A candle may only have two parts, but don’t let the simplicity confuse you: making an excellent candle takes experience and expertise. The process of making hand poured candles like the ones we make here at Rich Hill Candles takes years to perfect, and the materials we use are (arguably) just as important as our manufacturing methods.
Take the humble wick, for instance. If you thought you could place any old wick in wax and expect it to perform well, think again — there’s a right and wrong tool for every job, and that includes candles. In this post, we’ll run you through some of the common types of wicks you’ll find used in candles, as well as the importance of selecting the right one. And don’t forget: if you’re looking for the best hand poured candles Ontario has to offer, then be sure to check out the products in our online store.
The Different Types of Wicks
Ever wondered what sets apart the best candles from the rest? Well, we can’t give away all our secrets, but we will tell you that it has a lot to do with the wick. There’s more than one way to burn a candle!
Some of the most common types of wick include:
Cotton Wicks
You’ll typically find cotton wicks used for scented candles. It’s easy to light, it burns slowly, and it absorbs the wax, which are three very good qualities for a candle wick to possess. Cotton wicks are also usually environmentally friendly, which gives them bonus points.
Linen Wicks
Linen wicks perform nearly as well as cotton wicks — and that should come as no surprise since they’re pretty similar materials. As with cotton, linen wicks light easily, will hold their burn, and have minimal environmental impact. Some people prefer to use linen wicks for their candles because of their aesthetic qualities, since they tend to hold their form and elegance slightly better than other materials.
Silk Wicks
Yes, you can make candle wicks from silk. But there’s a reason why you won’t find silk-wick candles in an everyday store: as you’ll know if you’ve ever tried to buy a silk item of clothing, it’s a pretty expensive material. Some candle manufacturers use synthetic silk in their candles, but that’s largely unnecessary — the material doesn’t function as a wick any better than linen or cotton, and if it's man made then it’s lost its rarity, which is perhaps its main charm. Plus, synthetic silk is not environmentally friendly.
Wooden Wicks
You have to love wooden wicks, which add another layer of experience to the candle-burning process. Just as with kindling, wooden wicks can crackle when lit, which helps to contribute to a homey and inviting atmosphere. And as with the other natural materials on this list, it’s also good for the environment. Be aware that it’s more difficult to manufacture a candle using a wooden wick, so it’s best to buy from a quality supplier.
Synthetic Fiber Wicks
There’s only one real advantage to synthetic fiber: it’s cheap. This man made material is often used by large-scale candle manufacturers, which typically produce the worst candles on the market! While it’ll burn fine, the chemical additions mean that it can be harmful to human health, and it’s also pretty bad for the environment too. The bottom line: you won’t find any synthetic fiber wicks in our products!
Why a Great Wick is Essential for a Candle
As you might expect, there’s more that goes into making a quality candle than simply choosing whatever wick is lying around. The truth is that the wick has a big impact on the overall performance of the candle. At Rich Hill Candles, we carefully select which wick to use to achieve the following benefits:
It’ll Provide a Slow, Even Burn
Choosing the wrong wick for a candle will result in a large flame and a fast burn, and when you’re trying to enjoy your beautiful candle in the comfort of your own, those are two things that you don’t want. The right wick will produce the right sized flame, which will keep the candle burning at a steady pace.
It’s Safer
It’s not hard to see how a large flame could pose a safety risk. Placing a large wick in a small candle can produce a disproportionately large flame that could cause a fire. Not that smaller wicks are always better; if it’s too small, then it won’t burn effectively. An expert candle maker will know exactly what size wick is required.
Scent Distribution
Buying a scented candle? Then you’ll hope that those beautiful scents spread throughout your property. The right wick helps to evenly distribute the candle’s scent, ensuring a welcoming and cozy atmosphere in your house.
Even Wax Pool
A great wax pool is one that reaches the edge of the candle, allowing for an even burn and to get maximum enjoyment of the candle. A wick that’s too small or large can negatively impact this wax pool.
Limiting Soot and Smoke
You want the cozy ambiance of the candle to take center stage, but that can’t happen if there’s soot and smoke filling the room. A good, quality wick will limit the amount of soot and smoke produced, allowing you to enjoy your beautiful candle in peace.
Buy From Rich Hill Candles Today
Want to know more about how candles are made, the materials we use, and perhaps even make your very own candle to take home? Then come visit us at Rich Hill Candles, one of Muskoka’s best tourist attractions. Not that you need to pay us a visit in person to enjoy our candles (though we’d love to see you!); you can also buy our hand poured candles directly from our online store. With Christmas just around the corner, our beautiful scented candles make for the ideal way to create a cozy atmosphere at your home, or as a great gift for a loved one. You can check out our selection of candles by clicking this link.