How to Make Soy Candles in 9 Easy Steps

by Cindy Mason

Here are the nine basic steps to making soy candles. Following each step will allow you to create quality soy candles.

First Step - Measuring Your Wax

The first step in making soy candles is deciding what type of candle to create. The reason for this is because the soy wax has to be carefully measured out according to the type of candle and the number of candles that are being made. For demonstration purposes we will be making votive candles. These candles require around two ounces of soy wax per candle. Work with even measurements whenever possible. If we were to make eight votive candles we would need about one pound of soy wax.

Second Step - Melt Your Wax

The next step in making soy candles is to melt the soy wax. You can purchase a wax melter for around $20 from your local department store or use a double boiler to melt your wax. Using a double boiler works well but it is a little slower for melting your wax. You must never melt wax directly on the stove as there is a risk where the wax will burst into flames.

Third Step - Adding Color

The third step in how to make soy candles is to add color to your candles. You can purchase and use candle dye and stir it into your melted wax. You may also use crayons to add color to your soy candles. You do not want to use food coloring as this will damage your soy candle.

Fourth Step - Adding A Fragrance

When adding fragrance to your candle wax you want to add about one and a half ounces of your fragrance for every pound of candle wax that you use. The temperature of the wax needs to be around 170 degrees so that the fragrance will bind with the wax properly. Stir the mixture for about two minutes or so before moving on to the next step.

Fifth Step - Reduce The Heat

The fifth step in how to make soy candles is to reduce the heat from 170 degrees to close to 150 degrees. You should also warm your candle molds so that they are slightly above room temperature. By doing this will allow the candles to release from their molds much easier.

Sixth Step - Pour Your Candle Wax Into Your Molds

When the wax is cooled to around 150 degrees you can then pour your wax into the molds. You can use a Pyrex measuring cup if you don't have a pour pot. Make sure you fill each mold to the top.

Seventh Step - Add Your Wicks

Once you notice a thin layer of skin on the top of the mold it is time to add your wicks. Make sure your wicks are straight and push it all the way to the bottom of the mold. Take care to make sure that you keep it straight and centered.

Eighth Step - Smoothing Out The Imperfections

No matter how careful you were when you pressed the wick into the candle you probably created a slight depression in the skin. The only way you can smooth out this imperfection is to re-melt the wax. Be very careful that you don't scorch the candle or wick.

Ninth Step: You Have Your Candles

You need to wait about 5 hours for the candles to set properly. Once the candles are set just give a little pull on the wick and the candle should pop right out of the mold.

These are very simple steps in how to make soy candles. Take your time and have some fun with your candle making hobby.