Making your own candles at home can be a fun, creative, and rewarding project. Not only do you get to design the scent and look of your candle, but you also have the satisfaction of knowing exactly what goes into it. Soy candles, in particular, are a great choice due to their clean burn, long-lasting nature, and eco-friendly qualities. Whether you want to make candles for personal use, as gifts, or to sell, this guide will take you through the process step-by-step.
Why Soy Candles?
Before diving into the process, it’s important to understand why soy wax is a popular choice for candle-making. Soy wax is made from soybean oil, making it a renewable and biodegradable resource. It burns cleaner than traditional paraffin wax, releasing less soot and harmful chemicals into the air. Additionally, soy wax has a lower melting point, which helps candles last longer. It also holds fragrance better, allowing your candle to have a stronger scent throw when burned.
What You’ll Need
To make a soy candle, gather the following materials:
- Soy wax: Soy wax flakes are the most common form, and they’re easy to melt and pour.
- Wicks: Cotton or wooden wicks are great for soy candles. Make sure the wick is the right size for your container.
- Fragrance oils: Essential oils or specially designed candle fragrance oils add scent to your candle.
- Dye (optional): If you want to add color to your candle, you can use candle dye or crayon shavings.
- A container or mold: Glass jars, tins, or any heat-resistant container will work as your candle holder.
- Double boiler or microwave-safe container: To melt the soy wax.
- Thermometer: This ensures the wax is melted to the right temperature for adding fragrance and pouring.
- Stirring utensil: A wooden stick or spoon for stirring the wax.
- Wick holder: A device to keep your wick centered while the wax sets. You can use a pencil or a wick holder clip.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare Your Work Area
First, make sure your workspace is clean and well-ventilated. Lay down newspaper or paper towels to protect surfaces from wax spills. Gather all your materials so they’re easily accessible.
2. Melt the Soy Wax
Start by measuring out how much soy wax you need. A good rule of thumb is to measure enough wax to fill your container, then add an extra 10% to account for spillage or evaporation.
If you have a double boiler, place the soy wax in the top pan and heat it over medium heat. Stir occasionally as it melts. If you’re using the microwave, place the wax in a microwave-safe container and heat it in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until fully melted.
Monitor the temperature with a thermometer. The wax should reach around 170–180°F (77–82°C). Avoid overheating, as this can affect the wax’s quality and the scent throw of your candle.
3. Add Fragrance and Dye
Once the wax has fully melted, remove it from the heat source. Let the wax cool slightly to about 160°F (71°C) before adding fragrance oils. A typical fragrance load is around 6–10% of the total wax weight, but this can vary depending on the strength of the fragrance. Stir well to ensure the fragrance is evenly distributed.
If you want to add color, now is the time. Add candle dye or crayon shavings to the wax and stir until the color is fully dissolved. Start with a small amount, as you can always add more if you want a deeper shade.
4. Prepare the Wick
While the wax is cooling, prepare your wick. Use a wick that suits the size of your container. A wick that’s too small will result in an inadequate burn, while one that’s too large can cause the candle to burn too quickly.
Attach the wick to the bottom of your container using a bit of hot glue or a wick sticker. Make sure it’s centered and standing straight. Use a wick holder or a pencil laid across the top of the container to keep the wick in place while the wax sets.
5. Pour the Wax
Once your wax has cooled to about 140°F (60°C), it’s time to pour it into your container. Slowly pour the wax into the container, leaving a small gap at the top (about ½ inch). Try to pour steadily to avoid air bubbles and ensure an even fill.
As you pour, keep an eye on the wick to make sure it stays centered. If necessary, adjust it with a wick holder.
6. Let the Candle Set
Allow the candle to cool and harden. This can take several hours, depending on the size of the candle. Avoid moving the candle while it’s setting to prevent imperfections like cracks or uneven surfaces. If the top of your candle develops a sinkhole or uneven surface, you can re-melt a small amount of wax and fill it in.
7. Trim the Wick
Once the candle has fully set, trim the wick to about ¼ inch above the surface of the candle. This helps ensure a clean, even burn and prevents excessive flickering.
8. Cure the Candle
For the best scent throw, allow your candle to cure for a few days before burning it. This allows the wax and fragrance to fully bind together, resulting in a better scent when the candle is lit. While you can burn the candle right away, curing improves both the fragrance and the burn quality.
Tips for Making Soy Candles
- Test different wicks: If your candle isn’t burning well, try a different wick size or type. Wicks come in various thicknesses and materials, and the right choice depends on your container size.
- Avoid over-scenting: Adding too much fragrance oil can cause the candle to burn poorly. Stick to the recommended fragrance load for the best results.
- Use a thermometer: Wax temperature is key to getting a smooth, even candle. Using a thermometer ensures you’re adding fragrance at the right time.
Conclusion
Making soy candles is a fun and creative way to add a personal touch to your home décor or to create unique, thoughtful gifts. With the right materials and a little patience, you can make beautiful, custom candles in any scent, color, or shape you desire. Enjoy the process, and soon you’ll be able to make your own high-quality soy candles that burn cleanly and beautifully!
