How to Make Soy Candles

Soy candles are the easiest to make.  You don’t need special equipment like double broilers because you can melt soy wax in a simple pan.  However, as you learn how to make soy candles, you must grasp the basics.  For instance, the methods of using containers and molds to create the final product vary.  The size and type of wick to use also needs careful consideration.  Basically, it’s a lot like making paraffin candles.  The only difference is that soy wax is low maintenance and easy to use, while paraffin needs a lot of careful handling and preparation.

Making a soy candle is as simple as melting the wax and then choosing a wick to use and placing the melted wax in containers to cool.  The resulting product will be functional, with the natural beauty of soya making the task worthwhile.  But it doesn’t stop there.  Once you realize that soya can hold scents well, you will start thinking about using fragrance oils and dyes to enhance the natural elegance of your homemade soy candles.

Creating your very own soy candles is a very gratifying hobby… and the fun is just starting.

There are two ways of starting to create soy candles.  You can buy the materials separately from craft shops in your area or over the internet.  You can also get a pre-supplied soy candle making kit.  If you’re a beginner, I suggest going for the second option.  Your enthusiasm for candle making will greatly increase if you have all the basic materials in front of you.

Use a candle kit to practice creating your first soy candles.  Once you get the hang of the process and the tricks to creating better candles, you can start visiting specialty stores and even thrift shops for more containers, candle molds, bargain soy candle waxes and wicks of all sizes and types.

Check your kit for the following materials:

  1. Soy wax in granules, flakes or in blocks.  Check for the amount of wax present.  Usually, beginner’s  candle kits contain a pound of wax and a container that can accommodate that much wax.  From experience, the granule type is easier to use for obvious reasons.  It’s easier to melt and you don’t have to worry about cutting up a block to fit your container.
  2. Check for the presence of the wick.  At the onset, you might even forget to place the wick in the container before pouring your candle, which is fine. But having the wick positioned very close to the container in your work area will make sure you don’t repeat the same mistake.  Don’t worry if you create a wickless candle… you can always melt the soy wax again and start over!  You should also check for the material of the wick.  Usually, cotton is the wick material of choice.  If there’s a wick, check if the wick is primed.
  3. Most candle making kits contain fragrance oils.  This is one way of ensuring that your first candle experience will be awesome.  Think of making a scented soy candle on the first try!  It will also prepare you for what’s ahead in your career as a candle maker.  You will soon be curious about which scents go well with which dye and what containers are suitable for a certain candle design and motif.
  4. Wax dye.  Your candle’s color will dictate what your motif is.  It will even be the basis of what scent you will use for your candle.  A purple dyed candle asks for a lavender scent, an orange candle needs a citrus scent, and so on.

Making your soy candles is easy.  At medium heat, melt the soy wax in a pan.  This will remind you of melting butter.  You have to stir every once in a while.  Lower the flame and keep stirring while you add the fragrance and the dye.  Gently pour the melted soy wax inside your jar or mold with the wick in place.  Trim the wick, and in less than 24 hours, you can light your first homemade soy candle!