Top Places to Buy Candle and Oil Lamp Wicks

Finding the right wicks is crucial for successful candle making and oil lamp operation. Whether you're a hobbyist or professional candle maker, knowing where to buy candle wicks that match your specific needs can make all the difference in your finished products. This guide explores the best physical and online retailers where you can find quality wicks for all your projects.

Retail Craft Stores for Buying Candle Wicks

When wondering where to buy wicks for candles locally, craft stores are often the first stop for many DIY enthusiasts.

Michaels

Michaels carries a variety of candle making supplies, including different types of wicks. Their selection typically includes cotton wicks in various sizes, pre-tabbed options, and some specialty wicks for container candles. The advantage of shopping at Michaels is the ability to use their frequent coupons and see the products before purchasing.

Hobby Lobby

Hobby Lobby offers a dedicated candle making section where you can find pre-cut wicks, wick sustainers, and even some wooden wicks. Their inventory tends to focus on beginner-friendly options, making it a good place for those just starting their candle making journey.

JOANN Fabric and Craft Stores

JOANN carries basic candle making supplies including cotton wicks in standard sizes. While their selection might not be as extensive as specialty suppliers, they're a convenient option if you need wicks quickly and have a store nearby.

Online Marketplaces with Extensive Wick Options

For those wondering where to find candle wicks with more variety, online marketplaces offer extensive options.

Amazon

Amazon hosts numerous sellers offering everything from basic cotton wicks to specialty options like hemp, wood, and metal-core varieties. The platform's review system helps identify quality products, while Prime shipping makes it convenient for last-minute projects.

Etsy

Etsy connects you with small businesses and artisans who often sell high-quality, sometimes hard-to-find wick options. Many Etsy sellers specialize in eco-friendly or unique wick types that might not be available through larger retailers.

According to candle making experts who supply specialty materials for various crafting needs, the right wick is as important as the container and wax selection when creating custom products.

Specialty Candle Suppliers for Premium Wicks

When quality and selection are priorities for where to buy a wick for a candle, specialty suppliers offer the best options.

CandleScience

CandleScience provides an extensive selection of premium wicks, including cotton, wood, and specialty options designed for specific wax types. Their detailed guides help match wicks to projects, and they offer sample packs for testing.

The Flaming Candle

The Flaming Candle specializes in candle making supplies with a wide range of wick options. They offer detailed specifications for each wick type, making it easier to select the right one for your specific wax and container combination.

Lone Star Candle Supply

Lone Star provides professional-grade wicks with comprehensive information about burn characteristics. Their selection includes options for container candles, pillars, and specialty applications like beeswax candles, which require specific wick types for optimal performance.

Choosing the Right Wicks for Your Projects

Understanding wick types is essential when deciding where to buy candle wicks for your specific needs.

Cotton Wicks

Cotton wicks are the most common and versatile option. They come in various styles:

• Flat cotton wicks: Best for container candles and tealights
• Square braided: Ideal for pillars and larger containers
• Cored wicks: Contain paper or metal cores for stability

Wooden Wicks

Wooden wicks create a pleasant crackling sound and wider flame. They're popular for container candles and provide an artisanal aesthetic. Understanding different wick materials helps ensure your candles burn properly.

Specialty Wicks

For specific applications, you might need:

• Hemp wicks: Eco-friendly option with consistent burning
• Metal-core wicks: For high-melt-point waxes
• Pre-waxed wicks: Ready to use without priming

When purchasing wicks, consider factors like compatibility with your candle making supplies and the specific characteristics of your chosen wax.

Where to Find Quality Oil Lamp Wicks

If you're wondering where to buy wicks for oil lamps, these sources specialize in this niche product.

Lehman's

Lehman's specializes in non-electric living supplies, including high-quality oil lamp wicks in various sizes. Their selection includes flat cotton wicks, round wicks, and specialty options for antique lamps.

Vermont Lanterns

Vermont Lanterns offers replacement wicks specifically designed for oil lamps. They provide detailed sizing guides to help you find the correct replacement for your specific lamp model.

Antique Hardware Stores

Stores specializing in antique hardware often carry oil lamp wicks suitable for vintage lamps. These retailers typically offer expertise in matching the right wick to historical lamp models.

Budget-Friendly Options for Buying Wicks in Bulk

For those wondering where can you get candle wicks in larger quantities at better prices, consider these options.

Wholesale Suppliers

Businesses like CandleWic and Fillmore Container offer substantial discounts when purchasing wicks in bulk quantities. These suppliers cater to professional candle makers but often sell to hobbyists as well.

DIY Options

Some crafters make their own wicks using cotton string and boric acid solution. While this requires additional preparation, it can be cost-effective for those making many candles. DIY candle making guides often include instructions for this approach.

Co-op Purchases

Joining with other crafters to make bulk purchases can help reduce costs. Candle making forums and social media groups sometimes organize group buys for supplies including wicks.

The Future of Wick Shopping: Sustainable and Specialized Options

The market for candle and oil lamp wicks continues to evolve with new options emerging regularly. Eco-friendly alternatives like organic cotton, hemp, and wood sourced from sustainable forests are becoming increasingly popular as consumers seek greener options. Additionally, specialized wicks designed for specific applications, such as those optimized for particular wax formulations, continue to enter the market.

Online retailers are also improving the shopping experience with detailed specifications, burn-time calculators, and recommendation engines that help match the perfect wick to your project. As interest in home candle making continues to grow, expect to see more specialized suppliers offering curated wick selections with comprehensive educational resources.

Whether you're a casual hobbyist or serious candle maker, understanding where to buy wicks for candles that meet your specific needs ensures better results and more enjoyable crafting experiences. With the variety of options available both online and in physical stores, finding the perfect wick for your next project has never been easier.