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Wicks
Candles come in all shapes and sizes for almost any occasion imaginable. You can easily appreciate the different designs and textures of every candle. However, you may not know that different candles require different wicks. In order to achieve a slow, clean burn, you must match the right wick with the right kind of wax.
Getting the "right fit"
Unfortunately, there is no "one size fits all" formulate when matching wax with wicks.
In fact, there are more than 100 unique wicks on the market today, both from domestic and imported sources. To help select the appropriate wick, there are some general guidelines to follow. For the most part, a high-quality wick is made from a braided fabric, while a lower quality wick is twisted. Twisted wicks are useful for some applications and are commonly used in birthday candles.
The four main types of wicks include:
Flat Wicks These are the most commonly used wicks. They are very consistent, flat-plaited wicks that curl in the flame for self-trimming effect. These wicks are used broadly for taper and pillar candles.
Square Wicks These are braided wicks that also curl in the flame. These are more rounded and a bit more robust than the flat wicks. They are preferred in beeswax applications and can help inhibit clogging of the wick when there are higher levels of non-combustible material (such as high pigment or fragrance). These wicks are used most frequently in taper or pillar applications.
Cored Wicks These are braided wicks with a round cross section and are designed to remain straight while burning. These wicks contain different core materials including zinc, cotton and paper to provide a range of stiffness effects. These wicks are used in jars, columns, votives and devotional lights.
Specialty and Oil Lamp Wicks These are specially designed wicks for various applications, including oil lamps and insect-repellent flames.
Questions and Answers about Candle Wicks
Are candle wicks made of lead?
The vast majority of wicks manufactured in the U.S. are made of 100% cotton or cotton-paper combinations. No member of the National Candle Association which accounts for 90 percent of all candles made in the United States uses lead wicks. (NCA members voluntarily agreed not to use lead wicks more than 25 years ago.) Some candles U.S.-made candles contain metal wicks; these are typically zinc- or tin-core wicks, which are known to be safe and non-toxic.
It should be noted that some imported candles, most notably from China, have been found to contain lead wicks. Fortunately, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has proposed banning lead wicks in all candles sold in the United States, a move strongly supported by the National Candle Association. This will help ensure that all candles on the market not just those made by NCA members -- use safe wicks.
If a consumer is still worried, how can he or she tell whether a candle has a lead-core wick?
There is an easy way to test whether or not a candle is using a lead core wick. Take a normal piece of white paper with you to the store. Rub the paper on the tip of an un-burnt candle's wick. If it leaves a light grey pencil like mark, it is using a lead core.
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A wick that uses a lead core should leave a light grey mark, similar to what a pencil mark would look like. |
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When rubbing the paper on the un-burnt wick, zinc or tin wicks should not leave any mark on the paper. |
Why do candle manufacturers use metal wicks?
Zinc or tin wicks are used by some U.S. manufacturers in votive, pillar, tealight and glass jar candles. Zinc wicks, which have been used safely for 25 years, and the more recent alternative, tin wicks, add extra rigidity to the wick. This attribute helps the wick remain centered and upright to ensure clean and proper burning. Extensive research supports the safety of zinc and tin wicks.
Studies show zinc and tin core wicks still give off some lead. How can this be safe?
All nonferrous metals, including zinc and tin, contain naturally occurring traces of lead impurities. Scientific studies reviewed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency have repeatedly found that any trace amounts of lead in zinc or tin wicks do not pose any health concern for consumers.
Is it safe to burn candles in a house with children?
Yes. Safety is a top priority for National Candle Association members. That is why our organization is committed to manufacturing the highest quality candles, and to promoting the safe and proper usage of candles. Although the proper burning of candles poses no known health risks to humans, a burning candle is an open flame that should be respected as a potential fire hazard. With children around, it is imperative that basic fire safety precautions be followed when burning candles:
Always keep a burning candle within sight.
Never burn a candle on or near anything that can catch fire.
Keep candles out of the reach of children and pets.
Trim wicks to 1/4 inch prior to each use.
Keep candles away from drafts and vents.
Always use an appropriate candleholder placed on a stable, heat-resistant surface.
Never touch or move a votive or container candle when the wax is liquid.