Soy Candle Making Supplies
Soy wax are a great choice for the candle maker. Soy wax is proving to be very popular for several reasons. It is cheaper than other waxes and it is made from a domestically produced natural plant product. Compared to paraffin waxes it is extremely clean burning and it has a wonderful natural aroma that is quite sufficient on its own or it will accept other aromas without a problem. Candles made with soy wax are also very smooth and glossy. Soy candles are no more difficult to make than candles with paraffin or other natural wax varieties.
The equipment needed to make soy candles is the same as that required to make candles with other natural or paraffin based waxes. For the beginner or hobbyist candle maker that would include a double boiler which is simply a large pot used to heat water and a smaller pot or pan with the wax that is placed in the heated water. Similar to the other waxes mentioned soy wax should not be exposed to direct heat. In addition the candle maker would need a good quality thermometer, wicks, dyes, molds and scents.
The key component to soy candles is the wax and that would depend on the type candle to be produced. There are three main types of candles one might choose from.
Pillars
Pillar candles as the name implies stand alone. They are formed in molds and must be stiff enough to stand apart and straight while burning and when exposed to sunlight. It is very important to use the correct wax for this type candle. When purchasing wax the first consideration is to determine the type wax that is best formulated to make this type candle.
Containers
Again the name describes the type candle. In this case the heated wax is poured into a container which becomes the permanent home for the candle. A container can be anything that will hold heated wax. Many times glass bottles and jars are used but any type material will do the job. For container candles the wax should be softer than that used with pillar candles.since it will be poured into the container. The softer wax will adhere to the container better and it will accept heavy doses of aromas. When making soy candles in a container get the correct wax.
Votives
Votive candles are those thicker ones normally used in religious ceremonies. They are usually burned while on a tray, plate or other supporting surface. They don’t have to be as stiff as pillar candles and container wax is definitely too soft for this type candle. They are formed in molds so the soy wax should be a little stiffer than container wax. The softness of container wax would cause it to stick to the mold which would make it unworkable for votives. So specify the correct soy wax for making votives.
Wicks are generally a key component in the production of candles but with soy candles wicks aren’t absolutely necessary. Wickless soy candles offer a good method of enjoying their aromatic delights where flames are not allowed such as offices, dorm rooms or apartments. A wickless soy candle on an electric candle warmer produces the same enjoyable fragrances as one with a burning wick.
If one is currently making candles it would be easy to make soy candles. Except for the correct soy wax all the equipment and supplies currently being used would work for soy candles.
