How to Make a Candlewick
Lighting a candle causes a catalytic chain reaction. Initially, when a candle is lit, the wick burns until the heat from the flame begins to melt the wax. As the wax melts it both produces fumes for the flame to consume while keeping the wick wet enough so it doesn't burn off and out. In order for a wick to hold the flame until the catalytic reaction begins, you must treat candlewicks before you can place them in candle molds.
Things You'll Need
- Cotton string
- Scissors
- Saucepan
- Cooking thermometer
- Borax
- Salt
- Mixing spoon
- Cookie sheet
- Paraffin wax
- Tweezers
- Paperclips or clothespins
- Sandwich bag
Instructions
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1
Cut cotton string 1 inch longer that the height of the candles with a pair of scissors.
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2
Heat 1 cup water to 180 degrees Fahrenheit, measured with a thermometer, in a saucepan. Add 3 tbsp. borax and 4 tsp. salt to the water. Stir with a mixing spoon until dissolved. Remove the mixture from the heat and soak the strings in the solution for 30 minutes.
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3
Remove the pieces of strings from the solution with a pair of tweezers and lay the pieces out flat and straight on a cookie sheet. Place the sheet in a warm dry spot and allow the wicks to dry for 72 hours.
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4
Tie a piece of string horizontally between two stationary objects to hang the wicks on.
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5
Melt 1 block of paraffin wax in the saucepan over low heat. Place the dried pieces of string in the melted wax. Stir the string thoroughly through the wax for two minutes with the spoon.
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6
Remove the strings from the melted wax, one at a time, with the tweezers. Hold the strings by the ends over the pan until the wax stops dripping. Dip the strings back into the melted wax to the give the outside of the strings a light second coating. Quickly remove the string from the wax.
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7
Hold the wicks over the pan until the wax stops dripping. Fasten the ends of the wicks to the horizontal string with paperclips or clothespins. Allow the wicks to dry for an hour. Place the wicks in a plastic sandwich bag and store them in a cool place.
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Tips & Warnings
Reduce the heat if the melted wax in the saucepan begins to smoke.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Photos.com/Photos.com/Getty Images
