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Candle Wick Technical specs
Candle Wick for Waxed Based Candle Designs
We manufacture our own line of candle wicking. The best way to cross reference a different manufacturers' wick with our product line is by the burn rate measured in grams per hour. That is just a start. Burn rates are relative to each batch tested. The only way to ensure a wick works is to test it in your blend of wax, dye, fragrance etc. Different wax blends will generate different performance standards with the same wick. Again, test, test, test. There is no effective way to cross reference another manufacturers' wick other than to conduct burn tests. We do not have cross-reference data on other manufacturers.

Sorry to say we do not offer consulting on industrial candle making because of the enormity of variables that are involved. The best approach is to start with a sample pack of wick and test the wicks with your design.

Commercial candle making requires a great deal of quality control measures. Each harvest of a cotton crop has a slightly different density. That is why most textiles are sold by the pound and not the yard. Each batch of wax from a refinery has a slightly different molecular profile. Fragrances can have the same smell (such as Vanilla) but can and are made with different oil and solvent bases. Consider the heat a container will retain and its effect on the melt pool. Consider humidity. Consider dye concentrates. Some dyes like red are heavy in particulate concentration and actually clog the wick! Make your design fault tolerant. See how far each variable can change before the candle performs poorly.

Pepperell Braiding Company manufactures cored and non-cored tubular braided candle wick. In general there are three types of wicks. Plaited or flat braid, square braid and tubular braid. We only manufacture the tubular braid. Our wicks are manufactured with 100% cotton. There are no chemical additives in our wicks.

The size of the wick depends on the number of ply's of cotton used to braid the product. For example, a wick made on a twelve-carrier braider (12 bobbins of yarn) is larger than a wick braided on an eight-carrier machine (8 bobbins of yarn) assuming the same size yarns are used.

There are square, tubular and flat braids depending on the type of braider used, but they are all constructed of ply's of yarn and hence more yarn means a bigger wick, which will burn hotter. This is a general assumption.

Wicks are rated in the amount of wax they consume in a one-hour period expressed in grams per hour. The general method of finding the "burn rate" is by setting the test wick in an unscented and un-dyed wax then weigh (in grams) and burn the sample for a set period of time. Re-weigh the sample and divide by the burn time to give you the "burn rate". This is how wicks are tested at the factory. Burn testing is only relative to the batch, NOT to another manufactures' product line.

Please note that it is imperative on the candle makers part to test a wick or wicks in the actual wax mix you will be using. Melt points, fragrance, dyes, container heat retention or lack of heat retention WILL effect the burn rate. Burn data provided by a manufacture are just generic generalized information generated by conducting the tests in an unscented and un-dyed wax at a mid-level melt point. The information provided by a manufacturer on burn rates is to get you in the ball park to start your testing. All testing is relative.

You may want to buy a precision steel ruler and take other measurements during your testing phase. We, Pepperell Braiding Company, also measure melt pool diameter, flame height, and carbon head diameter deposits if applicable. Good note taking is a must. For those who buy wicking bulk and un-waxed on a spool must also consider humidity. It is not uncommon for wicking to absorb excess moisture during hot and humid days. Wicking with high moisture content will perform poorly. Consider how the wick is stored prior to use.

The relationship between "burn rate" and wick sizes is as follows. The lower the "burn rate" the smaller the wick, and the higher the "burn rate" the larger the wick (more ply's of yarn). A lower "burn rate" will generate a small flame and a small melt pool diameter whereas a higher "burn rate" will generate a larger flame and a larger melt pool diameter.

Therefore, the relationship between "burn rate" and candle size is as follows. The smaller the candle diameter the smaller the wick (lower "burn rate") that should be applied. The larger the diameter of the candle, the larger the wick (higher "burn rate") that should be applied. Please note that the "burn rate" is just the starting point. Wax melt point, scents and dyes will vary the results. Therefore, use the "burn rate" data as a guide to start your testing.

Pepperell Braiding Candlewick Numbering System

Non-Cored (Coreless) Tubular Candle Wick Series
Bleached cotton - bright white in color - generally used for tapers, pillars and novelties.

SKU / Series
#630 Bleached Cotton Wick (Smallest Amount of Yarn in Braid-Smallest Burn Rate)
#500 Bleached Cotton Wick (Medium)
#360 Bleached Cotton Wick (Large)
#200 Bleached Cotton Wick (Extra Large)
#130 Bleached Cotton Wick (Largest Amount of Yarn in Braid-Highest Burn Rate)

Cored Tubular Candle Wick Series
All natural cotton yarns - tan color - generally used for votives, containers and some pillars.

SKU / Series
#807 Natural Cotton Braid Wick (Smallest Amount of Yarn in Braid-Smallest Burn Rate)
#838 Natural Cotton Braid Wick (Medium)
#1200 Natural Cotton Braid Wick (Large)
#1400 Natural Cotton Braid Wick (Large+)
#40032 Natural Cotton Braid Wick (Extra Large)
#60048 Natural Cotton Braid Wick (Super Large-Highest Burn Rate)
*Core types include paper, cotton, hemp and zinc. Core size ~18 gauge.
Example: #807 with a paper core would be called #807P.
Example: #60048 with a zinc core would be called #60048Z

Coreless Flat / Plaited Series Candle Wick

SKU / Series
TG1808 Plaited wick, cotton-26 ply, Wick hooks to side to minimize carbon heads. This is a typical characteristic of plaited (flat) braided wicks. Usually minimizes carbon balls.

SKU Description Unit Measure Unit Cost
TG1808-LB Flat braid candle wick per Pound on Spool $48.60 per Pound
TG1808-50 Flat braid candle wick 50 Yard Spool $11.87 per 50 Yards

Special Candle Wick Series
GelWick™ (Zinc Core) Tested in Penreco Versagel
GelWick™ (Hemp Core) Tested in Penreco Versagel
#1173 Natural Cotton Braid (Very Small Braid-Typically used for “T-Lites”) - Call to Order
#4/2 Waxed and Tabbed Braid (Very Small Braid-Typically used for “T-Lites”) - Call to Order
#JUTE Twist (Available pre-waxed and tabbed) Jute is a sister of Hemp. - Call to Order

Coreless Candle Wick Series Pricing and Packaging Options
SKU Description
Unit Measure
Unit Cost
#630-1500
Coreless		 Bleached Cotton Wick (Sm.)
1500 Yard Spool
$57.62
#630-100
Coreless		 Bleached Cotton Wick (Sm.)
100 Yard Spool
$11.87
#500-1000
Coreless		 Bleached Cotton Wick (Med.)
1000 Yard Spool
$45.62
#500-75
Coreless		 Bleached Cotton Wick (Med.)
75 Yard Spool
$11.87
#360-700
Coreless		 Bleached Cotton Wick (Lg.)
700 Yard Spool
$34.45
#360-50
Coreless		 Bleached Cotton Wick (Lg.)
50 Yard Spool
$11.87
#200-500
Coreless		 Bleached Cotton Wick (Very Lg.)
500 Yard Spool
$34.45
#200-50
Coreless		 Bleached Cotton Wick (Very Lg.)
50 Yard Spool
$11.87
#130-250
Coreless		 Bleached Cotton Wick (Ex. Lg.)
250 Yard Spool
$34.45
#130-40
Coreless		 Bleached Cotton Wick (Ex. Lg.)
40 Yard Spool
$11.87
Cored Candle Wick Series* cores: paper, cotton, zinc, hemp
SKU Description
Unit Measure
Unit Cost
#807-LB
Cored		 Natural Cotton Braid Sm. per Pound on Spool $21.59/ Pound
#838-LB
Cored		 Natural Cotton Braid Md. per Pound on Spool $21.59/ Pound
#1200-LB
Cored		 Natural Cotton Braid Lg. per Pound on Spool $21.59/ Pound
#1400-LB
Cored		 Natural Cotton Braid Lg.+ per Pound on Spool $21.59/ Pound
#40032-LB
Cored		 Natural Cotton Braid Ex. Lg. per Pound on Spool $21.59/ Pound
#60048-LB
Cored		 Natural Cotton Braid Super. Lg. per Pound on Spool $21.59/ Pound
GelWick (H)-LB
Cored		 Designed for Versagel.
Hemp Core		 per Pound on Spool $21.59/ Pound
GelWick (Z)-LB
Cored		 Designed for Versagel.
Zinc Core		 per Pound on Spool $21.59/ Pound
* Core types available are paper, cotton, hemp and zinc. You will only be charged for actual weight sent. Spool weight may vary. For example 1.5 pounds etc.

Yield Data:
#807-LB per pound on spool - yield ~ 323 yards per pound for zinc core
#838-LB per pound on spool - yield ~ 268 yards per pound for zinc core
#1200-LB per pound on spool - yield ~ 209 yards per pound for zinc core
#1400-LB per pound on spool - yield ~ 237 yards per pound for zinc core
#40032-LB per pound on spool - yield ~ 225 yards per pound for zinc core
#60048-LB per pound on spool - yield ~ 180 yards per pound for zinc core
Yields are higher for cores such as paper, hemp and cotton.

Pre-Waxed, Cut, and Tabbed Wicks - Minimum 5000 wicks per order. Please Fax in Orders.
The cored wick series mentioned above can be pre-waxed, cut, and tabbed. This includes just the cored series wicks. Pricing is based on the length of the wick in lots of 1000. All wicks are cut to order. We don’t inventory pre-waxed, cut and tabbed wicks. Tabs are 15mm or 20mm rust resistant. Wicks are cut in minimum lots of 1000. The wax coating congeals at 150 degrees Fahrenheit.

PWCT – (Pre-Waxed, Cut, and Tabbed) Wicks. Minimum 5000 wicks per order.
Cut lengths from 1" to 12" maximum in ½" Increments.

SKU Format for PWCT wicks: First the Series – Second the Core Type – Third the Tab Diameter – Fourth the Length. Example: 807Z – 15x3mm – 3"
Cut Length - in 1/2 " increments
Price Per 1000 PWCT Wicks
Minimum Order is 5000 Wicks
Range from 0 to 1"
$14.26
Range from 1” to 2”
$24.24
Range from 2” to 3”
$30.29
Range from 3” to 4”
$32.67
Range from 4” to 5”
$33.86
Range from 5” to 6”
$35.00
Range from 6” to 7”
$40.99
Range from 7” to 8”
$48.11
Range from 8” to 9”
$55.24
Range from 9” to 10”
$62.37
Range from 10” to 11”
$69.50
Range from 11” to 12”
$76.63

Wick Performance Data
Please note that the following information is provided as a guide. Burn rates are affected by wax viscosity, melting point, wick length, and the additives you use including dyes and scents. As a general rule always trim the wick to 1/4"or less. Never burn a candle unattended. "Suggested Use" is just a starting point. The best candles on the market are those that have been tested.

Coreless Tubular Candle Wick Series

Burn Rate~Grams / Hour

#630 Bleached Cotton Candle Wick
5.7
#500 Bleached Cotton Candle Wick
5.8
#360 Bleached Cotton Candle Wick
6.3
#200 Bleached Cotton Candle Wick
6.6
#130 Bleached Cotton Candle Wick
7.8
Cored Tubular Candle Wick Series - Available C, P, H, Z Center Cores

Burn Rate~Grams / Hour

#807 series
2.5
#838 series
3
#1200 series
3.5
#1400 series
4.3
#40032 series
5.7
#60048 series
7.2
Please note C=Cotton Core, P=Paper Core, H=Hemp Core, Z=Zinc Core
Coreless Series - Plaited
Burn Rate ~ Grams
Suggested Use
TG1808 2.2-Tested in Versagel Sm. Gel Candles, Wax tapers
Special Series
Burn Rate ~ Grams
Suggested Use
GelWick™ (Zinc Core)
2.8
Gel Candles
GelWick™ (Hemp Core)
2.8
Gel Candles
#1173 Cotton Braid
<2.0
T-Lights
4/2 Waxed and Tabbed
Low
T-Lights
Please note that "burn rate" is only relative to the actual batch tested. Each batch being tested could yield slightly different results.