Soy Candle Making Supplies for Those Perfect Candles
So, what are the soy candle making supplies you need? To be able to make a good soy candle, you need to use quality ingredients and good equipment. Soy candle wax, for example, is more expensive than paraffin wax, but the value pays for the extra cost.
When making any kind of candle, the first thing you need to do is gather all the supplies together. Review the process in your head to make sure that you have everything ready to go. No matter what you are doing, safety first. The great thing about making soy candles, or any candles for that matter, is the cleanup is easy. Soy candle wax is easier to clean up than other candle waxes.
Here are the essential soy candle making supplies that you should have handy:
Soy wax is all natural, derived from soy beans, burns longer and cleaner than paraffin wax. This is a great renewable source of energy. You can get this wax in a solid block form or soy wax flakes.
You also need a double boiler to melt your wax. A double boiler is safer to use than a homemade set up of a can, sitting on a lifter, inside of a pot containing the boiling water. This makeshift setup could work, but safety should be the first priority. The reason you need a double boiler is because the wax is not in direct contact with the heating element or heat source. The indirect heat of boiling water melts the wax without scorching or burning it. Invest in a good double boiler. It will last a long time.
Thermometer tells you exactly what temperature the wax is at. Remember that you are working with a ‘flammable’ substance that can catch fire! So, watch the temperature closely to get to that melting point.
You need a stirring spoon, or something to stir the wax as it melts. This can be metal, wooden, or a heavy plastic.
Next is the wick. A wick is a thread-like string or cord or wooden object that holds the flame in a candle. As you research your wicks, you will find those that are better suited for soy wax.
Did you know you could make soy candles without a wick? I didn’t. Those wickless soy candles works with electric candle warmers that are plugged into the wall.
You need to use a mold or container to shape up your candle. Choosing how your candle will look is a fun part of the process. Once you start to make soy candles, you will be looking at containers differently! The molds available will ignite your imagination!
Don’t forget to add a scent or fragrance to your melted wax. Always use quality essential oils for your scent. The manufacturer will tell you what the correct temperature is to add the scent.
Choosing the color is an important part of your soy candle. The rule of thumb when adding color is less is better. It may take you a few times to determine the exact amount of color to add to get that ‘right look’. Try both the liquid color dye and the color chips to see which you prefer.
That’s all the soy candle making supplies you need. Shopping online or at your local craft shop is fun. The choices are endless. Once you master the art of making soy candles you will be ready to buy your supplies in larger quantities or at wholesale prices.
The last thought I want to leave you with is always be careful in making your candles. Have your fire extinguisher close by. Don’t leave the melting wax unattended. Remember, prevention is always better than the cure. Have fun making your first soy candles.
