Wooden wick, .04 crackling, double, 6.4 mm

This is a flat wooden wick with a double lamella that produces a gentle crackling sound reminiscent of a fireplace while burning. It comes as a set with a metal sustainer that holds the wick upright at the bottom of the container, so after pouring the wax it stays centred and does not lean. The set is intended for making container candles – glass jars, tins or ceramic bowls.

The double design means the wick consists of two thin wooden lamellae bonded together. The designation .04 is the manufacturer's lamella thickness code; a higher number means a thicker lamella.

Key features

• Crackling sound – burning is accompanied by a quiet popping that is the main reason candle makers reach for wooden wicks.
• Flat shape – the wick burns across the full width of the lamella, not vertically like a cotton wick.
• Sustainer included – a metal stem with a circular base holds the wick upright during pouring and setting; no separate fixture is needed.
• Natural material – the wicks are made in the USA from certified wood; the manufacturer states they are allergen-free and biodegradable.
• Trimmable to size – the wick is supplied at a length suitable for standard containers and can be easily cut to the required height.

How to work with the set

First adhere the sustainer to the centre of the container bottom using a wick sticker, hot glue or a drop of melted wax. Insert the wick into the sustainer so it stands upright, then pour the wax. Orient the flat lamella so it does not touch the container wall, even at a narrower opening.

Once the candle has set, trim the wick low above the wax surface. A wooden wick that is too long is difficult to light and extinguishes quickly; one that is too short will drown in the melted wax. The correct height is determined by a test burn with the specific wax.

Choosing thickness and testing

The behaviour of a wooden wick depends on the type of wax, the container diameter, and the proportion of fragrance oil and dyes. If the wick burns weakly in a given formulation, it is worth trying a thicker lamella or a different wick type. Wick thickness should therefore always be selected with the finished formulation, not with plain wax.

Good to know

The first burn should last until the melted wax spreads across the entire surface; otherwise the candle will tunnel and the wick will suffocate in it. A wooden wick ignites more slowly than a cotton one – hold the flame against the lamella for several seconds until it catches across the full width. The metal sustainer also marks the end of burning: when the wax level drops to its height, the candle is spent and should not be relit.

Frequently asked questions