What Types of Candle Wicks Are Best for Your Candle?

If you’re making candles at home, then you know how much fun this craft can be! From choosing your wax and fragrance… to choosing your container, there are a lot of creative decisions to make. But one thing many beginners forget is just how important candle wicks are.

The wick might look like a small part of your candle but it actually plays a big role in how the candle burns, how it smells, and how long it lasts. If you choose the wrong wick, your candle might burn too fast, give off black smoke, or not burn at all.

In this guide, we’ll look at what candle wicks do, the different types available, and how to choose the best wick for your candle. 

What Does a Candle Wick Do?

You can think about a wick like a little fuel pump for your candle. When you light the wick, it starts to melt the wax around it. That melted wax is pulled up through the wick like a fuel pump feeds the engine. That’s how your candle keeps burning.

If the wick pulls up way too much wax, it can get too big and can create black smoke (called soot). If the wick pulls up too little wax, the flame can go out. That’s why it is important to use a wick that is the right kind for your wax, container, and scent.

Why Picking the Right Wick Matters

Choosing the right wick helps your candle:

• Burn evenly
• Last longer
• Smell stronger
• Stay safe (no big flames or smoke)

There are many different candle wicks out there, and not every wick will work in every candle. Things like the type of wax you’re using, the size of your container, and the amount of fragrance oil all affect how your candle burns.

That’s why testing is so important. Even if you follow a recipe, always test your candle before making a big batch.

Different Types of Candle Wicks

There are many kinds of candle wicks, and each one works best in different situations. Let’s go through the most common types:

1. Flat Wicks
Flat wicks are made by braiding three pieces of fiber. They curl a little when they burn, which helps the flame stay small and steady. This curl also helps the wick trim itself, so you don’t have to cut it as often.
Best for: Taper candles, pillar candles.

2. Square Wicks
These are also braided wicks, but are more round than flat. These wicks are stronger than flat wicks, and they can handle thicker waxes, like beeswax. It can also work well with candles that have lots of color or scent.

Best for: Beeswax candles, colored or highly scented candles.

3. Cored Wicks
Cored wicks have a center material (like paper, cotton, zinc, or tin) that helps the wick stay straight while it burns. These wicks are usually round and strong.
Best for: Jar candles, votives, pillar candles.

4. Wooden Wicks
Wooden wicks are made from natural wood or a mix of wood and cotton. They burn in a straight line and make a soft crackling sound, like a tiny fireplace. Many people love wooden wicks for their cozy feel and look.
Best for: Container candles, soy or blended wax candles.

At AMCSupplies, we offer premium 100% natural wooden candle wicks that are 1mm thick and single-ply, meaning you don’t have to double them or use any glue. These wooden wicks burn clean and can work in soy, palm, paraffin and soy blends! They also give off a soft crackle but remember, results may vary depending on your wax, fragrance, and jar. Always test first!

5. Specialty Wicks
These are made to make special candles like oil lamps and bug-repellent candles (citronella). These wicks are designed for very specific uses.

Best for: outdoor candles, oil-based candles.

Popular Candle Wick Types 

Here are some popular wick options:

VRL Wicks

These white wicks are made in Germany and are suitable for container candles. They are especially designed to work well with wax blends that are thick or slow to melt.

CDN Wicks (300mm)

These high-quality wicks are made from natural cotton with a paper core, are flat-braided, and do not contain zinc or lead. They hold their shape and burn evenly in many waxes.
Best for: Container candles with strong scents or color.

CDN Wicks (150mm / Tealight Wicks)

These shorter wicks come already pre-coated and pre-tabbed, so they’re super easy to use. Just stick them to your container with a wick sticker. You can also re-tab leftover wick pieces.
Best for: Tealights, small container candles.

Tip: The size of the wick is just a starting point. The way your candle actually burns depends on your wax, fragrance, and container size. Always test your wick before making a lot of candles.

How to Choose the Best Wick

Choosing the right wick takes some trial and error. But here are a few tips to help you get started:

1. Check your wax type 

– Some wicks work better in soy wax, others in paraffin, beeswax, or blended waxes. 

2. Consider your container size 

– Bigger jars will need thicker or stronger wicks to achieve an even burn. 

3. Pay attention to fragrance 

– Candles with a lot of scent might need a wick that can handle more heat and fuel.

4. Use a wick guide 

– We offer a wick size guide to help you choose the right wick for your candle size and wax type. This guide makes it easier to match your wick to your wax and container.

5. Always test burn your candle 

– Even if you follow a guide always make one candle first and test how it burns. Take note of the flame size, the scent throw and if there’s any smoke or tunneling.

Wrapping It Up

Candle making is an art and a science. The kind of candle wicks you use affects how your candle will look, smell, and burn. While it may take a few attempts to find the right wick, it is often amusing to experiment with different wicks.

Start with a small test candle – take notes, and determine what works best for your wax type, scent, and container. Over time, you will find the wick that works best for your favorite candle style.

And if you ever need help, AMCSupplies is here for you with high-quality wicks, easy-to-use kits, and friendly support.

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