Glossary
The critical process of selecting the correct wick type and size for beeswax candles. Beeswax has a higher melting point (145 F vs. 135 F for soy, 130 F for paraffin) and denser structure than other waxes, requiring larger wicks and careful sizing to achieve a proper melt pool and clean burn.
Beeswax presents unique challenges for candlemakers. Its melting point (145 degrees F) is 10 to 15 degrees higher than soy or paraffin wax. Its density is greater. And its natural golden color means it absorbs more radiant heat from the flame than lighter waxes. All of these properties mean a wick that works perfectly in a soy candle will likely "tunnel" (burn straight down the center without melting to the edges) in a beeswax candle of the same diameter. Beeswax demands a hotter, larger wick to generate enough heat to create a complete melt pool.
Square braided cotton wicks: The traditional choice for beeswax. The square braid is stiffer than flat-braided wicks, maintaining an upright position in the denser wax. They curl slightly when burning, creating a self-trimming effect. CD (stabilo) series wicks: Cotton wicks with a paper filament core that provides rigidity. Excellent for container beeswax candles. HTP series wicks: Self-trimming, high-performance cotton wicks with paper threads. Good for beeswax pillars. Avoid zinc-core wicks (outdated and less clean-burning) and very thin wicks designed for paraffin.
For container beeswax candles: use 1 to 2 wick sizes larger than the manufacturer's recommendation for soy or paraffin in the same container diameter. For pillar candles (free-standing): size to achieve a melt pool approximately 1/2 inch from the edge (pillars should not melt to the full edge, or they will collapse). Test, test, test: every combination of beeswax source, container shape, fragrance (if any), and wick must be tested with actual burn trials. There is no substitute for burning a test candle for 4+ hours and evaluating melt pool diameter and flame height.
Tunneling occurs when the wick is too small to generate enough heat to melt the wax all the way to the container walls. In beeswax, this is the most common problem because beeswax's high melting point requires more thermal energy. The solution: use a larger wick. Also, always burn beeswax candles long enough on the first burn to establish a full melt pool to the edges (approximately 1 hour per inch of container diameter).
Yes. The higher melting point and density of beeswax compared to soy and paraffin mean standard candle wicks are often undersized. Use wick types specifically recommended for beeswax (square braided cotton at a larger size than you would use for the same container in soy). Always perform burn tests before making a batch.
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