Wick
How to Choose a Candle Wick?
Choose the wick by the finished diameter, wax type and fragrance load, not by candle weight; lock it in with a burn test.
The rule: diameter, base and load
The wick is chosen by the finished candle diameter, the wax type (soy is oily and usually needs a firmer wick), the fragrance/dye load and the container material. The pattern on the mold or the candle's grams alone is not a measure. A thick wick in a narrow container causes soot and a hot glass; a thin wick in a wide container tunnels and the edges do not melt.
Wooden, cotton and patterned wicks
A wooden wick gives a crackling flame and a decorative look; models (flat, circular, S, perforated, cross) and options with or without a holder are listed separately at Rufus. A cotton wick offers classic burning and a wide size range. Patterned wicks are for visual character. In a soy container candle, try cotton compatible with soy or a suitable wooden wick.
Holder, clip and centering
A self-adhesive wooden holder or metal holder prevents shifting during the pour. With a cotton wick, a clip + base adhesive and a top stabilizer (stick) keep it upright. In a wide container you may need two balanced wicks instead of a single overly thick one; the spacing is measured equally.
How to read a burn test
On the first burn, wait until the surface melts all the way to the edges, then extinguish (memory). Trim the wick to about 5 mm every burn. If the flame is very long or sooty, go one size smaller or use a shorter length; if only the center melts, go one size larger or use a double wick. If the glass overheats, the wick is too strong. Two candles of the same diameter may want different wicks at different fragrance loads.
Wick problems: first check
| Observation | Likely cause | First try |
|---|---|---|
| Only around the wick melts (tunnel) | Wick is weak or the first burn was short | One size up / a longer first burn |
| Long flame, soot, smoke | Wick is strong, length long, too much fragrance/dye | One size down, 5 mm trim, reduce the load |
| Wick drowning in the wax | Weak wick or excess fragrance | A firmer wick, check the oil saturation |
| Glass gets very hot | Strong or faulty double wick | A smaller wick, even out the placement |
FAQs
When is a double wick needed?
In wide containers, if a single wick cannot carry the melt pool to the edge, a double wick balances flame and scent spread. Place the wicks at equal spacing and do a burn test.
How do I shorten the wick?
On a cooled candle, leave about 5 mm above the pour level. Trim gently on a wooden wick; with a cotton wick, candle scissors speed things up.
Wooden or cotton wick?
Wooden is for decorative crackle; cotton is for classic, measurable burning. Test both in a soy container candle. Models with a holder reduce the center drifting on a first attempt.
Choose Materials From Stock
You can order the product groups in this guide by quantity from the Rufus Concept catalog.