Soy Wax
Candle making has become an
increasingly popular hobby in America. People make candles for
themselves, for friends, and more & more people are starting their own
businesses by making candles. And, why not? From 1997 through 2001, the
candle industry has increased from a $1.8 billion industry to just over
$2.8 billion. That's over $1 billion growth in just five years. But
before you start making candles, you must know that to obtain the
perfect candle you will spend many rounds perfecting the process. It's
similar to cooking the perfect meal. Wax must be melted at certain
temperatures, fragrances and colors must be added at the appropriate
temperatures, pouring must occur at the right moment, and ample cooling
time is required. So, don't get frustrated. Candle making is an art and
can provide many hours of enjoyment and satisfaction. But, like any art,
it needs to be perfected and takes time.
Before you start, here is a list of
items you'll need:
Pour Pitchers - you can choose a Large or
Small from us.
Thermometer - something that can withstand high temperatures.
Wax paper or newspaper - it can get messy!
Now, once you have the aforementioned items, the bare essential items
you will need to get started are Soy Wax,
Colorants, Fragrance Oils,
Wicks, and containers.
How Do I Make Soy Candles?
Melt point = 127° F
Flashpoint = 500° F
Instructions:
Wick container
Heat soy wax to 150° - 180° F
Add color
Remove from heat source
Add fragrance at 140° - 150° F
Pour into container at 95° - 110° F
* CAUTION - Do not keep in liquid form above 150° F for extended periods
of time, as this will burn the wax (give it a yellow appearance).
Soy Wax Q&A
- Why doesn't the wax burn to the edge of the container?
- The wick is too small.
- Why is the top of the candle rough?
- The wax was poured at the incorrect temperature (generally too high).
- Do I need to heat containers or molds before pouring?
- No
- Can I microwave soy wax?
- Yes, but we do not recommend it.
- Does soy wax work for novelty candles?
- No.
- Does soy votive wax work for pillars?
- (Not recommended).
- What causes votives to crack?
- They were either poured at too low of a temperature or cooled too rapidly.
- Can candles be water or rapid cooled?
- No, this may cause cracking.
- Can you make tapers with soy wax?
- No.
- Can you make floaters with soy wax?
- Yes, up to 3" in diameter.
- How long of a burn is required to form a wax pool in a container?
- It will vary due to wick size and candle diameter.
- What causes frosting on the sides of candles?
- Air bubbles from excessive agitation or incorrect pouring temperature.
- How much fragrance should I use?
- We recommend 7% by weight.
7% = 1 pound of wax and 1.12 ounces of fragrance oil. - Can your oils be used in lotions and soaps?
- Check each fragrance.
- Why does the fragrance bleed through the wax?
- The fragrance concentration is too high.
- At what temperature should fragrance be added to the wax?
- Preferably around 150/160°F.
- Do I need to preheat the fragrance oil before adding it to the wax?
- No.
- Can essential oils be used with soy wax?
- Yes.
- Can I mix different fragrances to achieve different aromas?
- Yes! Let your creative juices flow...the only limit is your imagination.