No. 4 (1.5") Candle Wick – 5m | Beeswax Candle Making Wick
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Cotton Candle Wick – No. 4 Bleached Square Wick – 5 Metres
For use with moulded or rolled beeswax candles with a diameter of approximately 1 1/2”
A high-quality candle wick, supplied in a convenient 5 metre length and particularly well suited to beeswax candle making.
This Bleached Square™ Wick was originally developed for beeswax candles and is designed to perform particularly well with waxes that have a high viscosity when molten, including beeswax and vegetable waxes. Its square braided construction is engineered to curl as the candle burns, helping to minimise carbon build-up and promote good burning performance.
Made from 100% natural fibres, the wick is finished with chemical treatments designed to improve its burning characteristics.
Key Features
- Wick size: No. 4
- Length: 5 metres
- Type: Bleached Square™ candle wick
- Material: 100% natural fibres
- Ideal for beeswax candles
- Also suitable for vegetable waxes and other candle wax systems
- Square wick construction
- Engineered to curl during burning, helping to minimise carbon build-up
- Supplied as continuous wick for cutting to your required length
- Suitable for hobby and small-scale candle making
What Size Candle Is No. 4 Wick Suitable For?
According to the manufacturer's technical data, No. 4 Bleached Square Wick produces an indicative wax pool diameter of approximately 5.6 cm (2.2 inches). The manufacturer's selection guide categorises No. 4 as suitable for large container candles and large pillar candles.
The manufacturer's laboratory rate data for No. 4 records:
| Technical specification | No. 4 Bleached Square Wick |
|---|---|
| Indicative flame height | 4.74 cm / 1.87" |
| Rate of consumption | 6.98 g/hour / 0.25 oz/hour |
| Indicative wax pool diameter | 5.62 cm / 2.21" |
| Construction | 70 ends |
These figures are manufacturer's reference data rather than guaranteed performance in every candle.
Is This Wick Suitable for Beeswax?
Yes. Bleached Square Wick was originally designed specifically for beeswax candles. Its construction makes it particularly suitable for waxes that remain relatively viscous when molten, such as beeswax and vegetable wax.
This makes it a good choice for beekeepers, beeswax candle makers and crafters looking to turn their own beeswax into finished candles.
Is It Suitable for Other Types of Wax?
Yes. Although originally designed for beeswax, the manufacturer states that Bleached Square Wick is now used across a range of candle systems and is particularly suitable for beeswax and vegetable waxes.
However, wick performance varies considerably depending on the wax, candle diameter, fragrance, dyes and other additives used.
Do I Need to Test the Wick?
Yes. Burn testing is essential when making candles.
Wick sizing charts should only be treated as a starting point. The manufacturer specifically advises that wax type, additives and individual candle formulations can all affect wick performance, and that the final wick selection should be confirmed through testing of the finished candle.
Even if your candle falls within the manufacturer's suggested diameter, we recommend making and thoroughly burn-testing a sample before producing candles in quantity or offering them for sale.
Why Does Candle Diameter Matter?
The wick needs to generate enough heat to create an appropriate melt pool without producing an excessively large flame or causing the candle to burn too quickly.
A wick that is too small may result in tunnelling or an insufficient melt pool, while a wick that is too large may create an excessively large flame, deeper melt pool or faster wax consumption.
Wax formulation also affects performance, so candle diameter alone should never be used as a guarantee of the correct wick size.
How Much Wick Will I Receive?
This product contains 5 metres of No. 4 candle wick, allowing you to cut individual lengths to suit the candles you are making.
Important Candle-Making Information
Wick recommendations and technical figures are intended as a guide only. Candle performance can vary according to:
- Wax type and formulation
- Candle diameter and shape
- Fragrance oils
- Colourants and other additives
- Wick length and preparation
- Container or mould design
- Manufacturing conditions
Always carry out appropriate burn testing on the complete finished candle before deciding that a particular wick is suitable for your candle design. The manufacturer likewise stresses that final wick selection should be validated by testing rather than relying solely on its reference charts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a cotton candle wick?
It is a Bleached Square™ wick constructed from 100% natural fibres and treated to improve its burning qualities.
Is this wick suitable for beeswax candles?
Yes. This wick range was originally designed for beeswax and is particularly suited to highly viscous molten waxes.
What diameter candle can I make with No. 4 wick?
The manufacturer's test data gives No. 4 an indicative wax pool diameter of approximately 5.6 cm (2.2") and classifies it for large container and pillar candles. This should be treated as a starting point rather than a guaranteed candle diameter.
Can I use it with vegetable wax?
Yes. The manufacturer specifically identifies vegetable wax, alongside beeswax, as a suitable application for Bleached Square Wick.
Does the wick need trimming?
Normal candle-making and candle-use practices should be followed. The wick's construction is designed to curl while burning to help minimise carbon build-up, but this does not remove the need to monitor and test the finished candle.
Is the wick untreated or completely natural?
The wick is constructed from 100% natural fibres, but it is finished with chemical treatments to improve its burn qualities.
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