Maddie James
Soy candles are an easy, inexpensive, and eco-friendly DIY project that makes wonderful homemade gifts. Soy candles burn cleaner and longer than paraffin candles, and transmit the scent of essential oils extremely well. They are also easy to make by hand with basic tools and a few ingredients. Soy wax is not nearly as sticky as paraffin, and washes right off of everything. In this article, we will walk you through the steps to make your own beautifully shaped soy candles.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wax type | Soy |
| Wax form | Flakes |
| Wax weight | 1.5 cups or 2 cups |
| Container type | Glass jars, old containers, or pottery pieces |
| Container size | 6 oz, 8 oz, or 16 oz |
| Wick type | Cotton |
| Wick length | 1/4 inch |
| Additives | Essential oils, Fragrance oils, or Dye |
| Heat source | Double boiler |
| Stirring tool | Wooden spoon or wooden popsicle stick |
| Cooling time | 1-2 hours or overnight |
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Choosing a container
Soy candles are an excellent choice for those seeking an eco-friendly, long-lasting, and natural candle option. They are easy to make and allow for creative expression through various containers, colours, and scents. When choosing a container for your soy candle, here are some important factors to consider:
Container Options
There are endless container options available for soy candles, ranging from simple to trendy designs. Popular choices include mason jars, recycled jars, teacups, old candle containers, tins, and pottery pieces. You can also reuse containers from previously used candles by removing the wax and wick. Thrift stores, garage sales, and online platforms like Etsy are great places to find unique and affordable containers.
Container Size and Shape
The size and shape of the container will impact the number of candles you can make and the overall burning experience. If you have a larger container, you can make multiple candles at once. Additionally, consider the width of the container when choosing the appropriate wick size. A wider container may require two or three wicks for a more even burn and better light distribution.
Container Material
Glass or strong glass jars are commonly used for soy candles. However, it's important to ensure that the container is heat-resistant and can withstand the temperature of the melted wax. Using a heat-proof container placed in a pot of simmering water is an effective way to create a double boiler for melting the wax.
Container Preparation
Before pouring the wax, it's essential to prepare the container properly. First, ensure the container is at room temperature or slightly warmer. Next, secure the wick by using a glue dot, blue tack, or hot glue in the centre of the container. You can also use pre-tabbed wicks for convenience. Centering the wick is crucial to ensure an even burn.
Container Safety
When working with hot wax, it's important to prioritise safety. Always use heat-resistant gloves or pot holders when handling hot containers. Never leave melting wax unattended, and be sure to stir occasionally to prevent burning. Allow the wax to cool slightly before pouring it into the container to avoid potential splashing or spills.
By considering these factors when choosing a container for your soy candle, you can ensure a safe, enjoyable, and creative candle-making experience. Soy candles offer a sustainable and customisable option for those interested in crafting their own unique lighting creations.
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Melting the wax
Melting Soy Wax in a Microwave
If you are making a single soy candle, using a microwave to melt the wax is a convenient option. Start by measuring out the desired amount of soy wax flakes, keeping in mind that 1 ounce of soy wax flakes will typically yield 0.5 ounces of melted wax. For a 6-ounce candle, you will need about 12 ounces of hot wax. Place the wax flakes in a microwave-safe container, such as a large glass measuring cup. Heat the wax in the microwave in one-minute increments, stirring occasionally, until all the flakes have melted completely.
Melting Soy Wax with a Double Boiler
Another popular method for melting soy wax is using a double boiler setup. This method is particularly useful when melting larger quantities of wax or when making candles in bulk. To create a double boiler, fill a large pot with a few inches of water and place it on a stove over medium heat. Then, take a pouring pot or heat-proof container and fill it with your desired amount of soy wax flakes. Place the pouring pot into the larger pot of water, ensuring that the water does not overflow into the wax. As the wax begins to melt, stir it occasionally with a wooden spoon until it becomes completely transparent.
Using a Presto Pot
The Presto Pot is a preferred choice for many professional chandlers when making large batches of candles. Soy wax is easy to clean out of the Presto Pot using hot water and soap. To use this method, attach a spigot to the Presto Pot. Melt unscented and uncolored wax in the pot, being careful not to use fragrance oil or dye. Once the wax is melted, pour the desired amount through the spigot into a separate pouring pot. Then, you can add your chosen fragrance oil and dye to the melted wax in the pouring pot.
Temperature Considerations
When melting soy wax, it is important to monitor the temperature to ensure optimal results. Soy wax typically has a melting point range of 118-125 degrees Fahrenheit. If you plan to add fragrance oils, it is recommended to heat the wax to a higher temperature, generally between 175-185 degrees Fahrenheit, before removing it from the heat source and adding the fragrance. This ensures that the fragrance molecules are fully encapsulated within the wax. Additionally, if you intend to add color to your candles, heat the wax to 180-190 degrees Fahrenheit before adding the colorant.
Cooling and Pouring
After melting the wax and adding any desired fragrances or colors, allow the wax to cool slightly before pouring it into your chosen containers. The ideal pouring temperature for soy wax is around 135-140 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature range ensures that the wax is still hot enough to be pourable but not so hot that it poses a safety risk or affects the integrity of the container.
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Adding colour
Soy candles are a fun and simple DIY project that can be customised with colours, scents, and containers. Soy wax is also a cheaper and more environmentally friendly alternative to paraffin wax, which emits yucky chemicals when burned.
The colour is added to soy candles after the wax has melted and before the essential oils are added. Soy wax is opaque in its solid state, so the colour will look much lighter once the wax has cooled. It is important to heat the wax to between 180-190 degrees Fahrenheit before adding the colour. This can be done using a double boiler method or in the microwave.
Once the wax has reached the correct temperature, sprinkle in a few wax colourant chips. These chips are a great way to control the amount of dye added to the wax. Stir the chips until they are completely melted and there are no specks of colour left. If you can still see specks of dye, return the wax to the heat for another 30 seconds before stirring again.
It is important to note that the colour will appear much lighter once the wax has cooled, so it may be necessary to experiment with different amounts of dye to achieve the desired shade. For example, using two small pinches of dark blue dye will result in a very light blue candle.
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Adding scent
When adding scent to soy candles, it is important to get the right ratio of fragrance oil to wax. The amount of fragrance oil added can determine the success of the candle. The ratio will depend on the type of scent being used, as some scents are heavier than others and require less fragrance oil. For example, fragrances with vanilla, sandalwood, oudh, or caramel can be reduced to a 6% fragrance load without affecting the scent throw.
When melting the wax, it is recommended to heat it to 185°F (85°C) before adding the fragrance oil. This temperature is hot enough for the fragrance oil to fully bind and mix with the wax, but not so hot that any fragrance is lost to the heat. Once the wax has melted and is a clear liquid, it is time to add the fragrance oil. If the fragrance is very viscous, the wax may need to be hotter than 60°C, as viscosity decreases with increased temperatures. The wax temperature will then cool to about 50–55°C before pouring.
The amount of fragrance oil added to the wax will depend on the desired strength of the scent. A stronger scent can be achieved by increasing the amount of fragrance oil, but it is important not to add too much as this can cause the candle to sweat. Candle sweating is when oily residue forms on the surface of the candle due to excess oil. It can be caused by temperature changes, warm environments, or adding too much fragrance oil. To avoid sweating, it is recommended to start with a lower amount of fragrance oil and increase gradually until the desired scent strength is achieved.
It is also important to consider the type of fragrance oil being used. Cheap oils designed for diffusers may not be suitable for candle making and can affect the quality of the scent. Essential oils can be used in candles, but it is important to ensure they are safe and compatible with candle-making. Issues such as scent throw, adequate mixing with wax, and sweating can still occur when using essential oils.
Finally, it is recommended to allow soy candles to cure for at least one week and up to two weeks to get the best scent. This allows the fragrance oil to fully develop and ensures the candle will have a strong scent when burned.
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Trimming the wick
To trim the wick, you should cut it to a length of 1/4 inch (around 6mm) for cotton wicks or 1/8 inch for wooden wicks. This can be done with wick trimmers, which are cheap and provide a perfect trim every time, or with regular scissors. Some people also use a Kleenex to grab the end of the wick, being careful not to pull too hard and accidentally take off too much.
It is recommended to trim the wick before each burn and to remove any charred bits. This is especially important for wooden wicks, which require more maintenance than cotton wicks and can be harder to light initially.
By regularly trimming the wick, you can also avoid issues such as tunneling, which is caused by improper initial burns or short burn sessions. Proper wick maintenance will ensure a longer lifespan and better performance for your soy candle.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need soy wax flakes, a heat source, a container, a wooden spoon, candle fragrance oil or essential oil, a measuring cup, a double-boiler, scissors, glue, and a wick.
First, measure out the soy wax flakes into a pouring pitcher or glass bowl. Then, create a double boiler by placing the pitcher or bowl over a pot of simmering water. Stir the wax occasionally until it is completely melted and transparent. Remove the pot from the heat and add your fragrance or essential oil. Stir well to incorporate. Secure a wick to the bottom of your container with glue, then thread the top of the wick through a clothespin. Place the clothespin on top of the container, centring the wick. Carefully remove the container of melted wax from the pot and let it cool for 1-2 hours. Remove the clothespin and trim the wick to 1/4 inch.
To clean your containers, put them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and place them in the oven at 200°F. Let the wax melt completely, then carefully wipe the containers clean with a paper towel.
