Best Wicks for Beeswax Candle

Candles are among the items that can be found in almost any home. Using them, you can create intimate space, relaxing moments and offer your house a lovely smell. There are numerous materials from which they are made, but in this article, we will talk about the candles made out of beeswax. How they are seen today, their properties and also what kind of wicks are used to make them. We will also present some of the most appreciated wicks you can buy, but first, let’s understand how the candles that we know got to exist.


The evolution of candles in history

Ever since the discovery of fire, humankind tried to improve not only the heating system but also the lightning methods. People first used oil lamps for this scope. But because they presented a high-risk on setting things on fire due to its liquid oil, they found a way to improve their lighting system with candles. It is known that the Romans used candles with wicks even around the year 500 BC, but it is considered that the Egyptians had a sort of candle predecessors even in 3000 BC.

During the Middle Ages, the candle crafting industry bloomed. The common candles were made out of tallow. It was a practice that people were saving kitchen fats to give to the candle manufacturers to craft them candles. Beeswax candles were considered luxury merchandise and were only used by rich people and for religious ceremonies.

As years passed, this industry grew and in the 19th century, Joseph Morgan invented the machine that automatized the process of creating candles, making them more financially accessible. However, the end of the century meant the born of superior lightning methods, and from then to now, candles changed their initial purpose and became decorative items. Today they come in a great variety of scents, shapes, and prices. Read also our complete review on best wax for homemade candles.


Best Wicks for Beeswax Candle

Preview
Best Pick!
100% Organic Hemp Candle Wick 2.0mm Thick + Wick...
EricX Light Organic Hemp Candle Wicks, 100 Piece 8"...
Homankit Beeswax Hemp Wick, 200ft Spool, Candle Wicks...
Product Description
100% Organic Hemp Candle Wick 2.0mm Thick + Wick...
EricX Light Organic Hemp Candle Wicks, 100 Piece 8"...
Homankit Beeswax Hemp Wick, 200ft Spool, Candle Wicks...
Size
Diameter 16mm, Wick Hole 2.5mm, Neck Height 7mm
Pre-waxed and Tabbed,Wick Lenght:8 inch.Thick Gauge Wick Dia:3 mm Base Dia:19mm
Comes with 200ft / 610cm Spool Pre Bees waxed Candle Wicks(approx.2mm in diameter)
Best Pick!
Preview
100% Organic Hemp Candle Wick 2.0mm Thick + Wick...
Product Description
100% Organic Hemp Candle Wick 2.0mm Thick + Wick...
Size
Diameter 16mm, Wick Hole 2.5mm, Neck Height 7mm
Preview
EricX Light Organic Hemp Candle Wicks, 100 Piece 8"...
Product Description
EricX Light Organic Hemp Candle Wicks, 100 Piece 8"...
Size
Pre-waxed and Tabbed,Wick Lenght:8 inch.Thick Gauge Wick Dia:3 mm Base Dia:19mm
Preview
Homankit Beeswax Hemp Wick, 200ft Spool, Candle Wicks...
Product Description
Homankit Beeswax Hemp Wick, 200ft Spool, Candle Wicks...
Size
Comes with 200ft / 610cm Spool Pre Bees waxed Candle Wicks(approx.2mm in diameter)

Why use beeswax candles

When searching for candles you will see that the price range varies from a few dollars to almost $1000 a candle. So what makes a candle so different from another one in order to justify the price difference? Let’s see what kind of candles are on the market and what characteristics each has:

  • Paraffin candles – represent almost 95% of the candles found on the market. This candle type contains refined petroleum, artificial dyes, and fragrances; is the cheapest model you can buy, but also it releases a lot of toxins when burning.
  • Soy candles – this is a more natural option, but it is not 100% safe to be used in a closed room. All soy wax candles need a small amount of paraffin in their composition. Also, most of them have synthetic additives for an appealing smell or color.
  • Palm wax candles – these candles were very popular until the recent years. They are made out of palm wax which is natural and biodegradable. Also, it is a thick wax, very easy to work with. Unfortunately, the palm trees used to extract this wax grow only in small regions of the world. So, due to the major destruction of the forests and endangering the species living there, most candles manufacturers have refused to use this type of wax anymore.
  • Beeswax candles – beeswax is, as its name implies, a natural wax produced by honey bees. It is the oldest natural wax used in this domain. These candles burn with a beautiful golden flame and don’t release any toxins. Actually, they are considered to be hypo-allergenic. They have a high melting point, which means that the candle will burn longer.
  • Bayberry candles – being a very rare wax, bayberry wax is probably the most expensive type of wax out there. To produce it, the berries of the Bayberry Shrub need to be boiled. The natural bayberry candles also use beeswax in their composition. Due to their fresh smell, these candles were used as Christmas candles and even now, some people still buy bayberry wax candles only for winter holidays.
  • Liquid wax candles – these are the new thing when talking about candles. They use paraffin oil and don’t leave melted wax behind. They can burn for hours and still look as good as new. However, they contain paraffin so, therefore, all its toxic components.

As you can see beeswax candles are the most natural ones you can find. They release a very pleasant honey fragrance that is gentle and not overpowering as a synthetic smell. Not only that this type of candles don’t release toxins, but they actually neutralize air pollutants by producing negative ions when they burn.  Because they overcome the toxins from the room where they are used, the beeswax candles help people that suffer from asthma, to breath more easily, by simply reducing the dust and mold molecules.

Another property of the beeswax candles is that they have the most intense and natural flame color that has proven to be very relaxing for the eyes.

Being the best alternative when talking about candles, beeswax candles don’t come cheap. There are a lot of manufacturers out there that promote their products as “beeswax candles” offering a lower price. Be aware that these items contain paraffin and only a very small amount of beeswax. Look for the ones that say “100% pure beeswax candles”, because they are the real thing.

However, if you consider their price to exceed your budget, you can always craft your own at home and get the same result for a cheaper price. In order to do this, you need to know which type of wicks to use. In the next part of the article, we will discuss wicks types, and what models go best for beeswax candles. Also, I will present to you some of the popular wicks on the market with their pros and cons.

See also our step by step process on how to make candles with crayons and string.


Beeswax Candle Wicks

beekeeping beehive

Almost all the times, people talk only about the wax used for the candles and forget about the importance of the wicks. But why are wicks just as important? Because the wick is the candle’s fuel. So for a candle to be used properly, it needs to receive the correct amount of propellant. The wicks are chosen differently not only when talking about wax types, but also the shape and dimension of the candle. Most of the wicks are made of either cotton, hemp or a combination between cotton and paper. However, they can be added to four big categories, so let’s start from here and then get into more specific details:

  • Flat wicks – are the most common wicks; are knitted and are made in such way that they bend a little while burning. They are mostly used for pillar and taper candles.
  • Square wicks – these wicks are knitted or braided and they also slightly bend in the flame, but they are stiffer than the flat wicks. This type is preferred for beeswax candles.
  • Cored wicks – are either braided or knitted wicks. The main difference between cored wicks and the other two categories is that they remain straight and don’t bend when burning. The core can be made out of cotton, paper, tin or zinc. These wicks are used for jar, votive, pillar candles and novelties.
  • Specialty wicks – are used for specific categories such as candles that repel insects or oil lamps

We’ve already acknowledged that square wicks are the preferred type for beeswax candles, but let’s understand why is this. Beeswax candles have a higher melting point than soy or paraffin candles. This means that they need larger, robust wicks, therefore making square wicks the logic pick.


How long should the beeswax candle wick be? And how do we know to pick the right size based on the candle’s shape?

There are wicks of different thickness, just like in any thread case.  So we have two major categories: one that has the thickness range between 6/0 – 1/0 and the other one that ranges between 1 and 10. Each of the numbers from the classifications above is recommended to be used for different candle dimensions:

  1. #6/0 to #4/0 wicks can be used for candles that have a diameter up to ½’’;
  2. #3/0 wicks can be used for candles that have a diameter up to ¾’’;
  3. #2/0 wicks can be used for candles that have a diameter up to 1” ;
  4. #1/0 wicks can be used for candles that have a diameter up to 2’’ ;
  5. #1 wicks can be used for candles that have a diameter up to 2 ½’’;
  6. #2 wicks can be used for candles that have a diameter up to 3’’ ;
  7. #3 wicks can be used for candles that have a diameter up to 3 ½’’ ;
  8. #4 wicks can be used for candles that have a diameter up to 4’’ ;
  9. #5 wicks can be used for candles that have a diameter up to 5’’;
  10. #6 to #10 wicks can be used for large outdoor candles.

To give you a clearer view of how this measurement works, consider using the wicks from points b, c, and d for birthday cakes, the ones from points d, e, and f for taper candles and the ones from f to i for pillar candles.

Like in any domain, there is a great number of companies selling square wicks and is very difficult to decide who to trust. This is why we will present to you three of the best products from which you could choose.


100% Organic Hemp Candle Wick 2.0mm Thick + Wick...
  • 100% ORGANIC HEMP & BEESWAX: 200ft of thick gauge (~2.0mm) natural beeswax...
  • GOING ZERO WASTE: Hemp spool allows maximum flexibility for customizing...
  • NO INHALING CHEMICALS FROM ‘MYSTERIOUS’ CANDLE WICKS: All-natural,...

23 Bess 100% Organic Hemp Candle Wick

These 200 pcs of organic wicks, from 23 Bess, are made of the best beeswax, they are 200ft of Thick Gauge and with a Diameter of 16mm. Therefore, they are perfect for candle DYS and suited for making container, pillar and other types of candles.

Pros & Cons of 23 Bess 100% Organic Hemp Candle Wick

Best Wicks for Beeswax Candle 1

Pros

Pros
  • The best natural alternative for candle wicks
  • They reduce harmful exposure to toxic chemicals and preserve the scent
  • No toxic chemicals, no acids, no pesticides

Best Wicks for Beeswax Candle 2

Cons

Cons
  • It may not stay lit if you don’t fix it well

Q&A

Can I customize the length of this wick?

Of course, depending on what candle project you have, you can customize the length and attach sustainer tabs.

What should I do if I’m working on a bigger candle than average?

If you want a bigger flame, then twist 2 strands together so you will get a thicker wick.


EricX Light Organic Hemp Candle Wicks, 100 Piece 8"...
  • Top Class Candle Wicks, Made of 100% Organic Hemp & 100% Natural Beeswax
  • Pre-waxed and Tabbed,Wick Lenght:8 inch.Thick Gauge Wick Dia:3 mm Base...
  • Highest quality & extra long size,perfect for all size candle making

EricX Light Organic hemp with 100% Natural Beeswax

These top-class candle wicks are perfect for candle making, as they are made of 100% natural beeswax. Their nice long length and their thick gauge make their flame large and stable and provide a clean burn.

Pros & Cons of EricX Light Organic hemp with 100% Natural Beeswax

Best Wicks for Beeswax Candle 1

Pros

Pros
  • Low smoke when burning
  • Perfect for all size candle making
  • 100% natural

Best Wicks for Beeswax Candle 2

Cons

Cons
  • The smoke might be smelly

Q&A

What kind of wax would be suited?

These wicks are perfect for almost every kind of wax, from soy and beeswax to palm wax or paraffin.

Can I use this organic hemp for candle making?

Yes, they are perfect for it.

Which is the length of these products?

8 inch.

Can I cut the wicks?

Yes, if they are too long, you can cut the wicks in half and have a double use.


Homankit Beeswax coated with 100% Natural ingredients

This Homankit wicks, covered with 100% natural beeswax, are great for their slow burning and their burning stability. The product comes with 200ft / 610cm Spool Pre Bees waxed Candle Wicks, perfect for candle DIY-s.

Pros & Cons of Homankit Beeswax coated with 100% Natural ingredients

Best Wicks for Beeswax Candle 1

Pros

Pros
  • Slow burning and no black smoking
  • High quality and tested rigorously

Best Wicks for Beeswax Candle 2

Cons

Cons
  • The wicks don’t come already cut in a specific length

Q&A

Do I have any guarantee when using these wicks?

Yes, the product is backed by Homankit Money-Back Guarantee.

How should I fix the beeswax hemp candle wick?

For fixing the wicks, use some wax or doubled-sided stickers to fix the tab at the bottom of the candle, before starting to fill the holder with the wax.


Making Beeswax Candles with Natural Cordage Wicks and Plant Molds


Conclusion

Whether you are only a novice when it comes to candle making or very passionate about DIY, you need to know the importance of candle wicks in creating well-crafted products.

By carefully choosing the best wicks, you will get that perfect, fragrant candle that you worked for.

The wick is a very important part of the candle, as it has a big influence on how the wax is melting and how its fragrance is evaporating in the air. So take the most important information from our article and start creating the most elegant, creative and perfumed crafted candles.

However, when you try for the first time a new brand of wicks, it is recommended to make a burn test, to see how they behave. This way you will know exactly how long of a wick you should use. You may also check here our guide on choosing the top candles for relaxation.

2 thoughts on “Best Wicks for Beeswax Candle”

  1. I so appreciate this article though I’m still feeling a bit overwhelmed about what wicks to choose. Can you help me? I’m making beeswax pillar candles and have three molds. The dimensions are 3 width x 3.5 height, 3 width x 4.5 height, and 3 width x 6.5 height. Do you have any suggestions? I so appreciate your help! With much gratitude, Chelan.

    • hello! For a candle with 3″ width (or diameter): #3 wicks can be used for candles that have a diameter up to 3 ½’’.
      The length, or height of the candle does not matter : simply cut the length to the height of the candles you are making, adding an inch to the length so you can light it later! Good luck!

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