All About Soy Candle Wax

Candle making is becoming more popular all the time.  It’s an art form that enthusiasts love to do as their favorite hobby or even a small business. You do not have to be an expert in candle making to make candles.  Making candles is simple and not complicated.

Candles make perfect gifts.  Candles are perfect presents for any occasion; consider them for Valentine’s Day, Birthdays, Anniversaries, Mother’s or Father’s Day, Halloween, bridal showers, weddings, new homes; the list is endless.

Soy candle wax is made from renewable, natural ingredients. Soy wax is made from hydrogenated soybean oil, burns cleaner and longer than the petroleum based paraffin wax.  Michael Richards invented soy wax in 1992.  Richards wanted to find an alternative for the more expensive beeswax and tested different natural plant waxes. He ended up with vegetable waxes made from soybean oil, coconut oil and palm oil. He also blended beeswax with soy wax to make a clean natural wax candle, with an amazing smell and easier to work with.  It was discovered that soy wax mixes well with fragrance (essential oils) to produce natural scented candles, used in aromatherapy candles.

There are those that prefer making soy candles over using other candle wax.  Here are some benefits of working with soy candle wax:

  1. Soy wax candles are reasonably priced to make. Beeswax, another renewable natural wax, however is more expensive to work with.  The soy bean is a great renewable source and easy to produce.
  2. Soy candles are natural. It does not emit carbon dioxide when it burns, like petroleum products do.
  3. Soy candles produce less ash. Ash is unhealthy and dirty.  Soy candles produce approximately 90% less ash than paraffin candles.
  4. Soy candles last longer. Since the soy beans undergo a hydrogenation process; this process makes the candle harder and last longer than paraffin candles.  A soy candle stores for long periods of time in a controlled, cool environment.  Because of the hardness of the candle, you can use it even on a hot day.
  5. Wax spills are easy to clean up, using hot soapy water.

I hope you see why soy candles are so popular.  The process to make soy candles actually is simple.  You need soy wax, a mold or container, a thermometer, a wick, some scent and dye (or color), a stirrer and a double boiler.

Basically, melt the soy wax in a double boiler. While you are melting your wax, preheat your mold or container so that it is ready to pour wax into it.  Once your wax starts to melt (using your thermometer to get the right melting point), stir in the scent and dye.  Use the stirrer to mix it so that the color and scent are all mixed in.

Prepare your wick. Hold the wick in the center of the mold or container. Once your wax is ready, pour it in the mold or container slowly and carefully.  Allow your candle to cool and then trim your wick!

There you go. You’re done with your soy candle.  It really doesn’t sound hard, does it?  The trick is to prepare all your ingredients and supplies ahead of time so that you are working in a smooth rhythm.  Once you make your first candle, you will be hooked at how easy it is to make!

To make it a perfect gift, wrap a ribbon with an artificial flower glued on the outside of the container. Or place it in a box or in a gift basket.

Now that you know all about soy candle wax and how easy it is, enjoy making your very own soy candle!