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For all things candle and home fragrance making!
How To Make Soy Candles
What are the differences between soy wax and other wax types?
A soy wax is derived from the soybean. The soybeans are harvested and cleaned. They are then cracked, de-hulled, and rolled into flakes with the oil extracted from the flakes and hydrogenated.
A vegetable wax or ‘natural wax’ is made by hydrogenating vegetable oil. Oils such as soya bean oil and rapeseed oil are processed, ultimately turning liquid oil into a solid wax. Candles made with vegetable wax can be marketed as a natural product because the candle wax is derived from a renewable source.
A Paraffin or ‘mineral’ waxes are derived from petroleum. It is considerably the most popular choice for candle makers. Paraffin wax tends to be easier to use and provides a better scent throw than vegetable wax. Paraffin waxes are odourless and a pale white colour. Vegetable waxes have a creamy, luxurious colour with a slight hint of vegetable aroma.
Take a look at our wax comparison chart to see the differences between all of the waxes that we stock.
Why use soy wax to make your candles?
The main benefit of soy wax is that it's derived from soybean oil. It is a renewable, eco-friendly alternative to paraffin wax. Because natural waxes have little impact on our environment, finished candles made from this type of wax can be marketed as a natural product. Soy wax has a luxurious natural creamy colour and is less likely to soot than a paraffin candle if wicking is not quite right. The negatives for this wax is that the scent throw is not quite as strong as in paraffin, and wicking can be difficult in larger containers.
How to create scented soy wax candles.
To make soy candles you’re going to need a few things. Your chosen Soy Candle Wax, a Fragrance Oil, Candle Dye, Wick, Wick Stick Um, Candle Glass, A Container to melt the wax in such as a wax melter or a bowl inside a pan, A Cooker or heat source to melt the wax, Pouring jug, Utensil to stir the wax, Thermometer, Wick Centering Tool and Weighing scales.
The most popular way to melt wax is using a double boiler but you can also use a microwave or ban marie method.
Place your chosen weighed out soy wax into your double boiler or bowl and heat gently and slowly to around 80°C. Don’t let your wax exceed this temperature as you risk damaging your wax rendering it useless. We highly recommend using a thermometer so that you are able to precisely measure the temperature of your wax throughout the process. In the meantime wick your candle glass using your chosen wick and wick stick um. When your wax reaches 70°C add your colour (if desired). Remove your wax from the heat and let it cool to around 65°C. You can now add your chosen fragrance if desired. Stir gently but thoroughly for a few minutes to ensure that the wax and fragrance bond. Transfer your wax to your pouring jug and allow the temperature to cool to around 55°C then fill your candle to around 1cm from the top of the glass and leave to set using your wick centering tool. Once set, trim your wick to around 5mm and you’re ready to burn!
You can discover more about melting wax in our blog; Best Ways To Melt Candle Wax.
Or follow our step by step guide on candle making here.
How does using soy wax compare to paraffin wax, how can I use it as a selling point for my business?
Soy wax has so many benefits when it comes to marketing! Soy is preferred by many wax melt and candle makers because on average, soy candles burn for upto to 50% longer than paraffin candles and melts giving you and your customers more for their money. Soy wax is also preferred because it is an excellent fragrance carrier that does not require chemical amplifiers or additives. The result is a well-balanced true to scent wax melt.
Soy wax is a renewable source unlike paraffin waxes, Soy occurs naturally and is environmentally friendly as it is made from renewable resources; whereas classic paraffin wax is made from petroleum and is non-renewable.
One of the main reasons why chandlers prefer soy wax is because of its clean burn. Paraffin based waxes can release toxins, so many crafters tend to opt for soy for a cleaner burn and better quality of air!
Is there anything else to bear in mind when using soy wax?
The negatives for soy wax is that the scent throw is not quite as strong as in paraffin, and wicking can be difficult in larger containers.
Soy wax has the tendency to expand and contract. These are effects that are natural due to the changes of temperature and the natural characteristics of soy wax. While contracting and expanding are natural occurrences of this are mostly unavoidable, it helps to keep your candles at a warm and ambient temperature when cooling. Cooler temperatures will cause shrinkage and pullaways around the glass.
Soy wax may create frosting marks. There are, however, soy additives that could reduce the production of soy frost, but pouring at the correct temperature can help rectify this.
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