We would like to share with you a simple, but effective method, for preliminary wick selections used in our lab:

(1) Pour a wax slab out of your formulation to be used for a certain candle production, including all additives, fragrances and dyes.

(2) Drill holes with appropriate spacing into the slab and place different wick sizes into each hole. It is best to use pre-waxed wicks for this purpose.

(3) Light the wicks and burn for about 4 to 5 hours in a draft free area.

During this period you can observe the burning characteristics of each wick size (flame size, wick stand, smoke, soot, mushrooming, etc.) and at the end of the burn time you can measure the diameter of the wax pool created by the respective wick sizes. The burning characteristics and the diameter of the wax pool will give you an indication of the candle and candle diameter this partic-ular wick might be suited for. This is a process of elimination enabling you to narrow down your wick choices for further tests in your actual candles.