All Natural Soy Candle Making

Soy candle making is quickly gaining popularity. Many people have found that soy candle making is superior to candle making with paraffin wax. Soy wax is made from the farm crop soy and is completely natural. Some companies that make candle making products claim that their soy candles are pure enough to cook with.

Soy candles are also known to burn cleaner than paraffin candles -- this makes them safer to use around children, animals and those with smoke allergies. Farmers benefit from the popularity of soy wax because growing soy is a profitable crop. Because soy can be grown it is considered a renewable resource -- another reason some claim it is superior to soy.

Making soy candles is very similar to making candles from paraffin wax. The first decision to make is which type of candle is to be made. Votive candles, pillar candles, container candles and dipped candles all require a different type of wax. There are soy waxes for any of the types. For example, votive candles require a medium firm wax -- not too soft and not too firm.

Votive wax (like pillar wax) is designed so that it can be easily released from the candle mold. The wax for making pillar candles needs to be firmer than that used for votives and container candles because when the candle burns, if it is not firm enough, it will leak and the candle will be destroyed and make a mess.

The wax used for container candles is the softest wax of all. This type of wax is encased in a container and doesn’t need to be released out of a mold, it also does not have to keep its shape like a pillar candle. After the type of candle to be made is decided there is a simple process to follow to make soy candles. First the basic supplies must be acquired -- wax, wick, wax melter (or double boiler), and molds. These basic supplies can be purchased as kits from craft stores or as separate supplies.

After the supplies have been purchased, the soy wax must be melted (don’t let the temperature rise over 170 degrees or it will catch fire). Next, add any dyes and/or fragrances (there are many different ways to combine colors and scents for a unique candle -- look in candle making books or websites for ideas). The wax and the fragrances and dyes should be mixed together with a wire whisk.

Once this is done let the wax and fragrances set for a few minutes to bond. After the wax has cooled to less than 150 degrees pour the wax into molds. Finally, the candles must cool for approximately five hours (this time may vary depending on the type of soy candle).