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WICK

The size and length of the wick that will be used will depend n the size of the candle you will make. A large wick usually causes the candle to melt faster, while an extremely small wick will not make a good candlelight. That is why the size of the wick should be adequately proportionate to the size of the candle.

Things to Remember in Choosing and Positioning the Wick

1. Use the proper size of the wick according to the diameter of the candle to be made. Follow the recommended sizes below.

Wick Size = Candle (diameter)

• 6 - 8 ply = 1/2″ or 1.27 cm
• 12 - 14 ply = 1″ or 2.54 cm
• 16 - 18 ply = 2″ or 5.1 cm
• 20 - 24 ply = 3″ or 7.6 cm

2. Use wicks with larger diameters that do not melt easily like with beeswax or paraffin.
3. To maintain a straight wick in the center of the candle, tie its end to a stick placed on top of a mold or container.

Type of Wicks

• Metal Core Wicks - best used in making container candles
• Square Braided Wicks - used in molded candles, container candles and dipped candles.
• Flat Braided Wicks - best used in tapered candles

Wax Dye or Color in Candles

The use of dye or color in candles lends a personal touch to it. The color used for soaps or cosmetics is not advisable for use because this clogs the wick.

The color or dye used for candles can either be from concentrated liquid or from solid colors. Concentrated liquid is better when coloring candles in batches. One drop can color one pound of wax.

These are some tricks in coloring melted wax. It is important to remember that candle wax is opaque when this is still solid or before this is melted. It becomes clear once melted upon which it is ready to be colored. It will be noticed that once melted wax hardens when cooled, it turns opaque again and its color fades, just like when white and red paints are mixed and the resulting solution renders a pink color. It is, therefore, important to keep a record of color/dye measurement every time a candle is made for consistency - to keep track of the quantity and types of colors and aroma used as well as the results of each mixture and to serve as a guide in the future when producing colored candles.

Safety Tips

• Do not leave wax being melted without anyone on watch. Wax is highly flammable and may cause fire.
• In case of fire, do not use water in putting it off. Always have a fire extinguisher on hand, near the area where wax is melted or where candle is being made.
• Do not heat wax more than 100°C.
• Use a reliable thermometer in monitoring the temperature of the wax.
• Avoid putting wax directly to the fire to melt it. It is better to use a double boiler or wax melter.
• Always use a pot holder in handling the kettle or container with melted wax in it to avoid any untoward accident.

source: tlrc.gov.ph, photo from buytikitorches.com, 4candles.co.uk

Part-1: Aroma Candle Making
Part-2: Making the Mold
Part-3: Making Festive and Spring Candle
Part-4: Making Therapeutic Aroma Candle and Home Fragrance
Part-5: Tips in Candle Making

For training and seminars:Technology and Livelihood Resources
TLRC Building #103 J. Abad Santos cor. Lopez Jaena Sts.,
Little Baguio, San Juan, Metro Manila
Tel. No.: (02) 727-6205
Web: www.tlrc.gov.ph

Related Posts:

• How to Make Your Own Candle (Video)
• Making Candle Molds
• How to Make Dipped Candles
• Making Therapeutic Aroma Candle and Home Fragrance
• Making Festive and Spring Candle
• How to Make Molded and Scented Candle
• How to Make Aromatherapy and Decorative Candles