How to make your own soy wax candles & added tips and tricks

September 13 2024, by Gerry Spiertz, 11 min reading time

You're here because you're curious about making your own homemade soy candles—or, more likely, you've already tried your hand at it and were left feeling a bit disappointed with the results! While the idea sounds simple enough—just go online, grab some wax and a wick, add some fragrance oils, and pour everything into your favourite jar—candle making is far from a walk in the park. In fact, it's a fine art that requires a bit of finesse and knowledge to achieve that perfect finish.

But don’t worry! You've come to the right place to learn everything you need to know about crafting the perfect soy candle. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the world of soy candles, covering everything from the essential materials you need to the step-by-step process for creating your own masterpiece. Plus, we’ll share plenty of tips and tricks to make your journey as a candle maker not only enjoyable but also incredibly rewarding. So, let’s light that proverbial wick and get started!

Lets get started…

How to work out how much candle wax and fragrance you will require:

First things first: to get started on your candle-making adventure, you need to figure out how much liquid your jar can hold up to the fill line where you plan to add your wax. To do this, simply fill your chosen jar with water, stopping at the level you want the finished candle to reach. Then, measure that amount of water using a measuring jug.

Once you have this measurement, jot it down. For example, let’s say your jar holds 300ml of water. The next step is to determine your desired fragrance load—the percentage of fragrance or essential oil you’d like to use. As a general guideline, we recommend a fragrance load of 10% for fragrance oils and 3% for essential oils to achieve a lovely scent throw (which is the term for how beautifully your candle smells when lit).

With your jar's volume in mind, calculating how much fragrance you need becomes a breeze. Simply multiply the jar volume by your fragrance percentage.

Example: 300ml x 10% = 30ml of fragrance oil.

Now you've established that you need 300ml of liquid to fill your jar and that 30ml of that will be fragrance. This means you’ll need 270ml of liquid wax, right? Spot on! However — remember, we sell wax in flakes, not liquid! This is where your parents’ insistence on math comes into play. You’ll need to convert your liquid volume into the weight of wax flakes using this magic conversion factor: multiply by 0.83.

Example: 270ml x 0.83 = 224 grams of wax.

Now you know precisely how much wax and fragrance you’ll need to create your candle masterpiece. But hold on! Before you dive into the actual making, there are still some crucial tips and insights you should know to become a candle-making whiz. Let’s keep going!

How do I choose the correct wick size for my candle jar?

When it comes to candle making, the diameter of your jar is perhaps the most crucial factor in selecting the right wick. The type of wick you'll need—like our CDN or ECO wicks—depends largely on this measurement. To find the diameter of your candle jar, take a ruler and measure across the widest part from one side to the other, as illustrated in the photo below.

Once you have the diameter noted, you can refer to our wick listings to determine which sizes are most suitable for your jar. Selecting the correct wick is essential for achieving the perfect burn and ensuring that your candle has an even melt pool and optimal scent throw. With the right wick in hand, you’re one step closer to crafting a beautiful and aromatic soy candle!

Why are temperatures so important when making candles?

When crafting a soy candle, it’s essential to heat and cool the wax to the recommended temperatures to ensure optimal burning quality and scent throw. Soy wax begins to melt at a relatively low temperature, which makes it a safe option for candlemakers of all ages. However, exposing the wax to excessive heat during the melting process can negatively impact its performance once it cools.

Additionally, overheating can lead to air bubbles forming in the wax, which may cause flickering flames or even result in extinguished flames! To achieve the best results with soy wax, maintaining an even temperature throughout the entire process—from melting to pouring—is critical.

Each type of soy wax comes with a recommended temperature guide, which is a valuable resource for candlemakers. These temperature recommendations are provided by the manufacturers and can be found on our website for each specific wax type. Following these guidelines will help you create the "perfect" soy candle, but keep in mind that they can vary significantly between brands.

Furthermore, the ambient temperature of your home or workspace plays a crucial role in candle making. The ideal temperature for crafting candles is around 21 degrees. This optimal temperature helps ensure that your candles cure properly and minimizes issues like frosting and uneven tops, leading to a beautifully finished product. By paying close attention to these temperature guidelines, you’ll be on your way to making stunning, high-quality soy candles!

Quick tips, tricks & fun facts:

Candle Wax Memory: Did you know that candle wax has a memory? If you don’t let your candle burn all the way to the edges during its first burn, a memory ring will form. This means that on subsequent burns, the wax will only melt up to the point where it was last extinguished, leading to tunneling.
Trim the Wick: Always trim the wick after each burn. This simple task not only keeps the flame at a safe height but also helps your candle last longer by promoting an even burn.
Keep a Notepad: Be sure to have a notebook handy while you’re making candles. Documenting every detail—like testing temperatures, figuring out which size wicks you need, and weighing wax—is crucial. You never know when that information might come in handy!
Invest in a Heat Gun: A heat gun can be a lifesaver in your candle-making journey. No matter how experienced you become, not every candle will turn out perfectly. A heat gun can help address common issues such as sinkholes, cracks, and frosting, allowing you to perfect your creations with ease.
Understanding Frosting: Frosting is a natural occurrence in soy wax, caused by crystal formation due to temperature fluctuations and time (known as polymorphism). While some waxes are less prone to frosting, there's no guaranteed way to prevent it. Here are some techniques to help reduce frosting:

Mix your wax slowly after adding fragrance and/or dye.
Warm your containers in the oven or with a heat gun before pouring.
Allow your soy wax to cool as much as possible in your pour pot before pouring.
Consider leaving your candles in their natural color, as dyes can make frosting more visible.
Modify your wax by adding paraffin or coconut wax to lessen the chance of crystal formation.
Cure your candles at room temperature, avoiding exposure to windows and drafts that may cool them too quickly.
Use a wire cooling rack for your candles, as solid surfaces can absorb heat and cause the wax to cool too rapidly.
If all else fails, consider using frosted, dark-colored, or opaque containers to camouflage any frosting, or opt for decorative wrap-around labels.

With these tips and tricks in mind, you’ll be better equipped to navigate the challenges of candle making and enhance your creations!

What do I require to make a soy candle?

Thermometer
Pouring Jug
Kitchen scales
Candle jar
Wick
Wick stickers
Wick holders
Soy wax ( we will discuss which soy wax is best for you down below)
Fragrance oil or Essential oil
Wick Trimmer

Method:

Step 1: Prepare your candle jars.

Using a clean and sterile candle jar, you will need to wick your candle jars. To wick your candle, you will need to make sure that your wick is secured in place and centred in order to achieve the best burn.

We recommend using a wick stickum which was created specifically for attaching the base of your wick to the middle of the bottom of your vessel. This tool will keep your wick from floating around in liquid wax. A dangerous and messy consequence of not securing your wick would be having it float to the side of a glass vessel resulting in it shattering and spilling hot wax everywhere.

Another tool we recommend using when making a candle is a wick holder. They will keep your wick running straight up the centre of your candle while the wax is setting. When not used, your wick could end up leaning off to one side which would result in a melt pool that doesn’t reach the edge around the entire candle.

Step 2: Prepare Your Wax and Fragrance

Now that your jars are ready, measure the amount of wax and fragrance you'll need for your candle. Weigh your wax using a heatproof pouring jug by placing it on a digital scale and taring it off. Slowly pour your wax into the jug until you’ve reached the desired weight. It’s also a good time to measure out your fragrance oil so that it’s ready for when you need it.

Step 3: Begin melting your wax.

To melt your candle wax we recommend using the ‘double boiler method’ this is where you have a pot on the stove (low-medium heat) filled with a small amount of water. Then you have your pouring jug sitting inside this pot. (Similarly to how you would melt chocolate).

Some people prefer to melt their candle wax in the microwave. However, we don’t recommend using this method. If you do choose to melt your candle wax in the microwave, please ensure to only heat in 30 second increments to ensure it doesn’t overheat (Make sure to stir in between each increment).

Now that your wax is on the heat slowly stir it to ensure the wax melts evenly. You will want to have your thermometer handy so that you can keep an eye on the temperature as it melts.

You will want to take your wax off the heat once it reaches 70°C.

Step 4: Adding your fragrance and pouring your candle.

After removing the wax from heat, keep the thermometer in the wax to monitor the temperature as it cools. Stir the wax gently to facilitate even cooling. Once the temperature drops to 54°C, you can add your pre-measured fragrance oil. Continue to mix until the fragrance is thoroughly incorporated.

Step 5: Pouring your candle.

When the wax and fragrance are well combined, aim for a pouring temperature between 48-52°C. Slowly pour the wax into your prepared jar. Allow your candle to set overnight or until fully hardened. After setting, trim the wick to your preferred length. For best results, it’s recommended to let the candle cure for anywhere from 3 to 12 days before burning. This curing time enhances the scent throw and overall quality of your candle.

Congratulations on taking the plunge into the wonderful world of candle making! By applying the tips, tricks, and methods we’ve covered, you now possess the knowledge and skills to create beautiful, aromatic soy candles tailored to your preference. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don’t be discouraged if your first few attempts aren’t flawless. Each candle you make is a step in your crafting journey, offering opportunities to experiment and discover your unique style.

Whether you’re making candles for personal enjoyment, gifting them to loved ones, or even starting a small business, the joy of creating something from scratch is truly rewarding. So light those candles, enjoy the ambiance they bring, and share your creations with family and friends. Embrace the process, celebrate your successes, and let your creativity shine. Happy candle making!