How to make Soy Candles

Making soy wax candles is a simple process to learn and can be accomplished in not many steps. It's simple and, best of all, soy is a sustainable choice to paraffin candles. Soy wax has a lower flash point and can be melted at a lower temperature. It also cleans up easily in soap and water.

To create your soy wax candles, all you need are the things below:

• Soy wax - flaked soy wax is the easiest to use and I purchase mine from Kentucky Candle Wax Supply, Inc.
• A container - I use my own pottery pieces
• Fragrance oil - I use quite a bit more but the common amount is 1.5 oz. per 16 oz. of soy wax
• 1 cotton wick - check that you are using the applicable size wick
• Wax dye - I do not use dyes in my soy candles as they are not in a glass container

The first step to making a soy candle is to melt your wax. I melt mine in a container that is guided by a thermostat, a Presto Kitchen Kettle. I also utilize a candy thermometer to ensure I am at the correct temperature. The best setting for the wax is 175° F. Never leave melting wax unattended and be very careful not to overheat your wax!

When my soy wax is at the optimum temperature, I then remove the appropriate amount for my container into a pouring pot and include the fragrance oil, stirring to mix completely. At this point, you may mix in your dye in accordance with the package directions.

The next step to making the soy candles is to place your wick on the bottom of the center of your container. Make sure your wick is the applicable width for your candle, otherwise you will get a tunneling effect and your soy wax candle will not burn to the outer edge. I utilize wick tabs which are easy, double-sided adhesive dots that firmly affix the wick to the container. Carefully pour your wax into your container, using caution to not overfill. In order to maintain that the wick stays in place, I place a chopstick over the mouth of the container and use a clothespin to pin the wick in place until the wax firms.

Many times your soy candles may not harden to a smooth surface. Soy wax shrinks as it firms up and may not do so uniformly. There may be bumps or even a mottled effect. You may use a heat gun - one that is typically used to seal shrink wrap - or a mini torch to re-melt that fine top layer of wax to a smooth finish. Do NOT get it too close to the wax! Finally, trim your wick, let your soy wax candle cure a couple days, and enjoy!

by Robert Playroll
Source: Ezine Articles