Wick Chart

 

Choosing the Right Wick for Your Candle

Selecting the correct wick is essential for achieving the perfect burn. We already list the recommended wick size in all glassware product descriptions. However, this is a starting point only. You will need to do your own testing and adjust the wick size up or down as needed depending on your chosen wax, fragrance and dye.


Wick Thickness & Types

We offer HTP and CDN Series.

The thickness of a wick affects flame size and burn diameter. Our wick chart categorizes CDN and HTP wicks by size:

  • Small wicks (e.g., CDN 3, HTP 13) work best for tealights.

  • Larger wicks (e.g., CDN 30, HTP XL-100) suit bigger containers.

Wick Length

Different candle types require different wick lengths:

  • Tealights: 27mm

  • Small containers: 33mm

  • Tins & glassware: 150mm

  • Pillar candles: 300mm

Wick Tabs

Wick tabs provide stability and safety, helping prevent overheating and glass breakage. Common sizes include:

  • 20mm x 6mm

  • 15mm x 3.8mm

Yes, our cotton wicks come pre-tabbed for maximum convenience. Think of it as buying jeans with the belt already included—no extra steps required. Pre-tabbed wicks simplify the candle-making process, ensuring consistent burns and enhanced safety.

Wick Selection Guide

Our wick chart serves as a general reference, similar to a sizing guide for apparel. While it provides recommendations, real-world testing remains essential for optimal performance. The wick chart below is a guide only, based on performance using Golden Wax464 and phthalate free fragrances from Blaze & Foam.

Wick Series Available

  • HTP Wick Series – Ideal for soy and paraffin wax, featuring a pre-coated, self-trimming design for a clean burn.

  • CDN Stabilo Wick Series – Offers precise burning capabilities and requires periodic trimming for optimal performance.

Wick Testing: The Key to Success

Achieving the perfect burn requires:

  1. Measuring and selecting the appropriate wick.

  2. Conducting test burns to observe flame behavior.

  3. Documenting results to refine future selections.

A test burn functions as a candle’s trial run, ensuring proper melt pool formation and optimal wick performance. If the burn is uneven, adjustments are necessary.

Centering Your Wick

For small-batch production, adhesive wick stickers (stickums) ensure secure placement. Proper centering techniques help maintain consistent burning.

Multi-Wicking Considerations

Determining the number of wicks needed depends on container size and wax type. Proper calculations help distribute heat evenly and prevent tunneling.

Wick Maintenance & Troubleshooting

  • Trimming CDN Wicks – Regular trimming prevents excessive soot and ensures a clean burn.

  • Cotton Wicks for Pillar Candles – Suitable for both container and pillar candles, offering versatility.

  • Burn Issues – If a candle is not melting evenly, the wick size may need adjustment.

  • Mushrooming Wicks – A symptom of excess carbon buildup, easily managed with proper trimming.

  • Smoking Wicks – Potential causes include wax composition, fragrance load, dye usage, or environmental factors such as drafts.

  • Oversized Wick Tabs – Serve as a safety measure, preventing excessive heat at the candle’s base.

How to Use the Wick Chart

The wick chart matches burn diameters with suitable wick types. For example:

  • A 39-40mm diameter vessel pairs well with an HTP 62 or CDN 4 wick.

Testing & Adjustments

Wick performance varies based on wax type, fragrance, and dye. Start with a test pack of wicks (about 25) and experiment to find the best combination.

Understanding Wick Naming

Wick names indicate their type and thickness. For example:

  • CDN Stabilo 28 → "CDN" is the series, "28" refers to its thickness.

  • Smaller wicks (e.g., CDN 3, HTP 13) are ideal for tealights.

  • Larger wicks (e.g., CDN 30, HTP XL-100) are for big containers.

For more details, refer to our Wick Selection FAQ


Selecting the right wick ensures optimal candle performance. Use the chart below to determine the best wick for your candle based on burn diameter.

Burn Diameter HTP Wick CDN Wick
31mm HTP13 -
33mm HTP31 -
36mm HTP41 CDN3
38mm HTP52 -
39-40mm HTP62 CDN4
42mm HTP72 CDN5
43-44mm HTP72 -
45-46mm HTP83 CDN6
47-49mm HTP93 CDN7
49-52mm HTP104 CDN8
52mm - CDN10
55mm - CDN12
56mm HTP105 CDN14
59mm CDN16
63mm - CDN18
66mm HTP126 -
68mm HTP136 CDN20
71mm HTP1212 -
73mm - CDN22
75mm - CDN24
78mm - CDN26
80mm HTP1312 CDN28
82mm HTPXL100 CDN30
83mm -
86mm -
87mm -
98mm -