Wick Guide and Size Chart for Candles

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

The Premier 700 Series are 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. The Premier 700 series is available in many different sizes, allowing for better wick precision to achieve optimal burning candles.

Wick Size	Tealight	Votives	Small 1-2" Candles		Medium 2-3" Candles		Large 3-4" Candles
Wick Size	Tealight	Votives	Pillars	Containers	Pillars	Containers	Pillars	Containers
W-725	✓
W-730		✓
W-745			✓	✓
W-750			✓	✓
W-760				✓	✓	✓
W-770					✓	✓	✓	✓
W-780							✓	✓
W-785							✓	✓
W-790								✓
W-793								✓

Zinc Core Wicks

Zinc core wicks are cotton braid with an inner zinc core. They can be used for tealights, votives, pillars, and container candles. They work well in both paraffin waxes, but can be used in soy waxes. They are designed to promote a consistent burning flame. Zinc core wicks are coreless and self-trimming, making them one of the most common types of wick used in candle making. Zinc core wicks can potentially mushroom more than other wicks, but can be minimized by using the proper wick size and keeping the wick trimmed.

Wick Size	Tealight	Votives	Small 1-2" Candles		Medium 2-3" Candles		Large 3-4" Candles
Wick Size	Tealight	Votives	Pillars	Containers	Pillars	Containers	Pillars	Containers
24-24-18Z	✓
34-30Z		✓	✓
36-24-18Z			✓	✓
44-24-18Z					✓	✓
44-32-18Z						✓	✓	✓
51-32-18Z							✓	✓
60-44-18Z								✓

HTP Wicks

HTP wicks are a 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 promote a consistent burning flame. HTP wicks are self-trimming and work well in viscous waxes, such as single pour paraffin and soy (vegetable) waxes.

Wick Size	Tealight	Votives	Small 1-2" Candles		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 1313								✓

ECO Wicks

ECO wicks are a 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 paraffin, but may be used in soy waxes with a lower melt point. They are designed to promote a consistent burning flame. ECO wicks are self-trimming and work well in viscous waxes.

Wick Size	Tealight	Votives	Small 1-2" Candles		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

Our wooden wicks perform well in paraffin, soy, and palm wax. They are known for their distinct 'crackle' sound when burning in finished candles.

Wick Size	Small Containers, Small Tins, Votives	2" to 3" Containers	3" to 3-3/4" Containers	4" and Larger Containers
X Small	✓
Small	✓
Medium		✓
Large			✓
X Large				✓
2X Large				✓

CD Wicks

CD wicks are a coreless, non-directional 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.

Wick Size	Tealight	Votives	Small 1-2" Candles		Medium 2-3" Candles		Large 3-4" Candles
Wick Size	Tealight	Votives	Pillars	Containers	Pillars	Containers	Pillars	Containers
3	✓
5		✓
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.

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