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The Flaming Candle Company wick chart is designed to assist in choosing the right wick in the candle making process. The recommendations below are only meant to serve as a guide in getting started. Testing is the only way to determine the best wick to use for each candle project. Higher viscous waxes such as single pour paraffin wax, soy (vegetable) wax, and beeswax, may require up to several sizes larger than the recommendations below. When performing testing, always take detailed notes and remember there are a variety of factors that can determine the appropriate wick size to achieve optimal burning characteristics. Factors that can influence the proper wick include: wax type, type and amount of fragrance oil, amount of dye used, container size and shape, and additional additives (vybar, stearic acid, etc.) used in each particular candle making project. Changing any of these variables can affect the candle burning characteristics. PREMIER 700 Series Wicks: flat braid cotton core wicks made from textile-grade cotton. They can be used for tealights, votives, pillars, and container candles. They work well in both paraffin and soy waxes. They are designed to be clean burning with less mushrooming. Unlike most other wicks, the Premier 700 Series comes in many different sizes, allowing for better wick precision to achieve optimal burning candles.       Small 1-2" Candle Medium 2-3" Candles Large 3-4" Candles Wick Size Tealight  Votives  Pillars   Containers Pillars   Containers Pillars  Containers WI-725   ✔️   ✔️ ✔️       WI-735       ✔️ ✔️ ✔️     WI-745         ✔️ ✔️     WI-750         ✔️ ✔️     WI-760         ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ WI-765         ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ WI-775         ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ WI-780             ✔️ ✔️ WI-785             ✔️ ✔️ WI-795             ✔️ ✔️ WI-799               ✔️   Zinc Core Series Wicks: cotton braid with an inner zinc core. They can be used for tealights, votives, pillars and container candles. They typically work best in paraffin waxes and can be used in soy waxes. They are designed to promote maximum rigidity to remain straight in melted wax. Zinc core wicks are one of the most common types of wick used in candle making. Zinc core wicks can potentially mushroom more than other wicks, but this can be minimized by using the proper wick size and keeping the wick trimmed.       Small 1-2" Candle Medium 2-3" Candles Large 3-4" Candles Wick Size Tealight  Votives  Pillars   Containers Pillars   Containers Pillars  Containers 28-24z ✔️  ✔️  ✔️ ✔️         34-40z   ✔️  ✔️ ✔️   ✔️     36-24-24z    ✔️    ✔️ ✔️ ✔️     44-24-18z         ✔️ ✔️  ✔️   44-43-18z         ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ 51-32-18z             ✔️ ✔️ 60-44-18z             ✔️ ✔️   HTP Wicks: coreless, cotton flat braid wick with paper filament throughout, providing increased rigidity. They can be used for tealights, votives, pillars and container candles. HTP wicks are versatile and can be used in both paraffin and soy waxes. They are designed to work well in viscous waxes and are self trimming with a slight curl. HTP wicks are created to reduce carbon buildup, which leads to increased soot.       Small 1-2" Candle Medium 2-3" Candles Large 3-4" Candles Wick Size Tealight  Votives  Pillars   Containers Pillars   Containers Pillars  Containers HTP 31 ✔️  ✔️             HTP 41   ✔️  ✔️ ✔️         HTP 52   ✔️  ✔️  ✔️ ✔️       HTP 62      ✔️ ✔️  ✔️       HTP 73         ✔️ ✔️ ✔️   HTP 83          ✔️ ✔️  ✔️   HTP 93           ✔️  ✔️   HTP 104           ✔️ ✔️   HTP 105           ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ HTP 126             ✔️ ✔️ HTP 1212             ✔️ ✔️ HTP 1312             ✔️ ✔️   ECO Wicks: coreless, cotton flat braid wick with paper filament throughout, providing increased rigidity. They can be used for tealights, votives, pillars and container candles. ECO wicks typically work best in soy waxes, but may be used in paraffin waxes with a lower melt point. They are self-trimming and clean burning with minimized mushrooming, soot and smoke.        Small 1-2" Candle Medium 2-3" Candles Large 3-4" Candles Wick Size Tealight  Votives  Pillars   Containers Pillars   Containers Pillars  Containers Eco 1 ✔️  ✔️   ✔️         Eco 2   ✔️  ✔️ ✔️         Eco 4    ✔️   ✔️  ✔️ ✔️ ✔️     Eco 6       ✔️   ✔️ ✔️     Eco 8       ✔️   ✔️ ✔️     Eco 10            ✔️ ✔️   Eco 12             ✔️ ✔️ Eco 14              ✔️  ✔️ Eco 16                ✔️   Wooden Wicks: These perform well in paraffin, soy and palm wax. They are known for their distinct crackle or sizzle sound when burning in finished candles. Wick Size Small Containers, Small Tins, Votives  2"-3" Containers  3" - 3-3/4" Containers   4" and Larger Containers Mini ✔️        Small   ✔️     Medium    ✔️   ✔️   Large       ✔️  ✔️ X-Large        ✔️ XX-Large        ✔️   CD Wicks: coreless, cotton flat braid wick with paper filament throughout, providing increased rigidity. They can be used for tealights, votives, pillars and container candles. CD wicks are versatile and work well in more viscous waxes, such as single pour paraffin and soy (vegetable) waxes. They are self-trimming and designed to promote a consistent burning flame.       Small 1-2" Candle Medium 2-3" Candles Large 3-4" Candles Wick Size Tealight  Votives  Pillars   Containers Pillars   Containers Pillars  Containers 6   ✔️   ✔️         8       ✔️ ✔️        10         ✔️       12         ✔️ ✔️     14         ✔️ ✔️     16          ✔️ ✔️     18           ✔️  ✔️   20              ✔️  ✔️ 22              ✔️  ✔️ Candle Making Tips Testing Is Essential: Always perform burn tests when trying new wick and wax combinations and before committing to large batches. Monitor Flame Stability: An appropriate wick will produce a stable flame without excessive flickering or mushrooming. Proper Candle Burning: Trim the wick to 1/4 inch before each burn to maintain a clean flame and prevent soot. Avoid Drafts: Place candles away from drafts to ensure even burning and prevent uneven wax pooling. Wick Troubleshooting: If you notice tunneling, soot, or an uneven burn, consider adjusting the wick size or type.  

New to Candle Making Q: Which wax should I use? A: Everyone has different preferences between soy and paraffin. You'll also need to determine if you'll be making container candles or free-standing pillar candles, as these require different wax blends. Pillar wax is made to shrink or contract for easy mold removal. Read about the different characteristics between soy and paraffin wax >>   Wax Types Q: What is your bestselling soy container wax? A: Both the Golden Wax 464 and the Naturewax C-3 are great for new candle makers. Q: What is your bestselling paraffin container wax? A: ProBlend 400. Q: Which wax should I use for pillar candles? A:  For paraffin, we recommend ProBlend 450. For parasoy, we recommend ProBlend 650. Q: Which wax should I use for tarts and/or wax melts? A: We carry several tart and pillar blend including Golden Wax 494 soy wax, ProBlend 450 paraffin wax, IGI 4625 paraffin wax, and ProBlend 650 parasoy wax.   Please note - you'll need to perform your own testing to determine the wax that works best for you.   Errors and Troubleshooting For all your errors and troubleshooting questions check out our troubleshooting page >>   For more help from our team, please submit a support ticket. Most questions are answered within 24 hours.  

Ready to start your candle-making journey? Whether you’re crafting as a hobby or exploring a small business idea, this beginner-friendly guide covers the key basics of candle making for beginners. From choosing your types of wax to wick testing and fragrance blending, we’ll walk you through the essentials—no fluff, just the steps that matter. Step 1: Choose Your Candle Type Decide whether you want to make container candles or pillar candles. This decision shapes everything else, especially the type of wax you’ll need. Pillar candles (freestanding): Try ProBlend 450 for a reliable structure. Container candles (poured into jars or tins): Choose a wax based on your preference for soy or paraffin. Top-selling soy wax: Golden Wax 464 Top-selling paraffin wax: ProBlend 400 Soy wax is natural and clean-burning. Paraffin has a stronger, hotter throw. Many candle makers even blend them. Step 2: Choose the Right Wick Wick size is everything—it controls how your candle burns. Start by measuring the diameter of your container and consider your formula, including any fragrance oils and colorants. For soy wax: Start with ECO wicks For paraffin wax: Try HTP wicks Here are some examples of what we might recommend to a customer needing wick suggestions*: Wick Type and Sizes To Test Jar Width Type of Wax Additives ECO-6, ECO-8 2.5” Soy container wax Fragrance only ECO-6, ECO-8, ECO-10 2.5” Soy container wax Fragrance and dye   HTP-83, HTP-93 2.5” Paraffin container wax Fragrance only HTP-83, HTP-93, HTP-104 2.5” Paraffin container wax Fragrance and dye   ECO-1, ECO-2 1” / tealight candles Soy or paraffin Fragrance and dye   ECO-14, ECO-16, CD-22 or double wick with ECO-4 or ECO-6 3.75 – 4” Soy container wax Fragrance and dye HTP 1212, HTP 1312 or double wick with HTP-73 or HTP-83 3.75 – 4” Paraffin container wax Fragrance and dye Pro Tip: Always test 2–3 wick sizes for each recipe to ensure optimal performance. Even changing just the fragrance oil can affect how a candle burns. Step 3: Understand Your Additives Fragrance oils: Start with 6–10% by weight. Follow your wax manufacturer’s recommendations. Essential oils: Use only those approved for candle use. Dyes: Liquid, chips, or blocks—mix into wax at 180°F for even color. Step 4: Melting & Pouring Use a double boiler for safety and even heating. General guidelines: Heat wax to 185°–195°F Add fragrance at 180°–185°F Pour the wax at 160°–180°F Let the wax cool slowly for the best results. Place candles on a wire rack instead of a flat surface for even cooling. Step 5: Curing & Testing Let your homemade candles cure for at least 24 hours before burning. For stronger scent performance, aim for a 5-day cure. Once cured, trim the wick to ¼ inch before lighting. Always test burn to check for: Tunneling Sooting Wick mushrooming Keep a candle journal to log your results and improve each batch. Bonus Beginner Candle Making Tips Clean your containers with soapy water to avoid wet spots. Avoid adding botanicals or decorative items—they can be a fire hazard. Never leave wax melts or candles unattended. Preheat jars slightly to help with adhesion. Always follow IFRA guidelines for safe usage rates. Common Questions What’s the difference between hot throw and cold throw?Hot throw refers to the scent released when a candle is burning. Cold throw refers to the scent that is perceived before lighting. Both matter because they impact your candle’s whole aromatic experience, from the moment someone opens the lid to the time the flame is dancing. Can I use any essential oil in candles?Not all essential oils are candle-safe. Always use oils that are heat-stable and approved for candle making. Why is my candle tunneling?Tunneling occurs when the wick is too small or the candle is not burned long enough to melt the entire top layer of wax. Try a larger wick and burn for 2–3 hours. Can I make candles with kids?Yes, but always supervise. Consider making wax melts together since they don’t involve an open flame. What not to put in candles?Avoid dried flowers, glitter, herbs, and anything flammable that isn’t candle-safe. These can cause uneven burning, clog the wick, or become fire hazards. Do I need a license to sell homemade candles?Regulations vary by state, but in general, yes—you may need a business license, liability insurance, and must follow labeling requirements. Check with your local small business administration. Favorite this page and reference it whenever you need. Whether you’re crafting candles at home for fun or just starting as a maker, this candle making for beginners guide gives you the fundamentals you need.  Start small, test often, and enjoy the process of creating something scented, useful, and uniquely yours. Explore More Topics in Candle Making in Our Resource Center >>