How to Make Soy Candles
A discussion of how to make soy candles should begin with an answer to the question; exactly what is a soy candle and no it is not a bean with a wick attached. It is a candle made with natural soy wax which is produced from hydrogenated oils extruded from soy bean flakes. It should include no additives to earn the name.
Paraffin wax is the most widely used today by the candle making community for several reasons. It is available, it is economical to purchase and it is easy to work with in making a good candle but soy wax is giving it a run for the money. Soy candles burn cleaner and they have a very pleasing natural aroma. They are also 100% natural and soy wax melts at a lower temperature so it is easier to use in the production process. Generally when a candle maker once uses soy wax they never return to the paraffin alternative.
The procedures for utilizing soy wax to make candles are very similar to those of paraffin wax use. An accomplished candle maker experienced in the utilization of paraffin wax should have no problem using soy wax. As a matter of fact it will be a little easier. The equipment and procedures are the same for both waxes. A double boiler should be used to melt the soy wax. A double boiler is simply one pot for heating water and another smaller pot for the wax that will be placed in the larger pot with the heated water. This indirect heating method is necessary because direct heat will harm the wax and cause it to melt improperly. A good quality thermometer is a necessity for making good quality candles because temperatures are critical. The soy wax should be heated to 150 to 170 degrees and put into the mold immediately. Long burn times could cause the candle to have a yellowish hue and if the wax cools too much prior to molding cracks could develop in the finished product. If scents are to be added they should be applied just prior to putting the soy wax in the mold. To obtain the optimum fragrance the amount of scenting agent should be be no more than one ounce per pound of soy wax. Adding more scents will not increase the fragrance and could cause damage to the finished product. Another tip is to let the heated soy wax in the mold cool slowly. Speeding up the cooling process with water or refrigeration could also cause the candle to crack.
The two waxes discussed are very similiar. There are a few differences. One of which is that soy wax is softer and this should be considered by the candle maker when choosing the shape of the candle to be made. Paraffin wax would be better for novelty, taper and pillar candles. Floating candles made with soy wax should not be larger than 3 inches in diameter.
The fact is that both waxes make good candles and it is up to the candle maker to decide which meets their particular preferences. It should be remembered that it is a good idea to learn as much about a craft as possible so that the doors to opportunity and accomplishment are as wide open as they can be.
