What are your wicks coated with?

When it comes to candle making supplies, there are tons of different options to choose from. If you’re making candles for the first time or making a new kind of candle, the choices can seem overwhelming. In addition to choosing containers, wax, and fragrances, you also have to decide what kind of wick to use.

There are benefits to each type of candle wick, but everyone has their own thoughts on which candle wick is best. If you’re looking for a quick and easy comparison of all the wicks available, this guide will help point you in the right direction!

What is the wax coating on candle wicks?

Pre-tabbed candle wicks (like the ones we sell) have a wax coating around the wick fiber. This coating provides structure and stability, while also ensuring the candle burns effectively. The most common types of candle wax coatings are clean burning paraffin and high melt point natural wax. 

Because paraffin wax is more rigid than natural wax, paraffin is commonly used on wicks that do not have a rigid structure on their own. While many candle makers strive to avoid paraffin, it is highly effective as a coating, and is required for certain wicks. Wicks made of softer or more flexible fibers rely on the paraffin coating for stability. We only use clean-burning paraffin on our wicks that have a paraffin coating. 

As an alternative to paraffin, many of our wicks have a high melt point natural wax coating. We opt for this coating on our wicks whenever possible. Candlemakers who want to avoid paraffin wax can choose from a large selection of our wicks that have a natural wax coating.

Please note that this information only applies to the wicks we carry at NorthWood. Other suppliers who carry these wick series may have different coatings.

How to Test Candles

Perhaps the most important step in making candles is the testing phase. There are so many variables that can affect how a candle performs. Testing is the only way to know with confidence that you’ve chosen the best type and size of wick. Check out our Guide to Testing Candles for a detailed walkthrough of the testing process. Be sure to also download our Free Printable Candle Testing Sheet to keep track of your results!