How to Make Soy Candles in 10 Easy Steps

To make soy candles simply follow these ten easy steps. Every step is important and must be followed carefully if you want to know how to make soy candles.

First: decide. Decide which type of candle to make. Soy wax can be used to make everything from votive candles to taper candles to large pillar candles. For illustrative purposes let’s imagine we are making a votive candles -- votive candles are good for beginners because they are small and easy to manage. Plus, they don’t require special dipping procedures.

Second: measure. Once you have decided which type to make you must carefully measure the amount of soy wax you need. A votive candle requires about 2 oz. of soy wax per candle. This means to make eight votive candles you will need 16 ounces of wax.

Third: melt. This is an important step because if wax is melted incorrectly it can burst into flames. One way to do this is with a wax melter. These are generally inexpensive. Most cost under $20. Another way to melt it is in a double boiler (if you don’t own a double boiler you can make one by filling a large pot with water and placing a smaller pot inside it). Wax melters and/or double boilers are used so that wax doesn’t overheat -- at 290 degrees it catches on fire.

Fourth: dye. Dying can be done by mixing the dye and wax together with a wire whisk. Food coloring does not work -- candle dye must be used. Melted crayons are another option for dying the candles. These work well except they make the dying process longer as they must be melted into the wax.

Fifth: fragrance. It takes approximately 1.5 oz of fragrance per every 16 oz. of candle wax. The candle wax needs to be approximately 170 degrees so that the fragrance and wax will bind properly. The fragrance needs to be stirred for about two minutes. The fourth and fifth steps are where you get to flex your creative muscles... the options for fragrance and color combinations are nearly limitless.

Sixth: reduce heat. The heat must be reduced to approximately 150 to 155 degrees.

Seventh: pour candles. Once the wax has cool enough the wax must be poured into molds that have been warmed to slightly warmer than room temperature (this can be done in an oven). The wax can be poured using a measuring cup or a pour pot.

Eighth: wicks. After the candles are cool and there is a thin "skin" on the top they are ready for wicks to be added. The wick needs to be straight for insertion. Making sure the wick stays straight hold it at the top and push it to the bottom of the votive mold.

Ninth: smooth imperfections. To smooth any imperfections (there are usually imperfections left from pushing the wick into the candle) the candle can be held under a flame (from another candle) and the wax can be re-melted and gently shaped.

Tenth: take candle out of mold. After approximately five hours the candles are set. To take them out of the mold simply pull gently on the wick and they should pop right out (if all of the directions for how to make soy candles have been followed).

Following these ten simple steps will teach you how to make soy candles and enjoy the process at the same time! Have fun!