How to
Make Soy Candles

Soy candles are natural and they burn cleaner then paraffin candle wax. For these and other reasons, the popularity of soy wax candles is growing. Although soy wax is a little bit more expensive then paraffin wax is still very affordable (especially compared to another natural alternative, these wax). Here's how to make soy candles using a simple technique.

Although it is solid at room temperature, 100% soy wax is softer than paraffin wax. Unless it has additives or is blended with another wax, soy candle wax doesn't work very well for standalone candles such as tapers and pillars. However it works very well for container candles. That's I suggest you make for your first soy candle project.

The first step is to select a container. It should be nonflammable and heat resistant. Containers made of resistant glass or metal work well. Although I've seen people do it, I I think it is dangerous to make a candle using a non-heat resistant container such as a wine glass.

If the candle becomes too hot, the glass may crack which not only makes a mess but creates a serious fire hazard.

Canning jars are a readily available container suitable for candle making.

Using a double boiler, heat the soil wax to about 150°. The wax may discover if you let it get much hotter than that.

Most of us make our candles on the kitchen stove. Wherever you make yours, never leave the room when the wax is melting, even if you use a double boiler. If you have to leave for whatever reason, even for a moment, turn the heat off.

While the wax is melting, prepare the container. Cut the wicks an inch or two longer than the containers are high. Use making tape to tape one end to the center of the bottom of the container. Tie the other end to a pencil, a short length of thin dowel or length of drinking straw to keep it centered in the candle.

When the wax is melted, you can add the desired color. How much varies considerably from maker to maker. Follow the instructions that come with the dye you have.

After you've mixed the color in, you can't fragrance if desired. Remove the wax from the heat and stir in a small amount of the essential oil you're using. Keep it to less than 1 ounce of oil per pound of wax.

Finally, a slowly and carefully pour the melted wax into the prepared containers. Since you're using a heat resistant container, you probably don't need to preheat it prior to pouring the wax. However, even if it is heat resistant glass it still might crack if it's temperature changes too quickly to pour the wax in relatively slowly.

Now all you have to do is wait a few hours for the candles to cool and harden. Resist the temptation to put them in the refrigerator or a water bath to cool the more quickly. If you do, the wax is likely to crack as it hardens.

When the wax is hard, trim the wick to about 1/2 inch and your soy candle is ready to enjoy.

Learn to make beautiful candles at home. Check out:

Home Candle Making Made Easy