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How To Make Soy Candles
Are you intrigued by the idea of creating your own delightful and aromatic soy candles right in the comfort of your home? If so, you've come to the right place! In this blog post, we'll take you on a journey through the art of crafting soy candles, showing you how to make the best-smelling creations that will fill your space with enchanting scents. So, if you've ever wondered, "How do you make soy-scented wax candles at home?" or "How do you make the best-smelling soy candles?", keep reading to discover the secrets of this captivating DIY project.
How to Make Soy Candles: Recipe
Let's dive right into the soy candle-making process. Here's a simple recipe to get you started:
Step 1: Gather Your Supplies
To make soy candles at home, you'll need the following items:
Equipment
- Stainless Steel Pan
- Weighing Scales
- Metal Jugs
- Thermometer/Stirring Rod
- Wick Centering Tool Materials
Materials
- 200g ProSoy Container Wax
- 10g Fragrance Oil
- 2g Dye
- 2g Mica
- 30cl Candle Glass Container
- ECO4 Wick
- Wick Stick Ums
Step 2: Prepare Your Workspace
Clear a clean, flat surface and cover it with newspaper or a disposable tablecloth to catch any spills.
Step 3: Measure Your Wax
Determine the amount of soy wax you'll need based on your candle container's size. For precise measurements, use a kitchen scale.
Step 4: Melt the Wax
Next, add your wax to your pan and melt slowly on the stove until it reaches 80°C.
Step 5: Add Fragrance
Once the wax is melted, remove it from the heat source and allow it to cool to 70°C. Then, add your preferred fragrance. For wax melts and candles, we recommend adding around 10% fragrance oil. This means if your candle is 100 grams in total – 90 grams should be wax and 10 grams should be oil.
Step 6: Secure the Wick
Whilst your wax continues to cool, apply your stickum to your wick and carefully stick your wicks into your candle glass.
Step 7: Pour the Wax
Once your wax is at the correct temperature of around 60°C, slowly pour your wax into your candle glass and leave to set. Make sure you are leaving about half an inch (1.27 cm) of space at the top of the container.
Step 8: Let It Set
Allow your candle to cool and set. This can take anywhere from 2-4 hours, depending on the size of your candle.
Step 9: Trim the Wick
Finally, once set, carefully trim your wicks, and if necessary, heat gun the tops of your candles for a smooth finish. Then you can enjoy your candles!
Congratulations! You've just created your very own soy candle. But before you dive into making more, let's address some common questions.
How long does a soy candle take to set?
When you're making your own soy candles at home, it's important to know how long it takes for them to set properly. The setting time of a soy candle can vary depending on several factors, including the size of the candle, the room temperature, and the specific type of soy wax you're using. However, as a general guideline, here's what you can expect:
Cooling Period: After you've poured the melted soy wax into your candle container and added your fragrance, it's crucial to let it cool and solidify. This initial cooling period typically takes anywhere from 2 to 4 hours. During this time, it's best to cover your candle with a cloth or lid to prevent any dust or debris from settling on the surface.
Full Cure: While the candle may appear solid after the initial cooling period, it's essential to let it fully cure for an additional 24 to 48 hours. This curing time allows the candle to develop its final scent through and burn evenly. It's tempting to light your candle right away, but patience is key to achieving the best results.
Optional Second Pour: Some candle makers choose to do a second pour after the initial cooling period. This is when you top up the candle with more melted wax to fill any sinkholes or depressions that may have formed as the wax contracted during cooling. If you opt for a second pour, allow additional time for this layer to set, typically 2 to 4 hours. Remember that these timeframes can vary, so it's a good idea to consult the instructions provided with the specific soy wax you're using. Additionally, factors like the ambient temperature in your workspace can influence setting times. It's always better to err on the side of caution and allow your candles extra time to set if needed to ensure the best results.
How much does it cost to make soy candles?
Creating your own soy candles can be a fun and rewarding hobby, and it can also save you money compared to purchasing store-bought candles. While the exact cost can vary depending on various factors like the size and number of candles you want to make and the quality of ingredients you choose, here's a general overview of the costs associated with making soy candles.
Soy Wax: The primary ingredient for soy candles is soy wax. A kg of soy wax can cost anywhere from £5 to £10, depending on the brand and quality. High-quality soy wax may be a bit more expensive but can result in better candles.
Fragrance Oils: If you want scented candles, you'll need fragrance oils. These can range from £2 to £10 or more per gram, depending on the scent and brand. Keep in mind that a little goes a long way, so a small bottle can last for several batches of candles.
Wicks: Wicks are relatively inexpensive, with packs of wicks costing around £2 to £5, depending on the quantity and type (cotton, wooden, etc.).
Containers: If you're using containers for your candles, consider the cost of these. You can find a wide range of options, from basic glass jars to more decorative containers. Prices can vary significantly, but let's estimate an average of £2 to £5 per container.
Equipment: You'll need some basic equipment, such as a double boiler for melting wax, a thermometer, and a stirring utensil. These items can all vary in price, it’s best to shop around for the best equipment to suit your needs.
Dyes and Additives (optional): If you want to add color or special additives to your candles, these will come at an additional cost, typically £2 to £5 per item.
Packaging (optional): If you plan to gift or sell your candles, consider the cost of packaging materials, such as labels and boxes, which can add a few pounds to your expenses.
When you add all these costs together, you'll get an approximate idea of how much it costs to make your own soy candles. Keep in mind that while there is an initial investment in equipment and supplies, many of these items will last for multiple candle-making sessions, making subsequent batches even more cost-effective.
Comparatively, store-bought soy candles can vary widely in price, but they are often more expensive due to branding and marketing costs. By making your own soy candles, you can not only save money but also customise scents and styles to suit your preferences, making it a rewarding and cost-effective hobby.
Can You Use Essential Oils in Soy Candles?
Certainly, you can use essential oils in candle making; however, there are some important considerations to keep in mind. Essential oils come with a unique challenge when it comes to candle making. Unlike fragrance oils, essential oils often have exceptionally low flash points. This means that when added to hot candle wax, it tends to evaporate rapidly. Consequently, this can reduce the effectiveness of the scent through aromatherapy candles crafted with essential oils.
Are soy candles safe?
Soy candles are often considered safer than traditional paraffin candles. They are non-toxic, which means they don't release harmful chemicals when burned. However, always exercise caution when using candles around pets or children.
Are soy candles pet-safe?
Soy candles are generally safe around pets, but it's still essential to keep candles out of their reach and never leave them unattended when burning.
Can you make pillar candles with soy wax?
You can use soy wax to create beautiful pillar candles, just ensure that you are using a pillar wax blend rather than the container blend as this is specifically for creating container candles within glasses or jars. A pillar wax blend is the perfect choice for pillar candles as once it begins to set, it will gently pull away from the mould used leaving a clean candle. We’d recommend Kerasoy Pillar Wax for this purpose as it is a blend specifically developed for the production of Pillar candles and wax tarts.
With this guide, you're well-equipped to embark on your soy candle-making journey. Whether you're making candles as gifts, for relaxation, or simply to enjoy the soothing ambience, the possibilities are endless. Experiment with different scents and containers to create your perfect soy candles and elevate your space with your personal touch. Happy candle crafting!