroud wicks: Particularly robust wicks for large candles or outdoor candles. They are often made of absorbent cotton, and in some cases of heat-resistant fibreglass braid.
3. Choose the right wick structure
The braid type also plays a role:
- Flat wick: The classic candle wick. It is flat-woven, has no fixed direction, and is therefore especially easy to work with. It is well suited to uniform wax types such as paraffin or well-filtered natural waxes.
- Round wick: Round-braided wicks are particularly suitable for natural waxes such as plant wax or beeswax, as they are less likely to clog. Here, the direction of the braid must be observed during processing.
4. Consider additives
Fragrance oils and colourants can affect how the candle burns and place additional strain on the wick more quickly. In some cases, it may be advisable to choose the next size up.
Wick overview
Choosing the right wick is crucial for an even burn and a high-quality result. To help you find the right solution quickly, we have organised our wicks clearly by area of use, wick type and processing method.
Tip: Visit our “Wicks” category and filter the wicks according to your needs.
The right solution for every application
Our range includes spooled wicks for series production, wicks with a metal tab, flat wicks, round wicks, tea light wicks and special wicks for outdoor candles. Many of our wicks come from Schreiber GmbH, an experienced partner in the development and production of high-quality wicks.
Candle wicks on a spool
Content: 100 Running metre (€0.16 / 1 Running metre)
Content: 100 Running metre (€0.22 / 1 Running metre)
Content: 100 Running metre (€0.15 / 1 Running metre)
How do I know which direction my wick has?
For our spooled wicks, the winding direction is marked on the reel as K.i. (core inside) and K.a. (core outside). This makes it easy to see which way the wick should be unwound from the spool.
You can tell whether a wick has a direction from its braid structure. Round wicks in particular must be used the correct way round so that they open properly as they burn and help support a stable, clean flame.
Benefits of bulk orders
Do you run a candle-making business and need large quantities?
For orders of 5 kg or more, we can offer you bespoke terms.
FAQ
All wicks
Content: 100 Running metre (€0.16 / 1 Running metre)
Content: 100 Running metre (€0.22 / 1 Running metre)
Content: 100 Running metre (€0.15 / 1 Running metre)
