Making Soy Candles

What is soy wax?

Soy wax is made from soybeans, more specifically from hydrogenated soybean oil. We know hydrogenated oils are not good to eat, but the hydrogenation process makes oils solid at room temperature and makes them hardier, so it takes longer for them to go rancid.

Soy candles are preferred by many these days because the wax is cheaper than beeswax, all-natural and more environmentally friendly than paraffin (made from petroleum), the candles last about 50 percent longer than traditional paraffin candles, they produce less soot and distribute scent more easily, and the wax spills are easy to clean up with soap and water.

As it has become more popular over the last decade, you should be able to find soy wax at your local craft store. If not, there are many places to buy it online, such as Soya Wax and Lonestar Candle Supply (wholesale supplier). It is available in solid form and flakes. Flakes are somewhat easier to work with.

Making Soy Candles

Soy wax does best for container candles because it has a low melting point and is not very hard. Mason jars or glass votive candle holders are good containers to start with, but you can really use any heat-resistant glass or other material.

You can use the same wicks that are used for paraffin wax candles. Thicker wick is needed as the diameter of the candle goes up. If you’re shopping for supplies at your local craft store, there may only be one width of wick, and your candle will be fine if you use that material. If you shop online you can find wick that is suited to the width of your candle (HTP 105 is ideal for a mason jar candle).

Using a tab on your wick will help the wick adhere to the bottom of the jar. You can buy pre-tabbed wicks or buy the tabs separately. They are easy to apply to the wick, just thread it through and squeeze the tabs so the wick can’t move.

Wash and dry your container before starting this project. If you like, add a dab of glue to the bottom of the tab and secure it to the bottom of your container, as close to the center as possible. Make sure the glue is set before continuing.

Soy wax can be melted on the stovetop or in the microwave. If you want to use the microwave, get a two-cup microwave-safe glass measuring cup and fill it with two cups of wax. Heat for about five minutes. Carefully remove from the microwave and stir. You’re looking for 15 fluid ounces of wax, so if yours melts to less than that, add some more. Make sure the wax is melted completely before proceeding.

Add any fragrance and color you would like when making soy candles. Make sure the fragrance oil you choose is designed to work with soy wax. You will add about one ounce to the melted wax. You can use color chips, blocks or drops that are made for other kinds of candle making. Use these in moderation, as you can’t remove color if you get too much. Mix all together well, make sure your wick is straight and pour the melted wax into your jar. Pour slowly and you shouldn’t have a problem with breaking the glass.

Once the wax is poured in, you may need to straighten your wick again. Place a pencil or a wooden skewer across the mouth of the jar to support the wick as the candle hardens. After it is cool, you can trim the wick to about a quarter of an inch and enjoy.

Tips for Making Soy Candles

As with other candles, don’t leave a burning soy candle unattended and don’t leave them to burn for too long. Leave some space between candles if you’re going to burn more than one in the same room, and make sure your room has good ventilation before burning a bunch of candles together.

Allow the candles to harden and cool before lighting again, and keep them away from children and pets, or anyone else that might inadvertently knock them over.

Soy candles are no more or less dangerous than any other kind of candle. They, too, make great gifts because you can make them individual for each person and they hold fragrance well, which most people like.