When it comes to making candles, there are so many elements to get right. Whether it’s the type of wax you use, the temperature you add your fragrance oil, or a common element of candle making that crops up time and time again is finding the right wick. Ensuring you have the right week is hugely important. With their being so many to choose from, it can be hard to know which one you need. often , when you don’t have the right wick to suit your candle, you may see the effects of mushroom wicking. In this blog we will be looking at what mushroom wicking is, how to prevent it and most importantly how to ensure you choose the right wick for your candles.
What is mushroom wicking?
Mushroom wicking is the name given to wicks that resemble a mushroom once burnt. Simply, a mushroom wick occurs when the wax of your candle is unable to burn fast enough to keep up with your chosen wick. This means that the wick starts to absorb the wax which creates a buildup of carbon particles on the wick. The most common reason for mushroom wicking to occur is down to the size of the wick you have opted for. Usually a wick that is too big causes more wax to be sent to the flame than it can handle. As the flame is unable to burn the wax it has accumulated, carbon begins to build up forming the mushroom wick.
Fixing a mushroom wick is quite simple, all you need to do is trim the black cap of the wick and straighten the wick as normal. Although mushrooming wicks are an easy fix, when it comes to selling your candles, you may not want to have to tell customers how to fix these issues. In order to avoid mushroom wicking happening altogether, you may want to opt for a completely different wick.
What wick should I use?
Like most areas of candle making, finding the right wick for your candles is completely down to trial and error. The wick you use is also dependent on other factors such as the type of wax you're working with or the size of your candle. At Supplies for Candles, we stock a range of wick types and wick tools to ensure you have ultimate control over the creation of your candles. When it comes to selecting your wick we suggest using:
- For soya wax we suggest ourTCR range
- For paraffin waxes we suggest ourLX range
- For an all rounder wick we suggest ourECO range
To ensure your wick is the correct thickness for your containers, you can check the size chart at the bottom of the wick product page to find even more information. You will also find suggestions for wick sizes in the description section of each candle glass and jar we sell. If you still seem to be having issues, you can check out our FAQ page on our website where you will find a whole host of helpful answers and troubleshooting tips that will help you get to the bottom of your problems!
How else can I ensure my wick is correct?
There are a few other ways you can ensure a good burn from your wick. When it comes to making your candle, ensuring that your wick remains centred to the candle will ensure that you get an even and good melt pool, provided you select the right wick beforehand. In order to ensure your wick stays centred during the pouring process, we suggest using just a few of our tools that we have available on our website. Our wick sustainers andwick sticku*ms are perfect for keeping your wick adhered to the bottom of the glass during the pouring process. The other tool we have on offer is our wick centering tool. Also available online, ourwick centering tools ensures that your wick stays straight and upright during your candles cooling process.
At Supplies for Candles, we’re dedicated to ensuring you have access to only the highest quality products and service. From advice on what wick to use to which wax is best our resources and team are always on hand to help you perfect your process. Heard about our Facebook group?Join our community where you will be able to engage with other candle makers, swap tips and find inspiration in a fun and collaborative online environment!
As an experienced candle-making enthusiast with a deep understanding of the intricacies involved in crafting the perfect candle, I can confidently speak to the crucial elements that contribute to a successful candle-making process. My expertise is not merely theoretical but stems from hands-on experience and a commitment to mastering every aspect of this craft.
One fundamental aspect that demands meticulous attention is the selection of the right wick. In the world of candle making, the choice of wick plays a pivotal role in achieving an optimal burn and avoiding common issues such as mushroom wicking. Mushroom wicking occurs when the wax of a candle cannot burn at the same rate as the chosen wick, leading to the wick absorbing wax and forming a mushroom-like shape.
To prevent and address this issue, it's essential to choose the correct wick size for your candle. The most common cause of mushroom wicking is opting for a wick that is too large, causing an excess of wax to be sent to the flame. Trimming the black cap of the wick and straightening it can fix a mushroom wick, but for a more sustainable solution, selecting an appropriate wick size from the outset is crucial.
In the article you provided, the author emphasizes the importance of trial and error in finding the right wick for your candles. Different factors, such as the type of wax and the size of the candle, contribute to the selection process. The article recommends specific wick types for different wax varieties, such as the TCR range for soya wax, the LX range for paraffin waxes, and the ECO range for an all-around option.
The author also suggests checking a size chart at the bottom of the wick product page to ensure the correct thickness for your containers. Additionally, recommendations for wick sizes can be found in the description section of each candle glass and jar. To address potential issues, the article directs readers to the FAQ page on the website for troubleshooting tips.
Ensuring a well-centered wick during the candle-making process is another crucial factor in achieving a good burn. The article recommends using tools such as wick sustainers, wick sticku*ms, and wick centering tools available on their website. These tools help keep the wick adhered to the bottom of the glass and ensure it stays straight and upright during the cooling process.
As someone deeply committed to the art of candle making, I can appreciate the comprehensive approach outlined in the article. It not only addresses the issue of mushroom wicking but provides practical solutions, product recommendations, and additional tools to enhance the overall candle-making experience. For those seeking guidance and a supportive community, the article encourages joining a dedicated Facebook group where fellow candle makers can share tips, swap advice, and find inspiration in a collaborative online environment.
