DIY Guide: How to Make Soy Wax Candles

If you’re looking for a fun and easy DIY project, making soy wax candles is a great option. Not only are they non-toxic and eco-friendly, but they also have a longer burning time compared to paraffin wax candles. Plus, you can customize the scent and color to your liking.

Making soy wax candles might seem intimidating at first, but it’s actually a straightforward process. All you need are a few supplies and some patience. Follow these steps and you’ll have a lovely, homemade candle in no time!

Soy wax candles are an excellent addition to your home or they can be a perfect present for friends and family. You can easily make soy wax candles at home without any trouble. In this article, we will provide you with all the information you need to make your very own soy wax candles. From melting the wax, to choosing the perfect fragrance, we’ve got you covered!

Gather Your Supplies

The first thing you need to do when making soy wax candles is to gather your supplies. You will need a few things before you can start, such as soy wax flakes, a candle wick, a glass jar, a double boiler, a thermometer, and a fragrance oil. You can purchase all these supplies online or at your local crafting store.

Prepare Your Workspace

Before you begin making your soy wax candles, it is important to prepare your workspace. Make sure that you have a clean and flat surface to work on. You should also grab a set of oven mitts or pot holders to help you handle hot materials safely.

Melting The Soy Wax

Once you have your supplies and workspace set up, you can start melting the soy wax. Begin by filling the double boiler with water and placing it on the stove. Once the water has boiled, you can add the soy wax flakes. Keep stirring the wax until it has completely melted.

Add Fragrance

Once the soy wax has melted, it’s time to add fragrance oil. You can pick your favorite scent from various options available in the market. Make sure that you use the required amount of fragrance oil to avoid overpowering the scent. Stir the wax for a few minutes, ensuring that the fragrance oil is well mixed in.

Prepare The Candle Wick

While the wax cools to the desired temperature, you can prepare your candle wick. Cut the wick to the desired length and attach it to the bottom of your chosen glass jar using a small amount of melted wax.

Pour The Wax

When the wax has cooled to around 120°F, it’s time to pour it into the jar. Make sure to pour the wax slowly to avoid any air pockets forming. Fill the jar almost full, leaving a small amount of space at the top.

Let The Candle Cool

Allow the candle to cool for a few hours, or better yet, overnight. Make sure that the wick stays in the center of the jar. You can use a toothpick to help you adjust the wick if needed.

Trim The Wick

After the wax has completely cooled, you can trim the wick to around ¼ inch. This will help ensure your candle burns evenly.

Burn Your Candle

Now that your soy wax candle is complete, it’s time to light it up! Make sure to burn the candle safely, keeping it away from any flammable objects and never leaving it unattended.

Conclusion

Making soy wax candles can be a fun and rewarding experience. The process is straightforward and easy to follow, and you can create a personalized candle for yourself or a thoughtful gift for someone special. So why not give it a try and create your own soy wax candles today?

What You Will Need

To make soy wax candles at home, you will need to prepare several materials and tools. Here are the things you will need to purchase or gather before starting:

1. Soy Wax

Soy wax is the main ingredient in making soy wax candles. It is a clean-burning and eco-friendly wax that comes in different forms, including flakes, pellets, and blocks. Choose a high-quality soy wax that is specifically made for candle making to ensure quality and consistency.

2. Candle Wicks

Candle wicks are the strings that are inserted into the wax and used to light the candle. Choose a wick that is appropriate for the size of the candle you are making. Wicks come in different sizes, thicknesses, and materials. Cotton wicks are the most common and popular choice because they are affordable and easy to use.

3. Fragrance Oils

Fragrance oils are optional but highly recommended if you want scented candles. Choose a fragrance that is compatible with soy wax and safe for candle making. Fragrance oils come in a variety of scents, such as lavender, vanilla, and citrus. Make sure to follow the recommended usage rate to avoid overpowering or weak scents.

4. Dye Chips

Dye chips are also optional but can add color to your candles. Choose a dye that is designed for candle making and compatible with soy wax. Dye chips come in a variety of colors, and a little goes a long way. Remember to test the color before adding it to the wax to achieve your desired shade.

5. Double Boiler

A double boiler is a tool used to melt wax gently and evenly. It consists of two pots, one larger and one smaller, that fit together. Fill the larger pot with water and place the smaller pot on top, leaving enough space between them to prevent boiling water from splashing into the wax.

6. Thermometer

A thermometer is crucial in candle making to ensure that the wax is heated to the right temperature. With soy wax, you need to heat it to a specific temperature range, usually between 120°F to 180°F, depending on the brand and type. Use a digital thermometer for accuracy and safety.

7. Stirring Tool

You will need a tool to stir the wax, fragrance oils, and dye chips. Choose one that is heat-resistant, such as a silicone spatula or wooden spoon. Avoid using metal utensils, as they can scratch or damage your pots.

8. Container

You will need a container to pour your hot wax into. Choose a container that is heat-resistant and appropriate for candle making. Glass jars are popular choices, but you can also use metal tins, ceramic cups, or even teacups.

9. Adhesive

Adhesive is used to stick the wick to the bottom of the container. You can use a glue gun, double-sided adhesive, or even a small amount of hot wax. Make sure to center the wick in the middle of the container and hold it firmly until the adhesive dries.

10. Scissors

Lastly, you will need a pair of scissors to trim the wick after the candle has cooled and hardened. The wick should be trimmed to about ¼ inch before lighting to prevent excessive flame and soot.

Choosing the Right Soy Wax

When it comes to making soy wax candles, choosing the right kind of wax is crucial. The type of wax you use will affect the outcome of your candles in terms of appearance, texture, scent throw, and burn time. Here are some factors to consider when selecting your soy wax:

1. 100% Soy Wax

As the name suggests, 100% soy wax is made from pure soybean oil without any additives. It’s a natural and eco-friendly option that burns cleanly and slowly. However, it can be tricky to work with due to its lower melting point and lower fragrance load capacity. It’s best suited for container candles.

2. Soy Wax Blends

Soy wax blends are a combination of soy wax and other types of wax, such as beeswax, coconut wax, or paraffin wax. Blends can offer advantages such as better scent throw, easier pourability, and faster cure time. However, they may not be as eco-friendly or natural as 100% soy wax. You may also need to use a different wick size than you would for 100% soy wax.

3. Wax Additives

Some soy waxes may contain additives to improve their performance, such as stearic acid, vybar, or microcrystalline wax. These additives can help with issues such as frosting, scent throw, and adhesion. However, they may not be suitable for those seeking a completely natural product.

4. Melting Point

The melting point of your soy wax will determine how it behaves during melting and pouring. Low melt-point waxes are easier to work with but may have a lower scent throw. High melt-point waxes are more challenging to work with but may offer better scent throw and burn times.

5. Brand and Quality

Finally, consider the brand and quality of the soy wax you choose. Some popular brands of soy wax for candle making include Golden Brands, NatureWax, and EcoSoya. Ensure that you are purchasing from a reputable supplier and that the wax you’re using is suited for the type of candle you plan to make.

By keeping these factors in mind when selecting your soy wax, you can ensure that your homemade soy wax candles turn out beautifully and perform optimally.

Happy Candle Making!

Now that you know how to make your own soy wax candles, gather your materials and get started on your next crafting adventure. Remember to have fun and experiment with different scents and designs to create truly unique candles. Thank you for taking the time to read this article and learn something new. Be sure to visit us again for more fun crafting ideas and inspirations!