Wick size - please advise

[Eyal]

Hi,
Can anyone please tell me - according to the attached photo - does this candle has too thick or too thin wick?
The wax is just about to drip off.
I did some experiments with flat braided cotton wicks: 18, 24, 30 and 36 ply and it actually behaved similar for all: the wax melts and sometimes drip.

And also: For a candle with more fragrance (essential oils), in general, shall I wick up or down?
And for a candle with more color, shall I wick up or down?

Some technical details (though I don't think it has to do with my questions):
Kerasoy 4120 (70%), white beeswax (30%)
Lot of color as you can see
About 1% essential oils
Candle diameter is 13 mm
Wick is flat braided cotton.


Thanks in advance,
Eyal

 

[lsg]

You might take a look at this info about "dripless" taper candles. I have never used a taper candle that didn't drip a little.
Everything You Need To Know About Dripless Taper Candles
From that website: "Dripless wax of that kind is created by combining regular wax with stearic acid, which hardens it. Stearic acid occurs naturally in animal and vegetable fats."

 

[jcandleattic]

Wick is flat braided cotton.

What size of flat braid is it?

For my tapers I use a 15-18 flat braid, use paraffin wax mixed with stearic and rarely get dripping, unless the taper has somehow cooled crooked (I only make hand-dipped tapers).
Looks like you are using a soy wax blend which will most likely be a very soft wax and will need an extra hardener no matter what size wick you use.

HTH
Best Regards,

 

[Eyal]

Thank you for the replies!
I wrote all details I could about this candle. I did tested 4 sizes: 18, 24, 30, 36 ply, and there was no big difference. MAYBE the 36 dripped a little less. does it make sense to use a larger wick in this case?
Or shall I try to mix with higher percentage of beeswax as Jcandleattic suggest?