Candle Making
The art of
braided wicks are best for taper and pillar candles. They are not suitable for votives, tea lights, or container candles.
** Square braided wicks are good for just about every type of candle, especially beeswax candles.
** Both types will burn on a slight curve so they will burn more evenly. They are also less likely to mushroom.
** Make sure to pick the right size wick:
*** Choose 18 ply (#1) for pillars with a one to two inch diameter.
*** Choose 24 ply (#2) for pillars with up to a three inch diameter.
*** Choose 32 ply (#3) for pillars up to four inches in diameter.
* '''Cored Wicks'''
**
Zinc Core: This is by far the most common cored wick type. It is the slowest and coolest burning of all, making it ideal for votives, container candles and tea lights.
**
Paper Core: These burn the hottest and are typically employed in container candles.
**
Hemp Core: These are strong and rigid wicks that can be used with almost any type of candle.
* '''HTP Coreless'''
**
Paraffin wax is great for beginner candles like votives and container candles. It is inexpensive and easy to find, plus it comes in a wide variety of melting points. For a higher grade wax, refined paraffin wax produces less smoke (because it contains less oil) and burns slower. Both types are perfect for adding color and fragrance.
*
Beeswax is a popular type of wax that is slow burning. more expensive. When burned, a faint honey aroma is released. For simple candles you can buy beeswax sheets that roll up instead of melting.
*
Soybean wax is clean burning and comes in a variety of melting points suitable for making votives, container candles and pillars. The only complaint about this type of wax is that it may not always burn evenly.
*
Palm wax is typically hard and has a high melting point (around 140). When hardened it looks crystalline.
*
Gel wax is one of the newest types of wax that are totally clear and easy to pour.
Some people purchase additives to blend into their waxes in order to slow the burn, especially in container candles. Additives include
mineral oil. These should NOT be used when making pillar candles or other standing candles. Most waxes will state whether they require additives or not.
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