Basic instructions for Making Soy Candles
By Alia Kube
Basic instructions for Making Soy Candles
If you are making soy candles at home there are a few things you will need. First, the basic supplies you will need are:
- A double boiler or glass Pyrex cup
- Soy wax
- Thermometer
- A mold or container
- Liquid dye or soy dye chips (optional)
- Fragrance (optional)
Before you start making soy candles you'll want to decide if you are going to make container/jar candles, or candles which require molds, for example votive candles. It is possible to get specially blended soy wax for each of these two types of candles. The difference is that soy container wax will stick to the sides of a container and will not release from a mold, where as votive or regular soy wax will release from a mold.
First you must melt the wax which can be done one of two ways. In the microwave, put the desired amount of wax in a glass Pyrex cup and melt the wax on medium in 1 minute intervals. On the stove just use a double boiler. You should heat the wax till it reaches a temperature of 160-165ºC. You can find thermometers specially designed for use in making soy candles at candle making supply stores.
You'll then want to let the wax cool to 130ºC. When the wax reaches a temperature of 130ºC you can add the fragrance and color dye of your choice. You'll need 1.5oz of fragrance for every 1 pound of wax. Add dye slowly until you reach the desired color.
The wax can be poured into your container or mold once it reaches 110ºC. The wax will have a slushy and grainy texture at this temperature. Some wax blends are better poured at slightly higher or lower temperatures, suppliers will generally give instructions for the wax that they sell.
When the wax has been poured cover the candle with a box an let it cool slowly. Ensure that the room is not too cold, for example a garage or basement. The slower the candle cools the nicer the finish will be.
These are basic instructions for making soy candles. For more detailed instructions or for instructions on more advanced soy candle making projects Click Here and visit some of our suggested candle making supply stores, where you'll also find all the supplies you'll need for making soy candles.
About the Author:
Alia is the successful author and publisher of All-About-Candles.net. She has written articles on candle safety, their use in decorating and how to make them yourself at home.
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