How to Make Great Candle Wicks (Tutorial)

How to make great candle wicks. In this video, we use 100-percent cotton fiber as our material of choice, as it is the highest quality wick material and can be used successfully in most candles. The cotton wick produces a robust flame which helps control carbon build-up throughout the burn cycle. By following our simple instructions, these wicks are almost smokeless, too.
We use balled cotton string, also known as butcher’s twine. It is inexpensive and readily available from hardware and home improvement stores.
Visit Us @ www.artmolds.com/
Follow us on Twitter: / edmccormick7
Like our Facebook Page: / artmolds
Google + Profile: plus.google.com/+ArtmoldsP1
#HowToMakeGreatCandleWicks
#CandleWicks
#CottonFiber

[@EnvironMolds]

Subscribe to our Channel for more interesting Content. kzbin.info

[@gametrue2229]

Environ Molds how much was that beeswax and where did you get it

[@mykasiurka]

Just wonderful, been searching for "how to make a candle with wax" for a while now, and I think this has helped. Have you heard people talk about - Cenadoelyn Candle Contemplation - (just google it ) ? Ive heard some extraordinary things about it and my mate got great results with it.

[@chelocvanleeuwaarde2319]

Hi! What if I can't find Borax locally? Is there a substitute?

[@teachingpress1374]

@@chelocvanleeuwaarde2319 There is no substitute. Can you purchase from Amazon?

[@marceloalfonso7130]

This is just superb, I been tryin to find out about "how to manufacture candles" for a while now, and I think this has helped. Have you ever come across - Cenadoelyn Candle Contemplation - (Have a quick look on google cant remember the place now ) ? Ive heard some super things about it and my friend got excellent success with it.

[@Freewayparade]

had to rewind it to make sure he really said that candle wicks are "cheaper than sunshine"... he did

[@kcirred1029]

Freewayparade sunshine is almost free

[@dustin4575]

@@kcirred1029 is this what I tell the hardware store when I go to get sone butchers twine?

[@teachingpress1374]

There is a caveat - we meant "cheaper than sunshine at night" :-)

[@Nina-ku9il]

The sneezers at 0:42 got me

[@northcentralindianawx]

What does the soaking step in water borax and salt do? Newbie here lol

[@bendejo8]

why did that sneeze scare me

[@EtoMashi]

TheDickeringTitillator uh I sneezed as soon that the part popped up for some reason

[@teachingpress1374]

With the corona virus so widespread, our sneeze now seems poor judgement - we apologize

[@minkiedinks]

not a fan of the extensive intro and the incredibly loud sound effects but alright

[@janel7533]

Hard to please everyone..make ur own video.I hope that person who made the video dont listen to her, i nevre give thumbs up or down, but im going to give him a thumbs up. And i subbed..

[@joinfranknow]

seemed good to me.

[@osamabinladen405]

Ibibio Tribe LMFAO

[@keeplearning4441]

Just wonderful, I've been looking for "how to make beeswax candles in jars" for a while now, and I think this has helped. Have you ever come across - Peyaniel Psychological Predominance - (search on google ) ? It is an awesome one of a kind product for discovering the trick to be a candle maker for profit minus the headache. Ive heard some pretty good things about it and my mate got great results with it.

[@novaknovakovic1585]

Lovely Video! Apologies for the intrusion, I am interested in your initial thoughts. Have you ever tried - Honulian Wiffy Remover (do a search on google)? It is a good one off product for making money as a candle maker minus the hard work. Ive heard some decent things about it and my work colleague got astronomical success with it.

[@timberwolfmountaineer873]

If you are interested in making a "powerful" survival windproof candle i humbly suggest these steps: 1. Take an old white cotton shirt. 2. Cut 1 cm wide stripes from it. 3. Twist these stripes into wicks, leave some extra length. 4. Tie up the bottom into a knot so it stays anchored to the bottom of your "vessel". Ceramic or glass works the best. 5. Fix the upper side in place at the center of the empty vessel with a thin wire. 6. Gradually melt and pour wax/paraffin into vessel. This way the wick will absorb all the wax it needs without extra work. 7. Let it cool and enjoy your creation :)

[@ladysteel6019]

Make sure don’t make them too thick for the container 🫙

[@bonseraconsulting]

Very helpful, thank you! I've been looking for a good, simple tutorial on how to do this and make my own candles.

[@CortezEspartaco2]

This is the method I use, but I cut the cotton cord after the borax and drying steps to keep it more manageable. After that I cut lengths twice as long as I need, then hold each length in the middle and dip in wax a couple times. I cut them in half once they're dry and they're ready to tab.

[@laurenmorley1964]

what does the borax do??

[@CortezEspartaco2]

@@laurenmorley1964 It stiffens the wick which prevents it from falling into the wax and going out. It also helps it burn more consistently when relit. It's not totally necessary but, especially with bigger candles, it's worth the added effort.

[@jude7321]

Hi James, why couldn't you just dip your whole ball of twine in a bowl of borax, salt and water mixture and do it all at one time? Oh, I just read the comment above mine, it makes it too stiff I guess.

[@matrixate]

That prep time is something we all look forward to. Thanks! After watching this, I ordered some from Amazon and they arrive tomorrow!

[@fatoomalnasser7]

LOL 😂

[@Kisses0205]

😂😂😂

[@clare6320]

Hahahahhhahahaha

[@MagicWandsTarot]

Yup me too 😂😂😂

[@Ruby-iy5vb]

Im dead

[@violetcarson5532]

Happy Monday afternoon. Really niiiiiccccceeeeeee 🤗 I can now make my own wicks to have on hand especially for emergencies. Thank you 😊

[@maggiekerr952]

Very informative! I think I will go ahead and braid my cotton twine before waxing so I can get a thicker every stronger wick!

[@mrzif0013]

what a great find for me. just great info . i am new subscriber , thanks and happy new year!

[@mariamcheneka2963]

Thank you for the candle recipe and it is helpful I have to make some for business

[@Gator-357]

You don't need to soak in borax/salt solution. I have been making "survival"/camping and emergency candles for over 40 years. You can use just plain cotton string or twine but it is better if you wrap them with thin copper wire. The single strands from CAT5 wirimg works very well. Simply twist the twine and copper together either by hand or by putting one end into an electirc drill and holding the other end with pliers or just pinching it and running the drill. The wire will keep the wick from falling over and is easily trimmed if it doesn't burn away which it usually does. If you are using a wide vessel either add 1 thin wick per 2" diameter of wax or double or trebble the wick by twisting two or more together. For a 5" wide glass , I use four wicks about 1/16" thick evenly spaced.

[@EnvironMolds]

Why not make your own video showing how you make survival candles?

[@RainAngel111]

I feel like there's no way that copper wire isn't going to make a bad smell when it burns. Borax and salt are cheap. Beeswax less so, but you can always substitute the beeswax for whatever wax you're using in your candles. I don't get why they need to dry for 48 hours after the borax/salt solution.

[@daniellejohnson5198]

I love the end demonstration

[@granniji1049]

Thank you so much for sharing

[@rai3r]

Woow you are amazing ❤️❤️❤️

[@momonohana7978]

dude that sneeze freaked me out, i thought someone was on call with me

[@TreeLynnT]

THANK YOU!!! ❤❤❤

[@NguyenTruong-dv9jo]

are you sure with this way candle wicks can become flexible, like not too hard but also not too weak ? not being pulled down if wax melted . Thanks

[@jaheimlarose4505]

48hrs😳😱 I need this thing this afternoon😭

[@TRAVFLIX]

72 hrs got to soak them for 24 hrs first then wait 48 hrs to dry 🤣

[@andywalker2077]

Borax is not available in UK. Can Borax substitute be used instead?

[@Teh_Yeet]

Sick content my dude! Now i can make candles lmao

[@meenamanuja8700]

Nice I like to do this ..so nice

[@beverleyjacob4709]

I did try dipping the wicks into the borox and salt solution. Left it for 24 hrs as per the video. But the crystal that were formed on the wick were hard to remove even after rinsing in fresh water. Please advise.

[@LT-hj4cg]

I purchased Bleached square # 3 recommended for bees wax candles and wick tabs , do I need to soak in the salt water and Borax ?

[@RayBot3000]

For those of us who are audio/visual learners, it would be very helpful if you provided text on screen of measurements and ingredients, as well as simple instruction.

[@buzoff4642]

Just under the right side of the video, you usually will see "...". Click on it and select Transcripts, and text will appear on the right side of the video.

[@Manal6195]

Thank you very much

[@Ailanpa]

thanks for the great vid. Can we use soy wax to coat the wicks?

[@MegaWood32]

That did not need to take 8min

[@teachingpress1374]

Some are faster viewer than others - plus I am old and slow. Wait until you get to be my age and then you'll complain about how fast everyone is :-)

[@sabinekatsavrias4422]

@@teachingpress1374 im old and that was a fkn snoozefest

[@badritorabi793]

Great,thanks

[@evehogarth2585]

Why not cut through the middle of the loops instead of cutting off the ends... 🤔

[@EnvironMolds]

You could certainly do that. But as an old timer I'm stuck with my long term habits

[@evehogarth2585]

Fair enough hahahaa

[@staceyme1480]

Yes!

[@teesha123]

@Morty Snerd I like to use my goats teeth

[@goatlps]

And just wrap the string around your hand several times rather than bothering with a ruler.

[@apoorvam5385]

2:15

[@cherylrose6022]

i thought I had a stroke

[@ItsMarijaTms]

@@cherylrose6022 sorry but I've been laughing at your comment longer that I would like to admit 😂

[@lindachandler2293]

Thank you.

[@flauwegeit]

Hello, Thank you ! Why the Borax and the salt ? I just couldn't figure it out Can it be done without those ?

[@Just_Sara]

I was wondering the same. Maybe the crystals they form help the wick stand up?

[@mallory1305]

I made these exactly how the video showed to, and they refuse to stay lit/mushroom weirdly/smell like fire, same ingredients as the instructions said. Not sure what I did wrong?

[@mobiusstripper7279]

Damn. I have everything but the wax. Is there an alternative? Would using the wax from another candle suffice?

[@Naman1957]

Thank you

[@guardmommad5084]

What's the purpose of soaking in the borax solution? And will the beeswax work on my husband as well?😉

[@wongkelena]

What is an borax detergent booster? We don't had in here in my country. Tks

[@michaelconstantine5149]

Very good thx

[@rayamoooooo685]

*thank you*

[@andreaa886]

how much shrinkage can you expect from the twine? What's the right way to measure for different candle sizes?

[@devbachu7072]

Can they use on any candle

[@dawnstelling3095]

Do u have to use borax and what does it do w or w out ? Ty ! ❣️❣️

[@kocevivan2819]

What an overkill- hats down to whoever has the time to follow through

[@3cheese711]

You think thats overkill im harvesting and rendering my own beeswax just to do this. That takes another 2 days

[@jude7321]

@@3cheese711 Taking the time to do that don't bother me a bit, I enjoy it. Good for you making your own beeswax, people need to learn how to do things, you might not always be able to just run out and buy it. Jude from Kentucky ✝️🥀🐎

[@devbachu7072]

I been havingrimblems in what type of wicks to used

[@susanjeffay3851]

How does Borax and salt help the wicks? Obviously long burning, but why does it work like that?

[@devbachu7072]

Can they used on an container seize

[@leiatyndall8648]

Can iodized salt work, or just plain salt? Will iodized salt react w/ the borax in a way that'll interfere w/ the process?

[@EnvironMolds]

Iodized salt will work

[@samii65]

Thanks, always happy to learn new things. I was wondering why didn't you tab the end? Can you use other wax than bees wax?

[@redpumpkin28]

Did you ever find out? I came to the comments to see if another type of wax can be used as well, as I have a box of paraffin wax.

[@samii65]

No, never

[@redpumpkin28]

@@samii65 Thanks for replying (:

[@ladysteel6019]

Yes you can just put the wicks with the melted wax you gonna use, place them in the container pour the wax into the wick until fill out the container

[@scurvyphansen]

I am trying two different sets, one with the wicks just as the butchers twine as it was bought and separated the twine and braided it back together. I've been having trouble with the wick not staying straight when burning and hoping the braided wick will stand up better.

[@StormGod-X]

What happens if you don't rinse the extra salt and borax off?.. Will it still burn as slowly and clean if you skip that 48hr step?

[@sabinekatsavrias4422]

Im very interested to know and understand the purpose of the salt and borax bath

[@notstorytime8877]

What is Borax? We dont have it here in Hong Kong.

[@lunerwerewolf]

Can this be done with soy wax?

[@davidlazaro4819]

The person doing the wicks is giving me stresssssss

[@satona8334]

🤣🤣🤣

[@preethiramesh4170]

yeah......its a vry long process.....we can easily make this wicks by dipping the thread in a liquid wax , then dry it few minutes...

[@janetbolivar5602]

Same here!!!

[@marigeobrien]

Half way through this process. About to melt the bee's wax and dip them. :D

[@jessicasworldjessica1421]

The lady at the start sneezing scared me so much

[@ericanthony9536]

OK, so I followed the directions and these ARE great wicks. I used them to re-constitute my growing collection of lame commercial tea candles (which burn for about 10 minutes then fizzle; and upon trying to re-light them the wick carbonizes): my test tea candle with the new wick is still burning almost an hour later! The borax does "bloom" and there is a puff of smoke; but then the candle settles down to business with a steady flame. A couple pointers --- do use a pyrex measuring pitcher (melting the wax in it, in about an inch of water on minimum heat) so that your can pour precisely into the tiny aluminum candle forms (I did this in an aluminum pie plate to minimize overflow mess). After cutting the wicks and threading them through their saved metal bases (which you can prepare the wick opening for by using a nail or large needle), and crimping them with needle-nose pliers, I found it efficient to first pour just enough molten wax to secure that (now threaded and ready) wick base, centered, let that dry, then come back to fill the candle form up.

[@EnvironMolds]

Good job, Eric! Thanks for the added tips.

[@lesliehernandez9008]

Can you do it without the borax?

[@elishevacapobianco-s4731]

Thank you. So informative!

[@angelaroberts822]

So what's the borax and salt for,to clean the cotton string that your gunna use for the wicks ?

[@MaAllen417]

I'm going to try hemp string.

[@meganrichter9748]

what does the borax do?

[@celinehynes3336]

What's the purpose of the salt and borax?

[@Jaronite]

Whats the music used?

[@staryeyez4853]

Do you remove all of the salt buildup or just the excess?

[@EnvironMolds]

Just remove the excess

[@darlenefoster1879]

Nice keep up the good work

[@ceo2436]

I appreciate if you could write the ingredients in form of the list follow by process thank you.

[@loverainodie]

Note to self for later use: Cut 100% cotton twine. Mix 1&1/2 cups heated water, 4 tbls Borax & salt 2tbls Leave twine overnight in solution. Rince off crystals and let dry for 48 hours. Then coat in melted bees wax x2 Lay them out straight to dry again.

[@antarctica1555]

Thanks I am going to use your notes

[@noratruscello7071]

Good notes!

[@susanchan5401]

What is borax powder

[@craftynikki9617]

can you use normal candle wax instead of bees wax?

[@terrybui9105]

Yes

[@missjones254]

Candelilla is the vegan option

[@horseshine6137]

I am wondering why the Borax and salt?

[@AM-fj3tf]

Me too

[@journeystorm8585]

Hi, I really LOVED your video. I am wondering though... In my research it is said that the type of wick you use is based on the width of your candle. There are so many kinds (S, M, & Large) and numbers and names lol. Is this wick good for ANY size candle? Also can it be used for GEL WAX candles? I am anxious for your reply as I have totally begun a new journey in this new chapter of my life! Thank You!

[@selammesay2480]

hi your Question is my question to did you find an answer yet ?

[@selammesay2480]

hi your Question is my question to did you find an answer yet ?

[@journeystorm8585]

Hi Selam - Since my candles are about the same width I have found one wick that works for me and have not had time to test this video out yet. First off, watch this guy "Standley Handcrafted" Here is the link.. I just commented that I lost the link to where he posted the "Wick Chart" and he is good about responding so watch for that comment. Good luck. I am making all kinds of candles now. Having the time of my life and selling them like hot cakes! kzbin.info/www/bejne/apfFlWavl75_o8k

[@journeystorm8585]

Oh.. Here is the wick I buy.. I also noticed that the first burn is the main one... How ever long you burn it until you blow it out... that will be the way it burns from now on..... Does that make sense? When you burn candle.. see the wax "pool" in the candle... it gets bigger and bigger... when you blow it out... that is as big as it will get each time now. Oh.. here is the link to Amazon where I get my wicks for an AWESOME PRICE! AND.. . if you get any bent up..... file a claim and you'll get a refund. www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07CQBQHYD/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[@journeystorm8585]

www.candlescience.com ---- Go to this and it will tell more about the size wicks you need.

[@hannartamang]

Hello, I cannot find Borax in my country, can I use baking soda instead?? Or is there a substitute for Borax??

[@WaschyNumber1]

No ther is no substitute for it.

[@somethingsgottagive8282]

I can't get this wick to work with bees wax. I think its due to the melt point of it. Bees wax melt is 140-160 degrees. Other waxes are 129-139. So my wick burns out without much melt on the wax. Any ideas?

[@EnvironMolds]

Beeswax candles developed in the middle ages, an improvement over animal tallow. Unlike animal-based tallow, beeswax burned pure and cleanly, without producing a smoky flame. It also emitted a pleasant sweet smell rather than the foul, acrid odor of tallow. Beeswax candles were widely used for church ceremonies, but because they were expensive, few individuals other than the wealthy could afford to burn them in the home. The wick of a candle is/was usually made of thinly braided cotton, and sometimes included a fine wire as a stiffener. Perhaps your wick is too thin for your candle - but cotton wicks and beeswax candles have married together since the 1500s so you are not doing anything new. Maybe you could sent a photo or two of what you are doing? [e-mail]

[@somethingsgottagive8282]

@@EnvironMolds I just emailed you. I am using a #24 Cotton Chalkline twine.

[@Jonesie6972]

Thanks for the video. What really interests me is if the wicks work on any diameter of candles?!

[@joshuafoster23]

Yeah I too wonder this. But I'm guessing it doesnt matter the width of wick as long as carbon doesnt build up on the top of the wick making the burn rate lower or inconsistent.

[@carlypippard3552]

@@joshuafoster23 the width of the wick absolutely matters. All wicks are made for certain diameter candles. the thicker the wick the larger diameter the candle. So if you were making a candle in a glass container you need to be very careful about the size of your wick because if its to thick the heat could cause the glass to break.

[@joshuafoster23]

@@carlypippard3552 that makes sense thank you. I have been using the wicks out of chaffing fuel containers they last much longer than other wicks . Not the whole thing in one candle. One wick is enough to make a few candles. I have a 3 wick pillar candle I use for light at night I made with less than half of one of the wicks from the chaffing fuel canisters from dollar tree . It's super bright as well. I dont sell candles I just find store bought candles either expensive; or not suitable for me personally. But I'm like that with everything. One size doesnt fit.

[@stclairjones815]

Everlasting WIC carbon felt

[@polymathecian]

I searched John Wick killing bad guys and somehow ended up here.

[@EnvironMolds]

We can certainly understand the Google confusion. Both types of wicks are HOT commodities - ours not so dangerous though. You are much safer here!

[@matthewtucker8994]

Killer

[@bigbossblood]

That sneeze😂

[@EnvironMolds]

A "God bless you." would have been nice.

[@bitty_bytes001]

Why does it need to soak in salt and borax?

[@mangreat71]

Can you use popsicle sticks and or sucker sticks for candle wick ?

[@EnvironMolds]

I suppose you could use anything that burned to attempt to create a candle wick. But then would it really be a candle in the traditional sense?

[@Time.and.Spoons]

You can but they tend to shoulder right down to the wax when you put them out and are hard to relight

[@paulbalogh4582]

Is this good for kero lamp wicks as in rail road or parlor lamps?

[@EnvironMolds]

Yiou can use this technique

[@prestonlogan3808]

How do you clean the measuring cup afterwards

[@technoir2584]

I would probably heat it up like they did in the video and pour the melted wax in the trash and quickly wipe out what's left before it hardens. Then give it a good wash in hot water with a stainless-steel sponge followed up with a washcloth.

[@RameyRocks]

But what about the metal tabs you need to put the wicks in?

[@valleygirl3745]

What if your wick is a zinc core wick would this be fine to use?

[@EnvironMolds]

Hi Valley girl. Our approach would be less effective with a zinc core.

[@beverleyjacob4709]

I had the same problem. Would like to know how your candle burn was?

[@lethalmutt]

hello! great video! what can i use instead, if i don’t have beeswax? 😊 thanks!

[@WaschyNumber1]

Any other wax, that you are using in the candle you make.

[@lethalmutt]

@@WaschyNumber1 thanks so much!

[@renjith142]

Hi... Great video. Though, I have few doubts to get clarified. Do I need to clean the cotton wick thoroughly with water, to remove the Borax and salt content completely after 24 hours of time? How should it be done properly ? Awaiting your reply. Thank you.

[@EnvironMolds]

The whole purpose is to saturate your wick with Borax - not to remove it. That will defeat the purpose.

[@renjith142]

@@EnvironMolds Really appreciate. Thank you.

[@rlolo777]

Yeah but what do you do with the bottom?

[@thuddbug0790]

I normally do jar candles so I just glue it to a button and glue the button to the bottom of the jar hope this helps :)

[@loretarafisura534]

what are the borax and salt for? thank you .

[@yearight7956]

Slow/smooth the burning and cool it in a way the wax around it doesn’t cause a deep pool.

[@yearight7956]

That’s the truth for salt, not sure if borax is exact same I’m guessing it is similar. Using a paper clip, or similar tool, to extinguish the lit wicks in wax and immediately capping the candle is enough for me. You can also buy bulk wicks for real cheap online easy too. People advise adding salt immediately after putting out a candle (while wax is still hot) so the wax lasts longer. Some go as far as putting candles in freezers between use which, I think is overkill/could do more harm than good, but to each their own. Salt also will make homemade wicks hold form.

[@obiterdictum3912]

BOOM! BANG! CRASH! what a Heavy Tut* geez aural assault*

[@DM-en5qf]

What does the salt do?

[@awildfreak]

Inhibit wax flow through wick to prevent carbon or smoke by limiting flame size

[@matthewcapello8121]

My wicks have considerable crystals, how can i take excess off?

[@goatlps]

Matthew Capello 5:50

[@breakingbruh4930]

is the borax mixture in the wicks safe when the wick burns?

[@CapeCrystalBrands]

Yes it is safe.

[@bendejo8]

if you have a smokey candle (after you put it out with the metal top) you can use dryer sheets to filter the smoke so it doesnt smell

[@journeystorm8585]

Environ Molds.... I asked a question months ago and still no reply. How can this one wick be good for EVERY candle.. I know that can't be right because the wick you use (There are alot) goes by the width of your jar and how it will burn... whether it burns in the middle.. or melts down the side and starts a fire. I notice you do not answer questions anymore. Why is that?

[@EnvironMolds]

This formula is best used for traditional candle making, not for small jars.

[@WaschyNumber1]

I think its becourse everyone think they will get a answer, try yourself answering 1000 people, ther is a thing called searching mashine like duckduckgo ect. for finding answers too.

[@pirugosi]

Can the beewax be replaced with s'thing else?

[@Big_Dot_Inc]

Parafine I think will work

[@raquelramosberrios4373]

I made this process, without melting the wick cause I prefer them, and the wicks did not light.

[@connorroche7971]

Can you use Pic Roach and Ant killer in place of borax? It's about 64% orthoboric acid. The other 36% is unspecified ingredients.

[@NewLife-qj9mx]

@@stclairstclair lol

[@sabinekatsavrias4422]

@@stclairstclair lmao

[@brokemyknee9097]

Can I use regular wax?

[@EnvironMolds]

Use the same wax that you use for your candle casting or dipping.