How To Make Soy Candles
By Udh Ris

How to Make Soy Candles: Candles from Soy?  Who Knew?

There are nine basic steps in how to make soy candles.  Each step needs to be carefully followed.

First: Measure

The first step in how to make soy candles is to decide what type of candle to make because then the soy wax has to be carefully measured out according to the type and amount to be made.  For the purposes of this article, the focus will be on votive candles, which require about two ounces of soy was per candle.  It is always easiest to work with even numbers, so making eight votive candles at a time requires sixteen ounces of wax, or one pound.

Second: Melt

The next step in how to make soy candles is to melt the wax.  There are two ways to do it.  The first is to buy a wax melter, which can be found in almost any kitchenware section for as little as twenty dollars.  Another option is to use a double boiler, which works but is a much slower method of heating the wax.  Wax must NEVER be melted directly on the stove since it has a flash point (290 degrees) where it will burst into flames.
 
Third: Dye

The third step in how to make soy candles is to add the dye to the wax and to stir it in with a wire whisk.  The dye must be candle dye, not food coloring or it will damage the final outcome of the candle.  Crayons may also be used to color the candle, but it takes more time since the wax has to melt into the soy wax.

Fourth: Fragrance

The rule of thumb for adding fragrance to the candle wax is about one and a half ounces of fragrance for every pound of candle wax.  When adding the fragrance, the candle wax should remain at about 170 degrees in order for the fragrance to bind properly to the wax.  Stir the fragrance for two minutes before going to the next step.

Fifth: Reducing Heat

The fifth step in how to make soy candles is to reduce the heat from 170 degrees to 150-155 degrees.  The votive candle molds should also be warmed in the oven to just barely above room temperature to ensure a smooth release from the molds after cooling.

Sixth: Pouring Candles

When the wax is cooled properly, pour the wax into the molds using either a Pyrex measuring cup or a pour pot.  Fill each holder to the top.

Seventh: Wicks

Once the candles have cooled to the point that there is a thin skin over the top of the holders, it is time for the wicks.  Make sure each wick is straightened and ready to insert.  Hold the wick at the top and push the bottom of it all the way to the bottom of the container.  Make sure it stays straight and centered.

Eighth: Smoothing Imperfections

Even if the candle maker is careful in pressing the wick into the candle, there is still s slight depression made in the skin that had formed over the top.  The only way to smooth the imperfection is to hold a flame over the top of the candle to re-melt the wax.  This has to be done carefully or the wick will become scorched as well.

Ninth: Candle

The final step in soy candle making is waiting about five hours for the candles to cool and set.  Once the time has passed all it takes is a gentle tug on the wick and the candle comes right out!