The Wick – More Than Just a Thread

Author: Dr. Andreas Kokott (About the Author)

We usually think of a wick as the small thread in the center of a candle.

But a wick is much more than that.

A candle wick is typically made of cotton that is specially processed and braided. Its main function is to absorb the liquid wax and transport it to the flame in a controlled manner.

However, a wick is not simply made from cotton. It is treated with special salt mixtures that influence its burning characteristics and are adapted to the specific type of wax.

Because not all waxes are the same: A wick developed for paraffin does not automatically perform well in beeswax. Due to its unique properties, beeswax requires different characteristics from a wick. Conversely, high-quality beeswax wicks are often more versatile and can also achieve good results with various other types of wax.

The salts used in wick treatment serve different purposes. Among other things, they can influence combustion, control ash formation, and prevent the wick from continuing to glow for a long time after the candle has been extinguished. Without suitable treatment, some wicks may continue to smolder for several minutes and, under unfavorable conditions, may even reignite.

Which salts are used, in what concentrations, and how the exact formulations are composed is part of the expertise of wick manufacturers and is usually a trade secret.

Developing a high-quality wick is therefore a science in itself. In addition to the material and braiding technique, wick thickness, impregnation, wax type, and candle diameter all play a decisive role.

A good wick is not simply a thread – it is a precisely engineered component that has a major influence on the quality and safety of a candle.