THE PURPOSE OF A WICK is to deliver fuel (wax) to the flame.

Acting like a
fuel pump, the wick draws the liquefied wax up into the flame to burn. Different
wick sizes allow for different amounts of fuel to be drawn into the flame. Too
much fuel and the flame will flare and soot; too little fuel and the flame will sputter
out.
All wicks consist of a bundle of fibers that are either twisted, braided or knitted
together. These fibers absorb the liquefied wax and carry it to the flame by
capillary action.
AFTER THE CANDLE WICK IS WOVEN, IT is usually treated with chemicals
or inorganic salts that alter the cord so that it bends as the flame consumes it. This
keeps the candle wick within the flame rather than allowing it to stand straight.
Treating candle wicks with inorganic salts keeps the flame from burning too
quickly. If the candle burns too fast, the candle will go out when the flame reaches
the pool of melted wax. If the wick doesn't curl so that it remains within the inner
mantle of the flame, the candle flame would be too high and become dangerous.
Some candle wicks are made for use in specific kinds of candles. Wicks for tea
candles, for instance, usually have a metal stand that keeps the wick from being
pulled through the hole in the small candle. Floating candles also usually have
wicks that are completely sealed inside the candle so that the water can't be drawn
into the wick and extinguish the flame.
In a trick candle, magnesium powder is incorporated into the
candles wick. Magnesium is a highly reactive metal when powdered or
sliced thinly. It can ignite at temperatures as low as 800 F (430 C).
When the flame is blown out, the hot embers from the wick ignite the
magnesium powder, producing tiny sparks. This, in turn, ignites the

vaporized paraffin hydrocarbons, which relights the wick. The

magnesium found lower down in the wick doesnt burn because it is
protected by the paraffin. Magnesium powder is used in trick candles
because it is flammable at a lower temperature than other pyrophoric
metals such as aluminum or iron.

Wicks are also readily available. They are commonly made of plaited cotton yarn
that has been mordanted (pickled in a substance that inhibits smoking). The
treatment is necessary because normal cotton would burn too fast and smoke.
The idea is to make the wick burn in such a way that it tends to lean out of the
flame. Then the inorganic salts of the cellulose in the wick combine with the
phosphates and borates of the mordanting salts for an ashless decomposition.

COLORS: Choose the chemical for the colour you want for the flames. Strontium

chloride burns red; calcium carbonate burns orange; sodium chloride burns yellow; boric
acid burns green; copper chloride burns blue; potassium chloride burns purple; and
magnesium sulphate burns white.
2
Fill a small bowl with your chosen chemical, and soak the candle wicks in the bowl. The
wicks don't need to be dripping wet, but the chemicals must be thoroughly soaked into
the entire length.