Making soy candles: anyone can do it

Candles date back to Biblical times. For hundreds of years they were the only source of light in people’s homes, the earliest of which were made from tallow. It wasn’t until the 1800s that paraffin replaced this.

One hundred years later, electricity replaced candles, being relegated to other roles as decoration for festive occasions, for the calm and sanctity they evoke in religious ceremonies and the general atmosphere of warmth, relaxation and even romance.

The biggest innovation in the candle industry today is the replacement of “paraffin” based candle with a natural wax alternative. The soy candles we make burn clean, release no toxins into the air, and produce no soot or smoke. Because they burn cooler and longer (25-50% longer) they allow the fragrance to be released into the air for a longer period. This natural, eco-friendly wax is biodegradable and all containers can be washed in hot, soapy water for reuse. An added advantage to this disposable society.

Soy candles are very easy to make when you have simple instructions to follow.

1. Choose the right container for your candle. Container wax can only be used on heat-resistant glassware, as it sticks to glass. Calculate the amount of wax you will use.

The wax can be melted in a double boiler or like a rice cooker. The easiest way is to heat and melt half the wax, then let the heat from the container melt the rest.

2. While the wax is melting, prepare your containers by selecting the wick to use, the fragrance, and the color. The best thing to do is to try making an unscented and uncolored wax first, so you can get your technique right.

3. You can use a thermometer, but it’s not really necessary. The wicks can be glued on by dipping the wick into the wax or by using the double-sided wick stickers.

4. Room temperature can affect the finish of your candles, so make sure it’s not too hot or too cold.

5. Remember, don’t go overboard with the fragrance. 30ml/450ml is enough. The best way to use the concentrated colors is by grating them on a cheese rack. It is much easier to darken a wax color than to lighten it, so be careful.

6. The wax is ready to pour when the container is cool to the touch or when the wax begins to cloud. If you find that it has become too hard, reheat it slightly or place the container in hot water.

7. It is recommended that you leave your candles for 24 hours to cool and settle. More time is needed if large or multi-wick pots are used. If you’re having trouble, go to our troubleshooting and tips for suggestions.

Selection of your containers

Since soy candles are in jars, the biggest decision after your wax is your jars. There is an endless variety that you can choose from. Once you get the candle making bug, all the containers will look in a very different way. Half the fun is finding new and interesting jars.

There are numerous jar suppliers in Victoria and on the interstate so get catalogs from all of them, compare sizes, prices, minimum orders and payment terms. Easy to do with internet access. (Vendors, listed)

Buying through jar suppliers means that all the hard work has been done for you in selecting the right glass for your candles.

However, if you want to get your own, here are some tips:

A good candle holder should have a wide enough diameter so that it can be easily lit and extinguished. This also means that the fragrance will be better even if the candle is not burning.

Jars with lids retain fragrance longer and prevent dust and dirt from falling into the candle. Do not put out a candle by putting the lid on.

Do not use fine glassware such as champagne flutes for candles. They may look great, but they are not made to withstand high heat. And since glass is quite thin, they also retain a lot of heat, making them very hot to handle and prone to cracking.

Metal containers have become very popular as travel tins because they are unbreakable. Remember to get cans that are seamless. Some with joints may leak when the wax is hot. Dangerous when you’re pouring and dangerous to your customers if they leak when they burn. In addition to staining the entire surface it sits on with wax, they can also become a fire hazard. If you’re not sure, test it by filling it with water and letting it sit for a couple of days.

Ceramics are popular for highlights or a table centerpiece, as they can blend in with decor.

Jars that have a wide neck and narrow base can cause problems when the candle is running low. Since the base is narrower, it means that the wick is closer to the sides. This will result in a very hot carafe and a normally fine carafe can become prone to cracking from excessive heat.

Cutlery is popular for special events like anniversaries.

If you are unsure about the suitability of a candle, test it before offering it to any customer.

Soy wax has made candle making so easy that anyone can do it. Give it a try, it’s a lot of fun.