Okay. So my husband got me my first DIY Soy Candle Making Kit for Christmas. My first thought was, “great, one more ‘self-care’ task added to the list of things that are supposed to bring me joy but actually just collect dust in the corner.” But one snowy afternoon, I was bored and busted out the kit. It was so fun and easy! I loved mixing different fragrances, heating and pouring the wax and ending up with a great little candle.
While it was easy, I did wish I had known some things beforehand. So here is a comprehensive guide that walks through the dos and don’ts of DIY candle making. Check out my tips for creating beautiful soy candles for yourself or as gifts.
The Dos of Soy Candle Making
While the kit above is a great way to practice below are some suggestions for high-quality products to ensure your candles are not only eco-friendly but also a great overall product.
DO Choose High-Quality Materials
When it comes to candle making, the quality of your materials directly impacts the final product. Opt for high-quality soy wax flakes, which are not only eco-friendly but also provide a clean burn. Select cotton wicks free from metal cores to ensure a safer, cleaner burn. Investing in quality fragrance oils. I love Eternal Essence Oils. They offer many different scent sets that smell so, so good! Also if you are coloring your candles, ensure that you use natural dyes. You can get pre-colored wax (there are fabulous colors offered through The Candle Shop) or you can add your own all natural candle dye to the white soy wax flakes from above.
DO Use the Double Boiler Method
One of the safest ways to melt soy wax is using the double boiler method. Here’s how:
1. Fill a large pot with a few inches of water.
2. Place a Candle Making Pouring Pitcher containing your soy wax flakes into the pot.
3. Heat the water on medium, stirring the wax occasionally until it’s fully melted.
This method provides more control over the temperature and reduces the risk of overheating or scorching the wax.
DO Monitor Temperature Carefully
Temperature control is crucial in candle making. Use a reliable Candle Making Thermometer to monitor the wax temperature throughout the process. Here are some key temperature points to remember:
– Melt soy wax to 185°F (85°C).
– Add fragrance oils when the wax cools to 175-185°F (79-85°C).
– Pour the wax into containers when it reaches 130-155°F (54-68°C)[8].
Adhering to these temperature guidelines ensures proper binding of fragrance oils and helps prevent issues like frosting or poor scent throw.
DO Measure Ingredients Precisely
Accuracy is key when it comes to creating consistent, high-quality candles. I cannot stress this enough. The first time I made my DIY candles I guesstimated everything and they did not smell good. I also put the wax into the jars when it was too hot and they looked a little wanky.
After my first attempt I bought this digital kitchen scale and actually weighed the wax and oils. A general rule of thumb is to use about 1 oz (2 tablespoons) of fragrance oil per 12 oz of melted wax.
DO Prepare Your Containers Properly
Before pouring your wax, ensure your containers are clean, dry, and at room temperature. I got these Thick Candle Jars. They come in a variety of different sizes and colors. I even found these cute Patterned Tin Containers.
To prevent air bubbles and promote even cooling:
1. Preheat your containers slightly (this can be done by placing them in a warm oven for a few minutes).
2. Secure the wick to the bottom of the container using a dot of hot glue or these Wick Stickers.
3. Use wick Centering Devices to keep the wick straight during pouring and cooling.
DO Allow Proper Curing Time
Patience is a virtue in candle making. After pouring your candles, allow them to cure for at least one week, preferably two, before burning. This curing period allows the fragrance to fully bind with the wax, resulting in a stronger scent when the candle is eventually lit.
DO Trim Wicks Regularly
Proper wick maintenance is essential for optimal burning and safety. Trim the wick to about 1/4 inch (6 mm) before each use. For soy candles specifically, you may want to trim even shorter, to about 1/8 inch, to prevent excessive smoking and uneven burning. You can use scissors or this nifty Wick Trimmer.
The Don’ts of Soy Candle Making
Okay now that we covered the “dos” of candle making, let’s move into the don’ts.
DON’T Overheat the Wax
Overheating soy wax can lead to discoloration, poor scent throw, and even safety hazards. Never melt soy wax directly over an open flame or in a microwave. Stick to the double boiler method and use a thermometer to prevent overheating.
DON’T Add Fragrance at the Wrong Temperature
I made this mistake the first time I created my candles. I added the essential oils too quickly and it resulted in a less fragrant candle. The second time I made candles, I waited a few minutes until the wax cooled to the recommended temperature (175-185°F) before adding my fragrance.
DON’T Pour Wax When It’s Too Hot
Pouring soy wax into containers while it’s still too hot can lead to shrinkage, sinkholes, and poor adhesion to the container. Again this goes back to patience and precision. Allow the wax to cool to the recommended pouring temperature (130-155°F) before filling your containers.
DON’T Neglect Safety Precautions
Candle making involves working with hot materials, so safety should always be a priority. Here are some essential safety tips:
– Wear closed-toe shoes and long pants to protect against potential wax splashes.
– Use heat-resistant gloves when handling hot containers (I have the finger burns to prove this one).
– Keep a fire extinguisher nearby.
– Never leave melting wax unattended (especially if you have young children).
DON’T Ignore Proper Ventilation
Ensure your workspace is well-ventilated, especially when working with fragrance oils. Good air circulation helps dissipate any fumes and keeps your working environment comfortable.
DON’T Use Containers Not Suitable for Candles
Not all containers are safe for candle making. Use only containers specifically graded for candle use. These are designed to withstand the heat generated by burning candles without cracking or breaking.
DON’T Forget to Test Your Candles
Before gifting or selling your candles, always conduct burn tests to ensure they perform as expected. This involves burning the candle for several hours and observing how it melts, how strong the scent throw is, and whether there are any safety concerns. You just want to make sure that you are sharing a high-quality product.
Advanced Tips for Soy Candle Making
Experimenting with Scents
Once you’ve mastered the basics, try creating unique scent combinations. Keep a log of your experiments, noting the ratios of different fragrance oils and how they perform in your candles. This will help you develop signature scents over time.
Check out my list of combinations to try. (insert chart here).
Decorative Techniques
Enhance the visual appeal of your candles with these decorative ideas:
– Layered candles: Pour different colored wax layers for a striking effect. You can use these different colored waxes either pre-colored or make your own colors using these all natural wax dyes.
– Embedded elements: Add dried flowers or herbs to the surface of your candles for a natural look.
– Textured surfaces: Create interesting textures by manipulating the wax as it cools.
– Add your own labels to the candle jar. These are super cute Label Stickers.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even experienced candle makers encounter problems from time to time. Here are solutions to some common issues:
– **Sinkholes**: If you notice little holes forming as the wax cools, try pouring at a slightly lower temperature or doing a second pour to fill in any gaps.
– **Frosting**: This white, crystalline appearance on the surface of soy candles is natural and doesn’t affect performance. To minimize it, try pouring at a higher temperature or cooling the candles more slowly.
– **Poor scent throw**: If your candles aren’t as fragrant as desired, try increasing the fragrance load slightly or experimenting with different types of fragrance oils. Also make sure you have high-quality fragrances.
Environmental and Health Benefits of Soy Candles
Choosing soy wax for your candle-making projects offers several advantages:
– **Renewable resource**: Soy is a sustainable, biodegradable material.
– **Cleaner burn**: Soy candles produce less soot than paraffin alternatives.
– **Longer burning time**: Soy wax typically burns slower than paraffin, offering more value.
– **Lower melting point**: This makes soy candles safer and easier to clean up if spilled.
Conclusion
DIY soy candle making is a fulfilling hobby that allows you to create personalized, eco-friendly home fragrances. By following these dos and don’ts, you’ll be well on your way to crafting beautiful, safe, and aromatic candles. Remember that practice makes perfect, so don’t be discouraged if your first attempts aren’t flawless. With patience and attention to detail, you’ll soon be creating candles that rival those found in high-end boutiques.
As you continue your candle-making journey, always prioritize safety, experiment with new techniques, and most importantly, enjoy the creative process. Whether you’re making candles for personal use, as gifts, or even considering starting a small business, the skills you develop will serve you well in creating high-quality soy candles that bring warmth and fragrance to any space.
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