Soy candles have been one of the most selling candles all the years because of the fact that they are clean and fresh among all candles. Traditional candles are not soy candles and they are actually made of paraffin (petroleum-based product). Making soy candles is reasonably easy and costs less. It is really beneficial for people who need fresh air while enjoying candle light. Soy candles last up to 50% longer than paraffin candles and are additionally biodegradable. Well, now as you have come to know what soy candles really are it is time to make some of them.
Difficulty Level: Moderate (Requires basic knowledge)
Time Required: 20 to 30 minutes (approximately).
Resources Required:
- Double boiler or a pan for water.
- Stirrer (with long handle)
- Measuring cup (glass only)
- Soy wax
- Liquid or chip wax dye
- Fragrance
- Candle wicks
- Sticks (to hold wicks)
- Glass containers (any size)
Instructions:
1) Start by chopping down the soy wax blocks into smaller chunks. If wax flakes are used then it is much easier as they are already in small pieces.
2) Take the double boiler and place soy wax chunks into it. Regulate the temperature so that the wax deliberately liquefies over low heat. See that it reaches a state of even liquid mixture.
3) Now, take the dry candle jars and dip the wick tab into the wax melt. Note that the jar must be clean. Place the wick at the bottom center of the jar and stick it with a mild force using a long pencil or anything similar to it. Hold it in place until the wax dries.
4) Place a flat stick on top of the jar and wind the top of the wick around the stick to keep the wick in place. This prearrangement helps in holding the wick in place while the wax is transferred into the container.
5) Add the wax die or wax dye chips and stir until the color is evenly combined. Add more color (preferably 7 to 8 drops) if you want darker color, since soy candles become light colored when they dry. Remove the wax from the heat when it is free from wax chips and has become a smooth liquid.
6) Add and stir the fragrance as quickly as possible, just before pouring the wax into the jars. This is because these fragrances tend to fade fast.
7) Carefully, pour the melted wax into the jars containing wicks. Do not decant the wax to fill the mouth of the jar since this will immerse the tip of the wick.
8) Place the candle jars in a dry place where they will not be bothered. These candles will set in about a day or two. Trim the wax to an inch or so after they solidify.
Frequently Asked Question:
1. How much time does it take for the wax to melt?
It depends on the amount of wax taken. But in general it takes about 10 to 15 minutes to completely melt the wax.
2. Can the color be added after removing the boiler from heat?
It is well and good to add the color before removing the boiler from heat as it would allow the color to mix well into the wax.
3. Can other normal vessels be used to melt the wax?
Double boiler is preferred as it melts the wax quicker than other common steel or glass vessels.
Quick Tips:
- Pour the wax only once to avoid the formation of wax pores.
- Soy wax melts faster than other waxes.
Things To Watch Out For:
- Be careful not to melt the wax at a high temperature since this would burn the wax rather than melting it.
- Pour the melted wax slowly into the jar since this would sometimes cause the wick move from its position.
- Always glue the wick to the center with wax a few minutes prior to pouring of wax as this would set the wick in place.
- Do not do this project when children are nearby, as there will always be a peril that they may play with the hot wax.
