Candles: It’s All About the Wick

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Date: July 12, 2022

At Kushed Candles, we pay close attention to every detail of the candle-making process.  We source only the best natural, ethical and sustainable ingredients for our candle formulas, and rely on coconut wax instead of beeswax to make our candles vegan.  We hand-pour each candle in small batches for maximum quality control and use environmentally friendly practices at all times.

One area that’s often overlooked is the wick.  You may be surprised by how much the wick of a candle matters, in terms of everything from its effects on the environment to how well the actual candle burns.  If you’ve never really considered the wick of a candle before, now’s the time to take a deep dive.

What is the Wick of a Candle, and What Purpose Does It Serve?

The wick of the candle is the component that is lit, and it enables the burning process.  As the wick continues to burn, the candle wax closest to the surface melts, and then the aroma of the candle gets dispersed into the air as a result.  Therefore, a candle cannot function properly if it does not have a wick.  Without a wick, a candle would completely melt in its entirety, since you’d have no choice but to light the wax itself.

The wick is extremely important when it comes to how it’s made and implemented.  It determines the rate at which the candle burns, and the size of the flame.  Let’s take a closer look at all of the factors that go into making a successful wick.

Types of Candle Wicks

First, let’s cover the most common materials from which candle wicks are made.  These materials can have surprisingly different results.

  • Wood: Wood wicks are something of a new trend, and some people prefer them.  What makes them unique is that they offer a larger flame and produce a crackling noise that is similar to that of a campfire.  They are long, flat and rectangular, and using a candle with a wood wick requires more supervision since the flame can burn quite unpredictably.
  • Hemp: Hemp wicks are also relatively new, but the strong fiber of the hemp plant can withstand the demands of a burning candle quite well.  Hemp wicks may cause a slower burn due to the thickness of the fibers, and this could cause a slightly less potent aroma.
  • Synthetic Fibers: Wicks can be made with synthetic fibers of various kinds.  We do not recommend these.  They are not good for the environment, and not good for you to breathe in.
  • Cotton: Cotton is largely regarded as the best wicking material, and it’s what we use at Kushed Candles.  It offers the ideal burn rate, it’s environmentally friendly and it provides a predictable, manageable flame.

Treated Wicks

Most wicks are pre-treated with a thin layer of paraffin or a similar material, which is how they are able to stand upright.  This also allows the wick to ignite more easily and maintain a flame for the duration of one’s candle-burning session.

Wick Size

Wick size is actually incredibly important.  The thickness level of the wick must be proportionate to the size of the candle itself.  If the wick is too skinny, it just won’t offer a large enough flame to melt the wax at the proper rate, and will likely burn itself out rather than keep your handle burning.  A wick that’s too thick for a small candle will have the opposite problem, causing your candle to burn way too fast.  The wick width also has to take into account the ingredients of the candle, as some ingredients, like vanilla oil and beeswax, need a stronger flame to properly burn, therefore requiring a thicker wick.

Wick Length

Wick length is just as important.  A candle should be burned when the wick is between ¼ and 1/8 inches long.  This prevents the flame from being too high, which can be dangerous, and too short, which will likely burn out before the candle even starts burning.  Many companies cut their wicks to this length for you, but you may have to do it yourself.

Multiple Wicks

Extra-large candles may have more than one wick.  This would ensure that the candle burns at the right rate, as one wick simply isn’t strong enough to keep the candle burning for a long period of time.

Hemp Candle

The Wicks at Kushed Candles

Kushed Candles is proud to be wicking experts, and we know exactly what goes into producing a candle that burns properly and in a way that’s not harmful to either you or the environment.  Our cotton wicks are the perfect size, and are coated with natural derivatives to ignite as easily as possible and keep the ideal flame for as long as your candle is burning away.

About Us
Life can sometimes be overwhelming. We know, we’ve all been there. Taking time for yourself is paramount, no matter the circumstances. Kushed started with the inspiration of helping others find harmony in the chaos of everyday life. Our mission became utilizing the powerful sense of smell to help people unwind and relax. Through innovation and passion, we’ve pushed the envelope by utilizing recycled hemp to provide candles unlike any other you will find. A company heavily reliant on core value rather than corporate value, we synchronize nature’s gifts in all their glory to craft truly magnificent experiences that transcend simply ‘selling candles’.
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