How to Wax Candle Wicks

Wicks need to be waxed to burn properly.

Candle making is a popular and money-saving hobby for many crafters. Supplies for making candles are sold in different ways. For example there are waxed and unwaxed wicks available at most craft supply stores. While pre-waxed wicks can be time-saving, they are more expensive than the cost of unwaxed cotton wicks. To save money and do more of the candle making process yourself, purchase the unwaxed wicks or some cotton string and wax them yourself.

Things You'll Need

• Double boiler
• Wax of choice (paraffin, beeswax or soy)
• Candy thermometer
• Cotton string or unwaxed wicks
• Scissors
• Wax paper

Instructions

1. Fill the bottom chamber of your double boiler with water and place it on the stove top.

2. Put your choice of wax type into the top pot of the double boiler and allow it to melt and reach the temperature specified on your wax packaging. Check the temperature of the wax with a candy thermometer.

3. Cut your wicks to the desired length with scissors. Leave about 1/2 inch extra on each wick so you can use it to hold the wick.

4. Lay a sheet of wax paper on a flat surface.

5. Dip each wick individually, holding it by the extra 1/2 inch on the end. Lay the wicks onto the wax paper sheet to cool and dry.