Guest Author - Shanda Lynn Markham
Wood wicks are one of the newer types of wicks on the market. They have been around since about 2007 or 2008 and have greatly increased in popularity. So what is the big deal about wood wicks?
One of the most common raves about wood wick candles are the crackling sound they give off. There is a direct correlation between the color and fragrance added to the candle and the crackling sound. The higher the amount of fragrance and color added the more crackle your candle will achieve. A fragrance ratio of 6-8% is optimal. Do not try to add too much as this would make the candle sweat out the oil and be of inferior quality.
Wood wicks come treated or untreated. I have not been able to find exactly what they are treated with. Various manufacturers only state that they are treated with a “patented burning agent”. This agent increases the “burnability” of the wood wick. Untreated wicks may be more difficult to light, keep lit or re-light as compared to the treated wood wicks.
Wood wicks also come in soft wood or hard wood. Your soft wood is what gives you the flame with the hard wood providing more heat. There are also some that are “soft” but have a thin strip of hard wood in them. This gives you the best of both worlds. Soft wood also tends to crackle more.
I’ve seen several sites talk about waiting for your candle to somewhat solidify and then just insert your wood wick. I do have some concerns with this as even non-wood wicks can “float” as they burn down. Once the wax at the end of your candle melts, the wick is no longer anchored into anything and can float all over the place. This can lead to the container bursting as well as a possible fire. I always recommend anchoring your wicks to their container to avoid this.
Some differences for wood wick users are that they must always be used in a container candle. They can not be used in pillars or molded candles. Also, where other wicks are trimmed to ¼ inch, wood wicks are trimmed to 1/8 inch. You want to light these wicks where the wick meets the wax, not at the top of the wick. Most wood wicks have two pieces of wood fused together and both pieces should be showing. Another difference is going to be the flame. These are wood wicks and are going to have a higher flame than other types of wicks. Never place these candles under or around anything potentially flammable.
Scent is another big difference in these wood wick candles. The burning wood gives off a natural woodsy scent comparable to a wood burning fire. This is a wonderful natural scent so adding any other scent is optional. A layering affect can be achieved by adding scent to the candle. I would probably use earthier, natural scents for this layer.
I must admit I have not made any wood wick candles as of yet. I am still on the search for that highly scented wax candle and have not branched out yet. My curiosity is definitely piqued and I just may have to place an order for some wood wicks very soon!
