How Do You Make A Large 3 Wick Candle?

Candle making is an ancient craft that has been practiced for thousands of years. While methods and materials have evolved over time, the basic process remains straightforward. Making a large, 3-wick candle involves gathering the necessary materials, preparing the wicks and containers, melting wax, adding fragrance, pouring, cooling, curing, and finishing the candle. With some simple equipment and proper safety precautions, it is possible to make beautiful, high-quality candles at home. This guide will provide an overview of the entire candle making process from start to finish.

Gather Materials

The main material needed for making large 3 wick candles is wax. The most common types of wax used in candle making are paraffin wax, soy wax, and beeswax. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages:

Paraffin wax is derived from petroleum. It is inexpensive and easily accessible. Paraffin wax has a high melting point which makes it ideal for pillar candles and wax melts. However, paraffin wax produces more soot than natural waxes when burned (AMC Supplies).

Soy wax is made from hydrogenated soybean oil. It is a renewable and sustainable resource. Soy wax is easy to work with and blends well with fragrances. It has a lower melting point than paraffin, so it may not be best for pillar candles. Soy wax also has a natural tendency to frost and sweat (Brookota’s Creations).

Beeswax is a natural wax made by honey bees. It has a pleasant natural honey scent. Beeswax burns cleanly and is biodegradable. However, beeswax is expensive and challenging to work with. It also has a low melting point (Kindled Craft).

Many candle makers use wax blends to balance the pros and cons of different waxes. This allows them to customize the properties of their candles.

Prepare Wicks

The type and size of wick is crucial for a properly burning large candle. The wick must be big enough to support the larger candle’s wax pool but not so big that it creates excess smoke or sooting.

For a 3-wick large candle, start by selecting a wick intended for containers 2-3 inches wide. Eco or cotton core wicks around size 10-16 are often recommended for candles with a 2-3 inch diameter (https://villagecraftandcandle.com/blogs/news/what-are-the-different-types-of-candle-wicks).

To determine the ideal wick size, calculate the diameter of your candle container and consult a wick sizing chart from the wick manufacturer. A larger wick number indicates a thicker wick. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines, as wick sizing can vary slightly by wax type and other factors (https://www.candlescience.com/learning/choosing-the-right-wick-size/).

Having properly sized wicks will help ensure your large candle burns evenly across all 3 wicks from the first light.

Prepare Containers

The container you choose for your candle is an important decision that impacts the look, safety, and burn quality. When making a large 3-wick candle, opt for a sturdy, heat-resistant container that won’t easily tip over. Some popular options include:

Glass containers like jars and vases are attractive, let you see the candle wax, and withstand high temperatures. Make sure to use tempered glass designed for candle making. Anchor the wicks well as glass doesn’t grip them as tightly as other materials.

Metal tins and containers are durable, provide good heat dispersion, and give a rustic look. Tins come in various shapes and sizes. Stainless steel is best for resisting rust. Ensure wicks are centered and secure.

Silicone molds are flexible, easy to remove candles from, and come in many creative shapes. The flexibility prevents cracking as wax shrinks. Make sure molds are 100% silicone rated for high heat. Give time for any condensation to evaporate before pouring wax.

Choose a container 3-4 inches wide and at least 3 inches deep for a standard 3-wick candle. Make sure it’s clean and dry before pouring wax. Wicks should be spaced evenly apart about 1 inch from edges. Now you have the perfect vessel for your candle!

Melt Wax

When melting wax for making large candles, it’s best to use a double boiler method. This allows you to melt the wax gently and evenly. According to Supplies for Candles Co UK, begin by filling the bottom pot of your double boiler about halfway with water.¹ Bring the water to a simmer over medium heat. Place your wax in the top pot of the double boiler. As the water simmers below, it will slowly melt the wax above. Stir the wax occasionally as it melts to help it melt evenly. Once the wax is fully melted, remove the top pot from the double boiler. Be careful, as the wax will be extremely hot. Never leave melting wax unattended.

Add Fragrance

One of the most important steps in candle making is adding the right amount of fragrance oil. Using too much or too little fragrance can greatly impact the quality and performance of your candles.

As a general rule, most candle wax types can hold 5-10% fragrance oil by weight. So for example, if you are making a candle with 500g of wax, you would use 25-50g of fragrance oil. Soy wax and vegetable waxes usually hold around 6-8% fragrance, while paraffin can hold a bit more at 8-10%.

Be sure to check the specifications of your wax type and any recommendations from your fragrance oil supplier. Some fragrances may suggest slightly higher or lower amounts. Going over the recommended percentage risks the fragrance not binding properly with the wax.

Use a digital scale to carefully measure out the amount of fragrance oil. For large candles, it often helps to mix the fragrance into a small amount of melted wax first before adding it to your main wax pot. This helps disperse the fragrance evenly.

Stir the wax and fragrance mixture for at least 2 minutes to fully incorporate before pouring your candles. This helps prevent hot spots of fragrance that can clog wicks. With the right fragrance load, you’ll get nicely scented candles that retain their aroma burn after burn.

Pour Wax

The wax should be poured at the proper temperature to ensure a smooth finish and complete pouring. According to sources, the ideal temperature is between 135-165°F (source 1). Pouring too hot can cause issues like sinkholes or frosting. Pouring too cold makes it difficult for the wax to adhere to the walls of the container.

As you pour, it’s important to keep the wick centered and straight to prevent tunneling issues where the wax only adheres to the sides of the container. Use a pouring pot or spoon to control the stream of wax and keep it focused in the middle (source 2). Tapping the container gently on the counter while pouring can also release air bubbles for a smoother finish.

Cool and Cure

Proper cooling and curing are essential steps when making large candles. After pouring the wax into containers, allow the candles to cool completely before moving them. This helps prevent cracks or deformities in the finished candle.

It’s recommended to allow the candles to cool for at least 24 hours before moving them. Larger candles, over 3 inches in diameter, may need 48 hours or more to fully set up.

Once cooled, the curing process begins. Curing allows the crystals in the wax to completely align and harden. According to the Late Harvest Candle Co., soy wax candles should cure for a minimum of 2 weeks before lighting [1]. During this curing time, the candles become harder and the scent becomes more evenly distributed.

Curing candles with the lids on helps retain fragrance oils. Storing the candles in a cool, dry area away from light optimizes the curing process. Avoid extreme temperature fluctuations. After full curing, the candles are ready to be enjoyed.

Finish Candle

After the candle has cured properly, it’s time to add the finishing touches. First, use scissors to trim the wicks to 1⁄4 inch length. This helps control the flame height when burning the candle. According to candlescience.com, trimming the wicks to 1⁄4 inch before each burn helps prevent excess sooting on the wax and jar.

Next, make sure the candle surface is smooth and clean. Carefully use a knife to remove any extra bits of wax. Give the jar a quick wipe down to remove dust or finger smudges. Now you can add any final decorative elements like raffia, twine, leaves, or other embellishments around the top of the jar if desired.

Your large, homemade 3-wick candle is now ready to gift or use! Allow it to cure for 1-2 weeks before burning to achieve the best performance. Then trim wicks before each use for safety and to prevent soot buildup.

Safety Tips

Candle making can be dangerous if proper safety precautions are not taken. Here are some key tips to follow for safety:

Ensure your workspace has proper ventilation. Candle making produces fumes and vapors, so work in a well-ventilated area. Avoid enclosed spaces and make sure there is good airflow.[1]

Be cautious around open flames. Never leave a burning candle unattended. Keep candles away from flammable materials like curtains or paper. Have a fire extinguisher on hand in case of emergency.[2]

Wear protective gear like eye goggles, gloves, and long sleeves when pouring hot wax. Molten wax can cause severe burns if spilled on skin.[3]

Store wax melts, fragrance oils, and materials properly when not in use. Keep out of reach of children and pets.

Work slowly and carefully when pouring hot wax. Make sure containers are stable and level to avoid spills and accidents.