How to Make a Double-Wicked Soy Candle: A Beginner’s Guide
If you’ve mastered single-wick candles and are ready to try something new, making a double-wicked soy candle is the perfect next step! Double wicks are ideal for larger jars, ensuring an even burn and stronger scent throw. In this beginner-friendly guide, we’ll walk you through the process step-by-step, so you can confidently create your own beautiful double-wicked candle.
Why Use Double Wicks?
Double wicks are used in larger jars to:
- Prevent tunneling (where wax pools only around the wick).
- Ensure a clean, even burn across the surface of the candle.
- Enhance scent throw for a more fragrant experience.
With the right tools and techniques, double-wick candles are just as easy to make as single-wick candles!
What You’ll Need
- Soy wax (we recommend Illumina Soy Candles 100% natural soy wax for a clean burn).
- Black Thick-Walled Glass Candle Jar (or any jar over 8 cm in diameter). View here
- Two pre-tabbed cotton wicks (wick size suggestions below
- Wick stickers or glue dots.
- Wick centering tool (to hold your wicks in place).
- Fragrance oil (optional, use up to 10% of your wax weight).
- Heatproof container (for melting wax).
- Double boiler or microwave for melting wax.
- Thermometer (to monitor wax temperature).
- Stirring stick (a clean wooden skewer works well).
- Scissors (for trimming wicks).
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Choose the Right Wick Size
For double-wick candles, you’ll need two smaller wicks instead of one large wick. The wick size depends on your jar diameter and wax type. At Illumina Candle Supply, we provide wick recommendations to take the guesswork out of the process—check our wick sizing guide or contact us for assistance.
If you are not using one of our larger containers, here are some tips:
- Divide the diameter of the candle in 2
- Use the wick size appropriate for the divided amount
Example
- 100mm diameter container- Divided by 2= 50mm
- Using the CDN Wick Guideline, a 50-55mm diameter candle recommends using CDN 8, so you would use 2x CDN 8. Use our wick guide here
Step 2: Prepare Your Workspace
- Lay down newspaper or a protective surface to catch any spills.
- Ensure your jar is clean, dry, and free of any residue.
Step 3: Attach the Wicks
- Place two wick stickers on the base of your pre-tabbed wicks.
- Position the wicks equidistant from each other and the jar walls. A good rule of thumb is to place each wick about 2.5 cm (1 inch) from the center.
- Press the wick bases firmly into the jar to secure them.
Step 4: Melt the Wax
- Measure the amount of soy wax needed for your jar (you can calculate this by filling your jar with water, then weighing it).
- Melt the wax using a double boiler
Step 5: Add Fragrance Oil (Optional)
- If you’re adding fragrance oil, add it to the melted wax once the temperature drops to around 65 to 70 degrees.
- Stir thoroughly for 1–2 minutes to ensure the fragrance is evenly distributed.
Step 6: Pour the Wax
- Let the melted wax cool to about45 to 48 degrees/
- Slowly pour the wax into your jar, holding the wicks in place with a wick centering tool.
Step 7: Secure and Trim the Wicks
- Use a wick centering tool to keep the wicks upright and evenly spaced.
- Allow the candle to cool completely (this can take 4–6 hours).
- Once cooled, trim the wicks to about 5 mm (¼ inch) to ensure a clean burn.
Step 8: Test Your Candle
- Before lighting, let your candle cure for at least 48 hours.
- Test burn the candle to ensure the wicks are burning evenly and the wax pool reaches the edges of the jar within 2–3 hours.
Tips for Success
- Always test burn your candles, especially when trying new wick sizes or wax blends.
- Avoid overloading your wax with fragrance oil, as this can affect burn performance.
- If the wax doesn’t burn evenly, adjust wick size or placement in future batches.
- Remember, each fragrance burns uniquely. If you are familiar with the burning style of a particular fragrance and you know that it uses a smaller wick than any other fragrances you use for the same container, decrease the wick size. It is always important to do your own testing for each fragrance for each container.
Why Choose Soy Wax for Double-Wick Candles?
Soy wax is eco-friendly, clean-burning, and holds fragrance well, making it perfect for your double-wicked creations. Plus, it’s easy to work with, even for beginners!
Start Your Candle-Making Journey Today!
With these simple steps, you’re ready to create stunning, professional-quality double-wicked soy candles. Don’t forget—you can shop 25% OFF Black Thick-Walled Glass Candle Jars this week at Illumina Candle Supply to get started!
Let us know how your project goes, and tag us in your creations!
FAQs
Q: Can I use any jar for double-wick candles?
A: Larger jars (over 8 cm in diameter) are ideal. Smaller jars typically only need one wick.
Q: How do I know which wick size to use?
A: Check our wick size guide or contact us for recommendations based on your jar size and wax type.
