Looking for the best wicks for soy candles? Unsure how to choose a wick for your soy candle? Here’s all you should know.
Selecting the best wicks for soy candles is essential for achieving optimal burn performance and enhancing the overall candle experience. In this article, I’ll discuss the importance of candle wicks in soy candle making, list various types of wicks available and ultimately make it easier for you to decide which wick to go for.
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What are Candle Wicks?
To identify what type of wick is best for soy candles, it’s essential that you understand the role of wicks in the candle-making process. Many may overlook it’s importance but wicks actually serve as the conduit for the melted wax to reach the flame, providing fuel for the candle to burn.
Going by that logic, your candle’s burning performance heavily relies on the type of wick used. As a candle-maker, it’s all the more important for you to choose the right wick to ensure customer satisfaction.
In choosing the right wick, you’ll have to consider it’s size, material and design. These factors significantly influence the candle’s burn time, fragrance throw, and overall performance.
Choosing the right wicks ensures even burning, minimizes soot and smoking, and maximizes scent throw. Properly sized wicks also prevent issues like tunneling and mushrooming, resulting in a longer-lasting candle.
Read: What are wicks made of?
Characteristics of Soy Wax
You should also know the underlying characteristics of soy wax to better understand why certain wicks work best with them.
Soy candles generally have a lower melting point and is able to disperse scents well (good scent throw). As soy wax are derived from soybean oil, it is eco-friendly, burns cleanly as has an excellent fragrance retention.
Unlike traditional paraffin wax, soy wax candles burns slower and cleaner, making it a preferred option for those seeking a sustainable and renewable alternative.
4 Types of Wicks for Soy Candles
Several types of wicks are suitable for soy candles, each offering unique characteristics and burn qualities. Some common types include cotton wicks and wooden wicks.
Each type has its advantages and is suitable for different candle sizes and applications.
Recommended Wick Types for Soy Candles
The best wicks for soy candles depend on the size and type of candle.
Here are some recommended wick types:
- Eco Wicks: Made from cotton and paper, eco-friendly, clean burning.
- Wooden Wicks: Provide a unique crackling sound, even burn, and clean flame.
- Cotton Wicks: Natural and untreated, offer a consistent burn.
| Wick Type | Features | Best Use Cases |
|---|---|---|
| Eco Wicks | Clean burn, eco-friendly, consistent flame | All soy candles |
| Wooden Wicks | Unique crackling, even burn, clean flame | Container candles |
| Cotton Wicks | Natural, untreated, consistent burn | Taper, votive, container |
Read: How to make wood wick candles
Wick Size Chart for Soy Candles
Choosing the correct wick size is crucial for optimal candle performance.
Here is a general wick size chart for soy candles.
| Candle Diameter | Wick Type | Wick Size |
|---|---|---|
| 1 – 2 inches | Cotton | CD 4, ECO 2 |
| 2 – 3 inches | Cotton | CD 6, ECO 6 |
| 3 – 4 inches | Cotton | CD 10, ECO 10 |
| 4 – 5 inches | Cotton | CD 14, ECO 12 |
| 5 – 6 inches | Cotton | CD 16, ECO 14 |
Best Wicks for Soy Candles
When it comes to selecting the best wicks for soy candles, several factors come into play, including the diameter of the candle, desired burn time, and fragrance load.
Cotton wicks, particularly those with a flat or square braid design, are widely used for soy candles due to their reliability and versatility. Wooden wicks are also popular for their aesthetic appeal and soothing crackling sound.
When making soy candles, consider the following wicks for different types and sizes of candles:
Taper and Votive Candles:
- Eco Wicks: ECO 2 or ECO 4.
- Cotton Wicks: CD 4 or CD 6.
Container Candles:
- Eco Wicks: ECO 6, ECO 10, or ECO 12.
- Wooden Wicks: Small or medium-sized based on container diameter.
Pillar Candles:
- Cotton Wicks: CD 14, CD 16.
ECO Wicks for Soy Candles
ECO wicks are ideal for soy candles due to their clean-burning properties and eco-friendly composition. They are made from a blend of cotton and paper, ensuring a steady and consistent flame with minimal soot.
Advantages of ECO Wicks
- Eco-Friendly: Made from natural materials.
- Clean Burn: Produces minimal soot and smoke.
- Consistent Flame: Provides a steady and even burn.
Choosing the Right ECO Wick
- Small Containers: ECO 2 for candles up to 2 inches in diameter.
- Medium Containers: ECO 4 or ECO 6 for candles 2-4 inches in diameter.
- Large Containers: ECO 10 or ECO 12 for candles 4-6 inches in diameter.
- Extra Large Containers: ECO 14 for candles larger than 6 inches in diameter.
ECO Wick Size Chart
ECO wicks are specifically designed to provide a clean burn with soy wax.
Here’s a general size chart for ECO wicks.
| Candle Diameter | ECO Wick Size |
|---|---|
| 1 – 2 inches | ECO 2 |
| 2 – 3 inches | ECO 4 |
| 3 – 4 inches | ECO 6 |
| 4 – 5 inches | ECO 10 |
| 5 – 6 inches | ECO 12 |
| 6+ inches | ECO 14 |
Bottom Line
Choosing the best wicks for soy candles is crucial for creating high-quality candles with optimal burn performance and fragrance diffusion. If you’re a candle-maker, the best wicks will create the best candle burning experience for your customers and get them to buy from you again!
With every new candle you’re making, it’s best to test them out with different candle wicks and candle scents to identify the best one. Persistence makes perfection!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, eco wicks are excellent for soy candles. These wicks, typically made from natural materials like cotton and paper, offer a clean burn with minimal soot and smoke. They are specifically designed to complement the clean-burning properties of soy wax, ensuring a steady and consistent flame throughout the candle’s lifespan. Eco wicks are also eco-friendly, making them a popular choice for environmentally conscious consumers who seek sustainable candle options.
Wooden wicks can be an excellent choice for soy candles. These wicks offer a unique aesthetic appeal, with a soft crackling sound reminiscent of a fireplace. They provide an even burn and clean flame, complementing the natural properties of soy wax. Additionally, wooden wicks can enhance the fragrance throw of the candle, dispersing the scent more effectively. However, proper wick trimming and maintenance are essential to ensure optimal performance and prevent tunneling.
Yes, cotton wicks are compatible with soy wax and are commonly used in soy candle making. Cotton wicks offer a consistent burn and are available in various sizes to accommodate different candle diameters. They are made from natural, untreated cotton, making them a safe and eco-friendly choice for candle makers. Cotton wicks work well with soy wax, producing minimal soot and smoke while providing a steady flame throughout the candle’s burning process.
The cleanest burning wick is typically one made from natural materials like cotton or paper. These wicks are free from additives or coatings that can produce harmful emissions when burned. Cotton wicks, in particular, are known for their clean-burning properties, producing minimal soot and smoke. Eco wicks, which are often made from a blend of cotton and paper, are also considered clean-burning options for candles. Proper wick trimming and maintenance play a crucial role in ensuring a clean burn and prolonging the life of the candle.
