Pillar Wicking

[robertgibbens]

Has anyone or is anyone using HTP wicks in their pillar candles? I will begin testing pillars soon using IGI 4625. I use HTP exclusively for my line of container candles. I have found they work best for me. I do see more melt initially on the "curl" (lay over) side of the candle (the side where the HTP wick bends over to) and less melt on the opposite side. This less melt easily burns down as the wax lowers into the container.

I am wondering how the "less melt" side on the pillar will work as their is no extra container heat as the candle progresses. Maybe it's not a problem with pillars. Wondering if I need to switch to a "standing" wick instead of a "curling" wick. Any comments would be appreciated.

[rjdaines]

I use LX wicks with my pillars of 4625, never thought about using HTP, I should try that some time. Anyway, are your HTP wicks primed or raw/spool, if the are unprimed, have you tried twisting the wick so that it will rotate as it burns and the curl direction will change? In theory, this will direct that hot part of the flame at all of the candle as it burns.

[robertgibbens]

I have heard of twisting. I will give that a shot. As yet I have not tested my first pillar. Still wrapping up my container testing. But I am only a few weeks away from diving into pillars. I found the HTP wicks smoked and mushroomed less than the LX's, at least for my containers using 4630.

[rjdaines]

Funny, I am starting to test HTPs and LX wicks in 4630, just made a few for burning today. The ones with LX wicks that I tested so for did not mushroom or smoke if the wicks were trimmed. I agree that HTP might be a better choice. If you want to compare results give me a PM.

The twisting really works for me with the pillars but you still have to turn the candle occasionally. I also use a long wick pin and add the wick after the pillar is cool.

[robertgibbens]

I use tabbed HTP wicks on my containers and plan on using them with my pillars as well. Dont think they will twist! They seem much easier to place using wick pins over spooled HTP's.

[rjdaines]

Yes, you can't twist the premade tabbed wicks. How tall are the pillars?

[Stella1952]

you can't twist the premade tabbed wicks

Sure you can! I use pretabbed CDNs for both my containers and my pillars. They twist just fine. In pillars, I finish the bottom first, then secure the wick up top after twisting with a few well-placed drops of wax. HTH

[EricofAZ]

I use cotton core in my pillars and I don't twist them. Pillars do better I think with a concentric round pool.

[robertgibbens]

Yes, you can't twist the premade tabbed wicks. How tall are the pillars?

The plan is for 3 and 6 inch tall pillars.

Thanks Stella. I'll give twisting them a try. And I'll try cotton core to see if the concentric circle MP works better. Wait! Now I know why they call this "testing". Personally, I think they should call it "Son of a *i*ch!"

[Stella1952]

A concentric burn would be totally logical and the best solution; however, it depends on how this wick does with your particular wax.

Let us know how it goes for you, Robert.

[IwantItgreen]

I like square braid in my paraffin pillars. I'm using IGI1343 tho.

[debratant]

I use flat braid, usually 30 ply. I twist it too. But then, I like raw wicking for my pillars, as I wick the mold most times instead of

using wick pins. For some reason I prefer a wicked mold pillar.

[EricofAZ]

I agree about the molded wick vs. the pin. My cotton core are mostly pre-tabbed and I just rip the tab off. I use the square braid for the palm pillars, though I haven't made any of those recently.

[TammyGCC]

I use the square braided wick from candlewic. I have tried the WR 2004 and the WR 2006 for my pillars. They curl too. I will also try this twisting technique.

[TammyGCC]

Try the twisting technique it has worked so far with my pillar candle. I have been making candles for years. I thought it was just the wicks I bought. Mine also curl to one side. Until I found your question and tried the twisting technique I thought it was the type of wick I was buying. Try it. I am very happy.