FAQ Wicks

Are your cotton wicks pre-tabbed
Yes.

Why Pre-Tabbed Wicks?

They're the unsung heroes of the candle world. They save time, ensure a better candle-burning experience, and, most importantly, keep things safe and sound!

No need to fumble around with glue or manual tabbing! Pre-tabbed wicks are like those handy 'easy-to-assemble' kits: no mess, no fuss, just straight to the fun part!

Imagine you're setting up a tent. If the tent poles aren't properly anchored to the ground, the tent might collapse. Similarly, pre-tabbed wicks ensure your candle wick stands upright, centered, and secured.

The tab acts like a stopper. It's like having a lifeguard for your candle! When the wax burns down, the tab prevents the wick from getting too close to the bottom of the vessel, minimizing the risk of overheating or glass breakage.

How do I choose a wick?

Choosing a wick for your candle is a bit like picking the perfect topping for an ice cream sundae! You've got options to consider:

1. Material: It's like choosing your favourite fabric for a comfy sweater. You can go with cotton, wood, fiberglass, or even natural fibres.

2. Braid Design: Think of it as selecting a pattern for your cozy blanket. Some wicks have intricate designs, while others are more straightforward.

3. Wax Coating: This is like deciding whether to add hot fudge to your sundae or not. Some wicks come pre-coated with paraffin for extra structure, while others stay au naturel.

How does the wick chart work?

Think of it like picking the right outfit for a party. We've got a variety of sizes to choose from, like a wardrobe full of options. But here's the twist. These are suggestions only. It's not a one-size-fits-all deal. It's up to you to play matchmaker and experiment.

Match your container's diameter to the burn diameter listed there. Your wax choice, fragrance, colour, and even the container can throw in some surprises. So, every time you change one of these, you'll need to retest. Our guidance is like a stylist's recommendation - it's a starting point, not a locked-in choice.

But how do I test?

Measure the diameter of your vessel. This will help you gauge the size of the wick you need. Bigger diameter? You might need a thicker wick!

Wax Matters: Different waxes burn differently. Soy? Paraffin? Beeswax? Check their specs – it impacts your wick choice.

Wick Selection Guide: We've got a handy-dandy guide just for you! This will give you a ballpark idea of the wick sizes to start testing with based on your vessel and wax type.

Burn Test Time: It's trial by fire, literally! Burn test a few different wick sizes. What are you looking for? An even melt pool, not too deep or shallow, and minimal soot.

Take Notes: Jot down how each wick size performed during burn testing. This is super valuable for future candle projects too!

Fine-Tuning: Based on your burn tests, you might need to adjust. Maybe go up or down a wick size or try a different type altogether.

Remember, it's not just about the wick – it's about the dance between the wax, wick, vessel, and fragrance. When they all come together in harmony, you've got candle magic! 

Which wicks do you sell?

HTP Wick Series from Atkins & Pearce: These wicks are like the easy-going, curly fries of candle wicks. Perfect for soy and paraffin candles, they're made of cotton and have braided paper fibers for that extra oomph. They come ready with tabs and a cool pre-coat. Plus, they're self-trimming, so they're like the low-maintenance friend who's always ready to hang out.

What Type of Wicks Should I Purchase?

We've got one rule here - no lead allowed! Studies have shown that lead-core wicks can emit harmful stuff into the air. So, basically what you choose between HTP and CDN is like choosing between ice cream flavours - it's all about what tickles your fancy. But remember, it's all about compatibility. Different waxes have their own tastes, and your candle's diameter is the star of the show here.

What Is A Test Burn For?

Imagine this as your candle's dress rehearsal before the big show. You need to test the cast - the wax, fragrance, dye, wick, and container - separately. If someone flubs their lines, like a melt pool issue, you know the wick needs an adjustment. It's like making three different versions of your favourite dish with slightly different ingredients to find the perfect recipe.

How Do I Test Wicks?

Candle testing is like conducting a science experiment. Burn that candle for 4 hours at a time, then let it chill back to room temperature before the encore. Repeat this cycle until the wax either finishes or the candle throws in the towel (self-extinguishes) due to a fail. It's like a marathon for candles. 

How to I centre my wick in the vessel before pouring?

For small batches use stickums:

1. Ensure there is no dust in the base of your vessel - wipe and dry.

2. Peel and stick the stickum to the base of your silver wick tab.
3. Vessel Time: Firmly press the wick (and its newly stickered base) to the centre of your vessel's bottom.
3. Slide a metal straw over the wick to hold your wick upright and centred.
4. With the wick perfectly positioned and secured, you're all set! Pour in that glorious melted wax.

*For larger batches, we suggest you use a glue gun instead of a stickum.

What Is The Calculation For Multi-Wicking?

It's like figuring out how many people can dance on your party floor. You take the diameter of your vessel, divide it by the number of wicks you want to use, and boom, you have your effective diameter. Then it's a game of finding the right wick size for the party and testing three sizes to see which one rocks the dance floor best.

Why Is It important To Keep CDN Stabilo Wicks Trimmed?

These wicks are like divas - they need their hair just right. If you don't give them a trim before the encore, they might cause a flickering drama. So, snip off the top (the curled part) carefully before lighting, but don't go all Edward Scissorhands on them. Keep it at 1⁄4 inch - it's like their signature style.

Can I use cotton wicks in pillar candles?

Yes. Our cotton wicks are suitable for both container and pillar candles.

The candle Isn’t developing a full melt pool

It's probably because the wick you picked is too small for the party. Or maybe you overdid it with the fragrance and dye. Check out the wick guide for rescue ideas.

The Wick Has A Crumbly Ball On The End After I Blow It Out

This is the wick's little rebellion - it's called 'mushrooming'. When it happens, it means the flame got greedy and ate more wax than it could handle. So, trim the wick before each act to keep it in check.

What Makes Wicks Smoke?

It's like a smoky mystery, and there are a few culprits. Your wax choice, fragrance, dye, wick size, and burning in a drafty spot can all add to the smoke show. As your candle gets closer to the finale, it might puff more smoke because it's running out of air.

Why Is The Size Of The Wick Tab So Large?

Think of it as a built-in guardian angel for your candle. The large tab is there for safety, like a bouncer at the door of a club. It encourages your candle to call it a night when it's almost done, preventing any wild parties that could make the glass too hot. We don't want your candle turning into a firecracker or causing glass explosions. And remember, those warning labels are like a candle's rulebook - don't burn it all the way to the bottom!