How to Make Soy Candles

Author: Wholesale Supplies Plus
Thursday, August 1, 2024

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In this tutorial you’ll learn how to make soy wax candles at home with Golden Brands 415 and Ky PureSoy.
If you are making paraffin wax candles, DO NOT use these directions. These directions are for container soy wax candles only.

Making Soy Candles: Step-by-Step

First, gently melt the soy wax in a Presto Kitchen Kettle or microwave.
Proceed to heat the soy wax to about 160-175 degrees.
Take the wax from the melting pot to the pouring pot.
Add color and dissolve.
Lastly, add candle fragrance oil.
Let the wax sit in the pouring pot until it looks as though it is starting to set up (around 100° or a little less.) Make sure the wax has a cloudy look and appears slushy when it is being poured. (This takes some time, so be patient. This could take 30 minutes or more depending on how large of a batch is being made.)
Next, stir the soy wax thoroughly and pour into the wicked candle jars. (NOTE: Judge when to pour by how the soy wax looks rather than the temperature; we recommend 100 degrees because that is usually when the soy wax starts setting up.)
Next, pour the soy candle wax into jars that have a wick glued into the bottom with Silicone, high melt point hot glue or Candle Wick Stickers. Center your candle wicks and prop up with a popsicle stick (we suggest putting two popsicle sticks together, then put the candle wick in the middle and secure with a clothespin to assure the wick stays centered.) Let candle set up completely, trim the wick, and let candle cure at least 48 hours before test burning.

Soy Wax Candle Tips

No need to heat jars.
Recommended amount of candle fragrance oil is 1 to 1 1/2 ounces per pound of soy wax. Please use a digital scale for weighing, not a measuring glass – always measure candle making fragrance oil by weight rather than volume.
Do not trim the candle wick of a soy candle as short as a candle made with paraffin wax. Soy wax needs a little extra wick to get started burning well the first time.
** You can pour the wax hot, however, the tops will look flaky or crusty. Also, sometimes the sides will be frosty and may not have a polished, professional look. This can cause the soy candle to not burn correctly when poured at a hotter temperature. If you pour hot, pour at least at 170 degrees.
NOTE: Testing is an important part of candle making and is a step that cannot be skipped. You cannot use the same size candle wick in all size containers; you must test to find the candle wick that works correctly for the size container you are using. You do not want to use a candle wick that will get too hot, but you don’t want to use one that is too cool and causes your wick to go out. We can give you suggestions as a starting point to do your testing.
Each individual candle maker is responsible for how his or her own soy candles turn out. Please always test in small batches before making large amounts of soy candles. Each candle maker needs to find a method that is comfortable for him or her.

Is it Safe to Make Soy Candles at Home?

Making soy candles at home is generally safe if you adhere to proper safety practices. It's important to use the correct equipment, such as a double boiler, to avoid direct heating of the wax and manage the melting temperature efficiently, which should be monitored closely with a thermometer to prevent overheating—typically between 120 to 180 degrees Fahrenheit (49 to 82 degrees Celsius).

Always work in a well-ventilated area, particularly when adding fragrances, to minimize the inhalation of any fumes. Safety measures should include having a fire extinguisher or baking soda on hand to handle any potential fires, as water should never be used to extinguish a wax fire. Additionally, ensure your workspace is organized and free from clutter to avoid spills and wear protective gear, like gloves and eye protection, to safeguard against burns or splashes. Following these guidelines will help ensure a safe and enjoyable candle-making experience at home.

How to Make the Best-Smelling Soy Candles

To make the best-smelling soy candles, start by selecting high-quality soy wax, which is known for holding scent well and burning cleanly. Choose fragrance oils that are specifically designed for candle making to ensure they are safe to burn and capable of evenly permeating the space as the candle burns. You can also experiment with essential oils for a natural fragrance, but be mindful of their scent throw and compatibility with soy wax.

The key to a robust aroma is to use the correct amount of fragrance; typically, 6-10% of the weight of the wax used, depending on the strength of the fragrance and personal preference. Additionally, ensure the wax is at the right temperature when adding your oils—typically around 185 degrees Fahrenheit—to optimize fragrance absorption. Stir the fragrance thoroughly into the melted wax to ensure even distribution.

Choosing the right wick size also affects how the candle burns and releases fragrance. Finally, allow your candles to cure for at least 48 hours before burning to enhance the fragrance's strength and throw.

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