Maddie James
Soy pillar candles are a popular choice for those looking to create a cosy and inviting ambiance in a room. They are also a fun DIY project, as making your own soy wax pillar candle is a simple craft that lets you design a unique candle with a soothing glow and delightful fragrance. With just a few supplies and a bit of patience, you can create your very own candle at home. In this guide, we will cover everything from selecting the right mould and wick to melting the wax and adding fragrances and dyes. We will also provide step-by-step instructions on how to level your soy pillar candle for a smooth and professional finish.
How to Level a Soy Pillar Candle
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wax Type | Soy |
| Wax Temperature | 185-190°F (85°C) |
| Additives | Fragrance oil, candle-approved essential oils, dye |
| Wick Type | Cotton |
| Wick Length | 5-10mm |
| Mould Type | Sturdy, heat-resistant, silicone |
| Mould Size | Depends on desired candle size |
| Pouring Technique | Avoid hitting the sides of the mould, pour slowly |
| Cooling Time | Several hours, depends on environment and size |
| Curing Time | Two weeks |
| Burning Instructions | Burn in open air, not inside a container, for at least 2 hours but no more than 4 hours initially |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right mould
Mould Style and Appearance
Choose a mould style that resonates with you and reflects the desired aesthetic for your candle. Consider the shape, size, and design of the mould, as these will determine the final look of your candle. Select a mould that aligns with your personal taste or the theme of the space where the candle will be used.
Mould Size and Wick Compatibility
Ensure that the mould size matches the wick size for consistent burning. A larger mould will require a thicker wick, while a smaller mould works best with a thinner wick. Properly sizing the wick helps ensure an even burn and enhances the overall performance of your candle.
Mould Material and Release
Select a mould material that is safe, durable, and easy to work with. Common materials include silicone, metal, or glass. Silicone moulds offer flexibility and easy release, while metal and glass moulds may require additional preparation to ensure the candle releases smoothly. Check if the mould has any special instructions for use and care.
Mould Cleanliness and Preparation
Before using the mould, ensure it is thoroughly cleaned and dried. Remove any dirt, particles, or residue from previous candle-making projects. A dirty mould can affect the appearance and quality of your final candle. Follow any specific recommendations provided by the mould manufacturer.
Mould Temperature and Cooling
Understanding how the mould conducts temperature is essential. The mould should be cool to the touch when you begin the process. As the wax cools, it will shrink, making it easier to release from the mould. The cooling time may vary depending on your environment, so monitor the wax periodically.
In summary, choosing the right mould for your soy pillar candle involves considering both aesthetic and functional aspects. Select a mould that aligns with your desired style, ensures compatibility with the wick, and is made from a suitable material for easy release. Don't forget to properly clean, prepare, and monitor the temperature of your mould for optimal results.
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Preparing the wick
Firstly, choose a wick that matches your mould size for consistent burning. It is important to select the right size wick as this will affect the burning quality of your candle. A wick that is too small may struggle to burn the wax, resulting in a weak flame and incomplete melt pool. Conversely, a wick that is too large may produce an excessively large flame and lead to rapid wax melting.
Once you have selected the appropriate wick, cut it to the desired length. The recommended length for a soy pillar candle is typically around 1/4 inch (6 mm) above the wax. This allows the wick to catch the flame easily while also preventing excessive smoke.
Next, attach the wick to the bottom of your mould securely. You can use a wick sticker or hot glue to hold it in place. Pull the wick taut and secure it with a wick bar or pin to ensure it stands straight and remains centred during the wax pouring process.
After pouring the wax and allowing it to cool and solidify, you may need to trim the wick again. Before lighting your candle for the first time, trim the wick to a length of around 5-10 mm. This ensures a steady flame and helps prevent the wick from smoking or producing excessive soot.
Additionally, it is important to maintain the wick throughout the burning life of your candle. Regularly trim the wick to the recommended length before each lighting, removing any debris or excess wax buildup. This practice will promote an even burn, maximise the burn time of your candle, and minimise smoke and soot production.
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Melting the wax
To melt the soy wax, use a wax melter to achieve the desired temperature. This step guarantees that your wax will be easy to work with and pour. Once the wax reaches the target temperature, you can enhance your candle by adding fragrance oils and dyes. Fragrance oils not only make your candle smell delightful but also fill your space with a captivating scent. It's important to note that the type of wax you use can impact the strength of the fragrance. Soy wax, for example, may require a bit more effort to achieve a strong fragrance throw compared to paraffin.
When working with fragrance oils, a 6% fragrance load is recommended. For a standard-sized candle, this translates to about 15ml of fragrance oil. If you're creating a layered candle with multiple fragrances, be sure to check the recommended usage percentage for each oil and start with lower percentages. This will help you build a unique and complementary "scent-scape" in your candle.
In addition to fragrance oils, you can experiment with candle-approved essential oils. These natural oils can add a touch of creativity to your candle while providing a gentle scent release as the wax melts. Remember to always consider the melting point and fragrance throw of the wax you choose to ensure your candle meets your expectations.
Once your wax has reached the ideal temperature and you've added your desired fragrances and dyes, it's time to pour the wax slowly and carefully into your mould. Position the mould on a tray and pour the melted wax down the wick to prime it and create a solid base for your candle. Allow the wax to cool and solidify, and you'll be well on your way to enjoying your handcrafted soy pillar candle.
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Adding fragrance and colour
When it comes to adding colour, you can use candle dye. You can add the dye while you're waiting for your wax to reach 185°F (85°C), gently stirring until the colour is evenly distributed. If you're making a layered pillar candle, you'll need to let each layer cool almost completely before pouring the next one. You can also leave the first layer undyed for a trendy ombre look.
Once you've added your fragrance and colour, it's time to pour the wax into your mould. Set your mould on a tray and carefully pour the melted wax down the wick to prime it and create a solid base. Allow your candle to cool and solidify—this can take patience! Once it's cool, trim the wick, leaving about 1/4 inch at the top to encourage an even burn and prevent excessive smoke. Finally, place your candle on a heat-safe plate and let it cure for two weeks before lighting it up and enjoying your custom creation.
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Cooling and curing
During the cooling process, the wax will need to be monitored closely. You want the wax to be firm enough so that it won't melt when the next layer of hot wax is poured, but still warm enough for the layers to stick together. The length of time this will take depends on your environment. Once all the layers have been poured, the candle should be allowed to cool completely.
The mould should be cool to the touch before attempting to remove the candle. You should also notice the candle pulling away from the sides of the mould. Gently pull on the wick to release the candle from the mould while angling it downward. Be careful not to pull too hard on the wick, or it may come out of the candle, leaving the candle stuck in the mould.
After removing the candle from the mould, trim the wick to 1/4 inch (6 mm). Place the candle on a heat-safe plate and let it cure for at least two weeks. You can put the candle in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes after it has fully cured to further solidify the wax and make it easier to remove from the mould.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need soy wax, a mould, a wick, and fragrance oil. You will also need a wax melter or a heat-resistant container placed inside a pot of water, and a heat-safe plate or candle holder.
First, melt the wax to around 185-190°F and add your chosen fragrance oil. Thread the wick through the wick hole in your mould and secure it with a wick pin or wick bar. Place the mould on a tray and pour the wax down the wick to prime it and create a solid base. Allow the candle to cool and solidify, then trim the wick. Place the candle on a heat-safe plate and let it cure for two weeks.
Allow the candle to cool completely. The wax will shrink as it cools, so you may need to do a small top pour to smooth out the bottom. The mould should be cool to the touch, and the candle should be pulling away from the sides. Gently pull on the wick to release the candle from the mould while angling it downward.
Always burn your candle on a plate or in a proper candle holder, and never leave it unattended. Do not burn it inside a container or near a draft or wind. For the first burn, burn the candle for at least 2 hours but no more than 4. Keep the wick centred and trim it to around 5-10mm before relighting. Do not blow out the candle to extinguish it—use a candle snuffer instead.
