COTTON WICKS
Cotton wicks come in a variety of types. Each wick has it’s own character and burning property. There are flat braided wicks, round braided wicks, cored wicks. Usually cotton wicks are primed with paraffin wax. Wicks developed to be used in soy wax candles are usually primed with vegetable wax instead of paraffin wax, which continue to be 100% natural candles. Hemp candle wicks are usually primed with beeswax. Pre-waxed wicks usually pre-tabbed for easy centering and the wicks can be cutted to desired length. Oil lamp wicks are specialty wicks.
Different candle waxes have it’s unique melting points and properties which require proper wicks to reach the optimal burning quality.
Paraffin wax is the most widely used candle wax. Flat braided cotton wicks are often used to make paraffin wax candles. Wick option depends on candle’s size and shape. Usually thin wick is used for small diameter candles and thick wick is used for big diameter candles. Color and fragrance also affect candle burning property which require thicker wicks. Braiding tightness is another factor that affect wick option. Tight braided cotton wicks are suitable for tealights, votives, pillars, containers. Loose braided cotton wicks are suitable for tapers, dinners, shaped candles.
Soy wax is a natural and eco-friendly candle wax with lower melting point which require larger candle wicks. Cotton paper wicks work well with soy wax candles. Soy wax usually come with tealight candles, container candles, pillar candles.
Beeswax is natural sticky candle wax with higher melting point. Round braided cotton wicks are choosed to make beeswax candles.
Cotton candle wicks can be worked with most types of candle applications. Candle burning test are critical to select the correct wick under different wax combinations and candle systems.
