How To Make Soy Wax Candles?

Making soy wax candles in glass jars is a fun and rewarding DIY project. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Materials You’ll Need:

1. Soy Wax – Ensure you choose high-quality soy wax flakes.
2. Glass Jars – Clean, heat-safe jars such as mason jars or repurposed glass containers.
3. Wicks – Pre-tabbed cotton or wood wicks suitable for soy wax.
4. Wick Stickers or Hot Glue – To secure the wick to the jar.
5. Fragrance Oil (Optional) – Choose skin-safe scents made for candle making.
6. Color Dye (Optional) – Candle dye chips or liquid dye.
7. Double Boiler – Or a heatproof bowl over a pot.
8. Thermometer – To monitor the wax temperature.
9. Popsicle Stick or Wick Centering Tool – To keep the wick upright and centered.
10. Heat Gun (Optional) – To smooth the surface after cooling.

Instructions:

1. Prepare Your Workspace and Materials

• Clean the glass jars thoroughly and let them dry.
• Attach the wick to the bottom center of each jar using a wick sticker or a dab of hot glue. Use a centering tool to hold the wick upright.

2. Measure and Melt Soy Wax

• Measure the amount of wax needed (approximately 1 oz of wax per 1 fl oz of jar capacity).
• Melt the wax in a double boiler over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Avoid direct heat to prevent scorching.

3. Add Fragrance and Dye (Optional)

• When the wax reaches 175-185°F (80-85°C), remove it from heat and add fragrance oil (typically 6-10% of the wax weight) and dye if desired.
• Stir thoroughly to ensure the fragrance and dye are evenly distributed.

4. Cool and Pour Wax

• Allow the wax to cool to about 135-145°F (57-63°C) before pouring it into the jars. Pouring at the right temperature helps prevent sinkholes and air bubbles.
• Carefully pour the wax into the prepared jars, leaving a small gap at the top.

5. Secure the Wick

• Adjust the wick with a centering tool or a popsicle stick to ensure it stays in place as the wax sets.

6. Let the Candles Cure

• Allow the candles to cool and harden completely (4-6 hours). For best results, let them cure for 24-48 hours before use.

7. Trim the Wick

• Trim the wick to about 1/4 inch before lighting to avoid excessive soot or large flames.

Tips:

• Test First: If adding fragrance or dye, make a small test candle to ensure the scent throw and color meet your expectations.
• Surface Issues: Use a heat gun to re-melt the surface of the candle if it sets unevenly or develops sinkholes.
• Safety First: Never leave melting wax unattended, and work in a well-ventilated area.

Enjoy your homemade soy candles! 😊