Chloe Adams
Soy candles are an excellent option for those looking for an eco-friendly, long-lasting, and clean-burning candle. They are also easy to make at home, with basic tools and a few ingredients. Soy wax is not as sticky as paraffin, making it easier to work with and clean up. In this guide, we will walk you through the steps to start making your own soy candles, from preparing your workspace to customising your creations with colours and scents.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wax | Soy wax |
| Wax form | Flakes |
| Wax quantity | 1.5 cups of unmelted wax for one 8-ounce candle |
| Container | Glass bowl, jar, or tin |
| Heat source | Double boiler, hot plate, or microwave |
| Temperature | 180-190°F for adding colour, 120°F for adding fragrance |
| Stirring | Wooden spoon or popsicle stick |
| Wick | Cotton or basic |
| Wick centering | Metal wick-centering device |
| Glue | Hot glue gun or superglue |
| Fragrance | Essential oils or fragrance oils |
| Storage | Cool cabinet |
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What You'll Learn
Gather your materials
To make soy candles, you'll need a few basic tools and materials. Here's a list of what you'll need to gather:
Wax
Soy wax is the main ingredient for your candles. It usually comes in flake form, which makes it easy to measure and work with. You can find soy wax flakes at your local craft supply store or online. Calculate how much wax you'll need based on the size of your desired candles. Soy wax flakes typically melt down to about half their original volume. For example, to make two 6-ounce candles, you'll need about 12 ounces of hot wax, which equates to 24 ounces of soy wax flakes.
Heat Source and Container
You'll need a heat source to melt the soy wax. You can use a double boiler, which involves placing a heat-proof container (like a glass bowl or jar) in a pot of simmering water. Alternatively, you can use a microwave or a hot plate. If using a double boiler, you may want to designate a specific bowl for this purpose, as it can be difficult to clean afterward.
Fragrance and Colour
Fragrance oils or essential oils can be added to your soy candles to create a pleasant scent. Natural essential oils paired with plant-based waxes like soy wax create a clean-burning candle. You can also add colour to your candles using candle wax dye or blocks. However, if you prefer a more natural look, you can skip the colourant as soy wax has a beautiful natural colour.
Wicks and Centering Devices
Cotton wicks are commonly used for soy candles. You can find wicks in various sizes, and some even come with metal wick-centering devices to help keep the wick centred in your container. If your wicks do not come with centering devices, you can purchase them separately.
Containers
You'll need containers to hold your candles. Glass jars, such as mason jars, are a popular choice, but you can also use tins or other heat-safe containers. If reusing containers, ensure they are thoroughly cleaned and dried before using them.
Thermometer
A thermometer, preferably a candy or digital meat thermometer, will help you monitor the temperature of your wax. This is crucial when adding fragrance or colour, as they should be added within specific temperature ranges.
Miscellaneous Tools
Other tools that will come in handy include a wooden spoon or popsicle stick for stirring, scissors, glue or double-sided tape, a clothespin, tea towels or pot holders, and newspapers or parchment paper to protect your workspace.
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Prepare your workspace
Preparing your workspace is an important step in the candle-making process. Here are some detailed instructions to help you get started:
Firstly, ensure your workspace is clear and free from clutter. You will need a flat surface, such as a counter or tabletop, that you can use for several hours while your candles set and cool. It is important to protect this surface from any spills or messes that may occur during the candle-making process. You can do this by covering it with newspaper, parchment paper, or any other disposable material.
Next, gather all the materials and tools you will need. This includes soy wax flakes, a heat source such as a stove or microwave, a pot or saucepan for creating a double boiler, glass jars or containers for your candles, a thermometer, fragrance or essential oils, wicks, and any additional items for securing the wicks such as glue, clothes pins, or wick stickers. Having all these items within reach will create a seamless workflow.
If you plan to melt your wax using a double boiler, prepare your setup by filling a pot or saucepan with a few inches of water. Place a canning jar ring or a heat-proof container in the centre of the pot and set your glass jar on top. Alternatively, you can use a microwave to melt your wax, but be sure to use a microwave-safe container and heat the wax in short intervals, stirring in between.
Before you begin, it is also helpful to prepare your containers and wicks. Preheating your glass jars will prevent the wax from pulling away from the sides. You can do this by placing them in the oven at a low temperature or by setting them in the saucepan of water used for your double boiler. To prepare your wicks, cut them to the appropriate length, leaving about 4 inches extra so that they protrude from the top of the jar. You can use a hot glue gun to secure the wicks to the bottom centre of your containers.
By following these steps, you will have a clean and organised workspace that is ready for the candle-making process.
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Melt the wax
Soy wax usually comes in the form of flakes, which makes it easy to measure and work with. To melt the wax, you can use a microwave, a double boiler, or a Presto Pot. If you're making more than one candle or intend to sell them, it's recommended to use the double boiler method or Presto Pot.
To melt soy wax using a double boiler, fill a medium-sized pot with two inches of water and place a canning jar ring in the centre of the pot. Set your glass jar on top of the ring. This method ensures that the wax heats evenly, and you can easily monitor the temperature with a candy thermometer.
For the microwave method, start with one-minute increments and stir the wax thoroughly each time. After two one-minute sessions, reduce the time to 30-second intervals. Continue this process until all the wax is melted. It's important to keep checking the temperature as you don't want the wax to get too hot.
If you're using a Presto Pot, melt the unscented, uncoloured wax in the pot first. Then, pour the desired amount of wax through the spigot into your pouring pitcher. After that, add your fragrance oil and dye to the melted wax.
Once the wax is fully melted, you can add your desired fragrance oil. Most fragrances should be added when the wax temperature is between 175-185° F. Ensure the wax has been removed from the heat source before adding the oil.
Let the wax cool until it starts to look cloudy. While you wait, prepare your containers and wicks. Use a hot glue gun to secure the wick to the bottom centre of the container. You can also use a wick centering device to ensure the wick is in the right place.
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Add fragrance and colour
Soy candles are a fun and simple DIY project that can be a great hobby or even a home business. Adding fragrance and colour to your candles is a creative process that requires some experimentation. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you get started:
Adding Fragrance:
When adding fragrance to your soy candles, it is important to use fragrance oils specifically formulated for candle use. These oils are designed to mix well with melted wax and ensure an even fragrance load. Candle-approved essential oils can also be used, but it is important to start with low percentages as they can be highly concentrated. Always check the recommended usage percentage on the essential oil product page.
The temperature of your wax is crucial when adding fragrance. Only add your fragrance when your wax temperature is below the flash point of the fragrance, generally between 50-55 degrees Celsius. The flash point is the temperature at which the fragrance becomes volatile and may catch fire. If your fragrance is very viscous, you may need to heat the wax to a higher temperature, around 60 degrees Celsius, to ensure the fragrance mixes properly.
It is important to experiment with different pour temperatures and fragrance loads to find the right balance. Some fragrances may cause your wax to set lumpy, so if this happens, reduce the amount of fragrance used and try again. Remember that some scents are heavier than others and require less fragrance. For example, fragrances with vanilla, sandalwood, oudh, or caramel should be used at a lower percentage, around 6%.
Adding Colour:
Adding colour to your soy candles is a fun way to make them visually appealing. Soy wax dye is available in various forms, including dye chips or blocks, powdered dye, and wax blocks. These dyes are highly concentrated and a little goes a long way. For example, a 0.14-ounce bag of dye flakes can colour up to 141 pounds of wax.
When using dye chips or blocks, add a few pieces to your melted wax and stir thoroughly to prevent any streaking. Powdered dye can be messier to work with, but it offers greater control over the colour intensity. Simply add small amounts at a time until you achieve the desired shade. Wax blocks are ideal for creating highly precise colours, especially when making larger candles or following specific recipes.
With these tips in mind, you can now add fragrance and colour to your soy candles. Remember to experiment and have fun with different combinations to create unique and personalised candles.
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Pour the wax
Now it's time to pour the wax!
First, stir the wax to ensure it is smooth and pourable. If you are adding colour, make sure the wax is heated to between 180-190°F (82-88°C). You can use a digital meat thermometer to check the temperature. If you are adding scent, wait until the wax has cooled to 120-140°F (49-60°C) before adding your fragrance oil or essential oil.
Next, carefully pour the wax into your prepared containers. Leave about an inch of space at the top of the container to avoid spillage. If you are making multiple candles, you will need to pour the wax one container at a time. Work slowly and carefully to avoid any mess.
Reposition the clothespin or wick centering device to ensure the wick remains centred. You can also adjust the wick's position by gently moving it with a pencil or wooden skewer. Be careful not to spill hot wax on yourself during this process.
Finally, let the wax harden. Depending on the recipe, this may take 1-2 hours or overnight. Once the wax is hard, remove the clothespin and trim the wick to 1/4-1/2 inch in length. Your soy candle is now complete and ready for gifting or personal use!
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Frequently asked questions
Soy candles are long-lasting, eco-friendly, and easy to make. They don't give off soot, last longer than candles made from animal products, and burn in a way that reduces the amount of unburned wax on the side of the jar. Soy candles are also cheaper than buying candles, and you can personalize them with essential oils and containers of your choice.
You will need soy wax flakes, a heat source (such as a stove or hot plate), a saucepan or pot, a glass bowl or jar, water, fragrance or essential oils, a wooden spoon or wooden popsicle stick, wicks, a glue gun or glue, and containers for your candles.
A good rule of thumb is to use one ounce of fragrance oil for every pound of wax. For a small to medium-sized candle, 15-20 drops of oil should be enough. However, keep in mind that the scent will be more potent in melted wax than in the final product.
First, create a double boiler by placing water in a saucepan or pot and heating it to medium-high heat. Then, place your soy wax flakes in a glass bowl or jar and put it on top of the saucepan or pot. Stir the wax occasionally until it is completely melted and transparent. At this point, you can add colour or fragrance if desired. Prepare your containers by attaching the wicks with glue or wax, then carefully pour in the melted wax, leaving some room at the top. Let the wax harden for at least one week before trimming the wicks and lighting your candle.
Always ensure you have a well-ventilated space when burning candles, and trim the wick to 1/4 inch each time you light it for safety and even burning.
