subject: How to Make All Natural Soy Candles [print this page] How to Make All Natural Soy Candles How to Make All Natural Soy Candles
Many people these days, are making to the decision to work with soy wax. Soybean wax was invented by Michael Richards. Richards had been involved in the candle making industry for many years, and was looking for an all natural alternative to beeswax, which is a bit expensive. The advantages to use soy over other waxes are as follows:
*Soy wax as stated, is cheaper than beeswax.
*Soy wax is produced from a renewable resource, soybeans.
*Soy wax is all natural. Many people prefer this as opposed to paraffin whichis based in petroleum.
*CO2 levels in the atmosphere are not increased when soy candles are burned.
*Soy wax burns fifty percent longer than paraffin wax.
*The spills from soy wax are very easy to clean, soap and water that's it.
*Soy wax candles produce a very minimal amount of soot.
*Soy wax candles emit the scents or fragrances at a much more powerful level than candles made from other kinds of wax.
It is for these reasons that many people are choosing to make soy candles when creating not only decorative candles but candles used in the practice of aromatherapy as well.
When starting out working with soy candle wax at home, the easiest to make at first are those in containers. The supplies you will need to make your first soy wax candle include a pound of wax, a mason jar or any other sturdy glass container or vase. Make certain that the glass is rather thick, as it if is too thin it may crack when you pour in the hot wax, or when you burn the candle later. You will need wax dye, and cotton wick. An ounce of fragrance oil if you wish to make a scented candle. A wooden spoon and a double boiler...which you can set up easily by using a big pot to boil water and an old can to submerse into the pot. You will need a candy thermometer...and you are ready to go.
You can find soy wax in two forms, either flake or solid. Flake form is quicker as when you get the solid form, you must cut it off into flakes or smaller chunks so that it melts more evenly. As for the fragrance, you will need about one ounce for every 16 ounces of wax. But this you will add bit by bit so as to not add too much for your own preference. The wax dyes are also found in different forms, either liquid, in blocks or in flakes. They are all wonderful so it is just a personal preference as to which one you like to work with the best. When you are making a container candle, it is easiest to work with the wicks that have a metal disc on one end. Before you pour the wax, dip the metal disc into the hot wax and then fix it to the bottom of the container. You can use a skewer or a pencil to hold the wick upright and perpendicular while you are pouring the wax.
When heating your wax, make certain to heat over medium heat...not rushing, but slowly melting the wax thoroughly and evenly. Use the thermometer to make certain that you do not let the temperature exceed 180 degrees. This is for one, the optimum time to add the fragrance, when the wax is at its highest temperature. And secondly, do not exceed this temperature as candle wax is flammable. If the wax begins to smoke, remove it from the heat source right away. Now it is time to let the wax sit off of the heat source for about a minute, then slowly pour the wax into the container. Let this set up for about 24 hours, and then...you are ready to burn you very first, homemade, all-natural soy wax candle. Enjoy!
