For lamps burning harsh fuels like fish oil or tallow, a wool wick is often the superior choice due to its robust chemical resistance and ability to handle particulate matter. However, pure cotton can be prone to carbon buildup, or "mushrooming," where the tip of the wick chars and expands, disrupting the flame's consistency.
Choosing the Right Wick Material and Size for a Clean, Bright Burn
Using the wrong size or material can lead to a range of issues, from excessive smoke and sooting to dangerous flare-ups or a flame that refuses to stay lit. The wick acts as a bundle of tiny capillary tubes.
A wick that is too large will consume fuel faster than it can be burned, resulting in a tall, smoky flame that produces excessive heat and may crack the glass chimney or font. The heat of the flame then vaporizes this fuel at the tip, creating a continuous cycle of combustion.
Choosing the Best Wick for Oil Lamps for a Bright, Clean Burn
The most traditional and widely available is cotton, which is highly absorbent and compatible with most vegetable oils and kerosene. The general rule is that the wick diameter should be approximately half the diameter of the lamp's chimney or font opening.
More About Wick for oil lamps
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