Which wicks to start with?

[jolsen1973]

I have been doing only tarts for about 8 months now and I would like to start making container candles. I got a sample of 100% soy from a local supplier and mixed in about 3oz of KY tart/votive para-soy blend just to see what would happen. I have poured a few 8 oz jelly jars without wicks and they've turned out perfect. No sinking, smooth beautiful tops, and great glass adhesion. None of the wet spots I've heard so much about either!! My question is- what are some suggestions for wicks that I can try? I've researched a little about wicks and know that I need to get one size larger than the span of the top of the jar (right?), but I'm not sure whether to use paper, zinc, cotton, or what! I've gotten a few jar candles from the local suppler and she uses paper wicks. The candles are beautiful, but the wick mushrooms like crazy, so I'm not sure if paper wicks would be the best idea. I would appreciate any wick suggestions and also suggestions as to where I might find small quantities of wicks to test online. Thanks a bunch!

Jen

P.S. A couple of people have asked about my avatar. This is my yorkie, Zeke, he's 10 months old and obviously the (2nd after hubby) love of my life!!

[stacien]

Hi Jen,

It might actually be easier for you to just add a fraction of paraffin. Otherwise you are just adding a fraction less than 3 oz of paraffin and more soy. It might be cheaper too. Everybody has their preference to wicks. Some mushroom, some don't, some bend. The only way to find your preference is to order sample packs of each type of wick. Zinc is generally used in paraffin but some people like to use them. I basically read everything about each wick. Then followed other posts to see what people preferred and what each wick was used for. Then I decided to try all of them myself. Also just because the chart says that wick is used for a certain diameter doesn't mean its the same for all jars. You have to test your wicks to find the proper size. The easy part sometimes is stabilizing the wax. Its finding the right size wick for each candle that is the pain. Every fragrance burns differently with the same size wick too. Of you have to measure the melt pool, if its burning to hot or not hot enough. Now the fun begins. Make sure you also document all your wicking and fragrances and burn times.