Category: Candles

The wick may look like just a simple piece of string, but it’s actually one of the most important parts of a candle. It decides how your candle burns and how evenly the wax melts. Discover the most common candle wick types and find the best for you!

Candle Wick Types

Cotton Wicks

The most common type of candle wicks.

Wooden Wicks

Made from thin strips of natural wood.

Zinc-Core Wick

A zinc-core wick is a cotton wick with a thin zinc wire running through its centre. The zinc core helps the wick stay upright while the candle burns, making it especially useful in container candles. Despite the name, the zinc does not burn. It simply provides structure and support.

Want to learn more about Candle wicks? Read more on Wikipedia.

Wick Size Matters

A candle wick isn’t “one size fits all.”

The correct wick depends on:

• Container diameter
• Wax type
• Fragrance load
• Dye
• Container material
• Desired flame size

Even two candles made with the same wax may need different wick sizes if their diameters differ.

How Often Should You Trim a Wick?

For the best burn, trim the wick to about 5–7 mm (¼ inch) before each use. This helps create a cleaner flame, reduces smoke, and can extend the life of your candle.

So, you want to make your own candles? Discover the most common candle wax types.

The candle wax types you choose is what gives a candle its unique character and it’s very important in candle making. It affects everything from burn time and scent throw to appearance, price, and environmental impact so let’s break down the most common types so you can find your perfect match!

Soy Wax

Soy wax is the most popular choice for DIY candle makers, and for good reason. It burns cleanly, holds fragrance beautifully, and is made from soybeans.

Why you’ll love it:
✔ Beginner-friendly
✔ Eco-friendly
✔ Great for scented candles
✔ Burns slowly

The catch?
It can be a little picky and sometimes develops a frosty white finish—but that’s perfectly normal!

Best for: Anyone starting their candle-making adventure.

Want to learn more about Soy wax? Read more on Wikipedia.

Beeswax

Beeswax is made by bees! It has a naturally sweet honey scent and burns longer than almost any other wax and it’s also quite common among candle wax types.

Why you’ll love it:
✔ Long burn time
✔ Naturally beautiful
✔ No synthetic ingredients

The catch?
It’s one of the most expensive waxes and doesn’t always play nicely with added fragrances.

Best for: Tall pillar candles and fun shapes from silicone molds.

Want to learn more about Beeswax? Read more on Wikipedia.

Paraffin Wax

Paraffin is the old classic and most common in candle making. It’s affordable, colourful, and throws fragrance like it’s trying to impress the whole neighbourhood.

Why you’ll love it:
✔ Strong scent throw
✔ Easy to colour
✔ Budget-friendly

The catch?
It’s made from petroleum, so many DIY makers prefer plant-based alternatives.

Best for: Bold, colourful, super-scented candles.

Want to learn more about Paraffin wax? Read more on Wikipedia.

Coconut Wax

Smooth, creamy, and elegant, coconut wax is what many luxury candle brands love to use.

Why you’ll love it:
✔ Slow-burning
✔ Beautiful finish
✔ Fantastic scent throw

The catch?
Your wallet might notice the difference!

Best for: Luxury candles

Rapeseed Wax

Rapeseed wax is renewable, sustainable, and becoming more popular every year.

Why you’ll love it:
✔ Environmentally friendly
✔ Clean burn
✔ Great for container candles

The catch?
It can be a little harder to find.

Best for: Eco-conscious crafters.

Palm Wax

Palm wax creates stunning textures that make candles look like tiny works of art.

Why you’ll love it:
✔ Gorgeous natural patterns
✔ Long-lasting
✔ Great for pillar candles

The catch?
Always choose sustainably sourced palm wax.

Best for: Decorative candles that steal the spotlight.

Gel Wax

Technically, it’s not a wax at all—but it’s too cool not to include. Gel candles let you suspend shells, glitter, and tiny decorations inside.

Why you’ll love it:
✔ Crystal clear
✔ Perfect for creative designs
✔ Fun to customise

The catch?
It’s a little more difficult to work with than traditional waxes.

Best for: Maximum fragrance on a budget

Want to learn more about Paraffin wax? Read more on Wikipedia.

So… Which Candle Wins?

The truth is… they’re all winners!

• Soy is the everyday favourite.
• Beeswax is natural and cosy.
• Paraffin fills the room with fragrance.
• Coconut brings luxury.
• Rapeseed keeps things green.
• Palm loves to show off.
• Gel is the creative one.

At the end of the day, the best candle isn’t the most expensive one—it’s the one that makes your home feel warm, welcoming, and just a little more beautiful.

There is something truly special about the warm glow and gentle fragrance of a candle. A simple flame can transform a space, create a relaxing atmosphere, and make everyday moments feel a little more beautiful.

What Are Soy Candles?

In recent years, soy candles have become a popular choice among candle lovers and handmade creators. But what makes them different from traditional candles, and why are so many people choosing them?

Soy candles are candles made from soy wax, a natural wax created from soybean oil. Unlike paraffin wax, which is made from petroleum, soy wax comes from a renewable plant-based source.

Because of its natural origin, soy wax has become a favorite material for many candle makers who want to create beautiful handmade candles with a more sustainable approach.

Soy wax has a smooth, creamy appearance and works wonderfully with different fragrances, making it ideal for creating candles for every season and every style of home.

Want to learn more about Soy Wax and Candles? Read more on Wikipedia.

The Benefits of Soy Candles

1. A Cleaner Burn

One of the main reasons people love soy candles is their clean-burning quality. Because soy wax is natural, it produces significantly less black soot and indoor pollutants than petroleum-based waxes. This keeps your walls, ceilings, and indoor air cleaner.

2. Longer Burning Time

Soy wax melts at a lower temperature, allowing the candle to burn slower and typically last 30% to 50% longer than a paraffin candle of the same weight. This allows you to enjoy your favorite fragrance and the beautiful candlelight for more hours.

3. Better Fragrance Experience

Soy wax holds fragrance exceptionally well. Since it melts at a cooler temperature, it releases the scent oils slowly, allowing the fragrance to unfold steadily in the room

4. A More Sustainable Choice

Soybeans are a sustainable, agricultural resource. The wax is also biodegradable and vegan, making it popular among eco-conscious consumers. Also unlike petroleum waxes, soy wax is easy to wipe up with standard soap and hot water if a spill occurs.

5. Perfect for Handmade Creations

Soy wax is loved by many candle makers because it is versatile and easy to personalize. With different fragrances, colors, containers, and decorations, every candle can become a unique handmade creation.

Why Choose Soy Candles?

A candle is more than just a source of light. It can create a feeling, bring warmth to a room, and become part of special moments.

Whether you enjoy a quiet evening at home, want to create a cozy atmosphere, or love handmade decorations, soy candles are a beautiful way to add a little more comfort and beauty to your everyday life.

Making your own candles can also become a relaxing creative journey—a chance to slow down, experiment, and enjoy the satisfaction of creating something with your own hands.

Sometimes, a small flame can make a big difference.