How to make candle wicks?

Question

I have left over wax and was going to make my own candles out of them. I pretty much have an idea how to do it, but my problem is what do you use for wicks?

Any info be great.

Answer 1

go to candlewic.com. they have a whole section on beginning candle crafting. you can also check out candlemaking@ella online.com that site is mostly for women, but has some nice stuff for candle crafting. I also use David Fisher - About.com Candle and Soap Guide ... he has a BUNCH of stuff you can use.

DO NOT heat your wax directly over the stove. Place wax in a pot and place the pot in a pan of water. It gives you a buffer of sorts which keeps the wax from igniting while you're melting it.

Both Bella and Fisher have references to sites (candlewic) which will sell you wicks. They're laughably cheap.

I have to warn you. Candle crafting is an addictive hobby! It's taken over my kitchen and half my bedroom! On the bright side, it's better than model airplanes. You never have problems with too many candles. Someone always wants them.

Answer 2

Once, a looong time ago, I used the string that you pull from the top of the large dog food bags as a wick to see if it would work. It's all-cotton thread - no lead! Just make sure no paper adheres to it.

The trick is to make sure you soak the wick in the melted wax, let it stiffen for a few moments and then insert it centered and weighted into your melted wax. I used a paper clip. Trim it to less than half an inch and it should burn.

Mine burned smokey at first though - just so you know.

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Now - when I buy the large scented candles - I make sure that I let it burn until the wax surface is flat or has a layer of melted wax that is at least a quarter inch deep. No more wasted scented wax. It takes patience though - sometimes at least eight hours for a good initial melt.

Answer 3

You can take any cotton, but the white and unbleached (beige) work best.
Braid. (Like a girls hair!)
Take at least 3 strands, but if you want a bigger wick, you can braid with bundles of threads.

If you use twisted cotton as wick you will need to cut it often, as it does not curl and will stay in the flame, making it smoke.

But buying wicks is also a good option.

You will have to experiment with the size of the wick, to thin and it will not melt a lot of wax, it will burn down through the candle. And too big, and it will have a lot of sooth, and burn to fast, thin candles will drip along the side if your wick is too thick.

Answer 4

You can buy wicks at almost any craft or hobby store.