We often get questions from our customers: “How do I make a candle?” The answer is a bit complex. We like to compare it to a driving test. At first, it seems simple. After your first drive, you realize it’s not that easy, and after a few months of practice, you do it without much trouble. The same goes for making soy candles, so don’t be discouraged if your first attempts don’t turn out perfectly. Making soy candles is a fun way to create your own natural candles for your home. Soy candles are eco-friendly and safe for the environment, which is why many people choose to make them themselves.
What Do You Need to Make a DIY Candle?
To make a soy candle at home, you’ll need the following materials:
- Soy wax,
- Wooden or cotton wick,
- Candle container or mold,
- Scissors,
- Thermometer,
- Stirring stick,
- A container to melt the wax (a small saucepan works),
- Fragrance oil and wax dye (optional).
Handmade Soy Candles – Step-by-Step
Prepare the Wax and Necessary Tools
To make a soy candle, first prepare soy wax, one of the most popular types of wax for candle making. You can purchase it in our online store. Also, make sure all your necessary tools are ready before you start creating your candles.
Melt the Wax
The best way to melt the wax is with a double boiler. Place the container with wax into a larger pot of water and heat the water over medium heat until the wax melts. You can also use a microwave, but be careful not to overheat the wax. Once melted, set the wax aside to cool slightly.
Add Fragrance Oil
To make a scented candle, add the appropriate amount of fragrance oil to the melted wax. Use a good-quality fragrance oil that dissolves well in wax and gives off a strong scent. It is recommended to use 3–10% fragrance oil per kilogram of wax (30–100 ml per 1 kg of wax). Add the oil at the correct temperature to prevent evaporation before the wax sets. Stir the wax thoroughly to distribute the scent evenly.
Place the Wick
To place a wooden or cotton wick in the center of your chosen container, you can use a clothespin. Place the two ends of the pin on the edges of the container and position the wick in the middle. For a more professional approach, use wooden wick holders or a few drops of glue to stabilize it.
Pour Wax into the Container or Mold
Before pouring, make sure all ingredients are well mixed and that the wax is at the correct pouring temperature, usually between 40–55°C depending on the type of wax. Slowly and carefully pour the wax into your mold or container. Ensure the mold is level and free of air bubbles. Allow the wax to cool for 24–48 hours. Once fully set, trim the wick to 0.5 mm.
And that’s how you make your first soy candle. As you can see, candle making isn’t too difficult. Congratulations! 😊
How to Make Candles with Wooden Wicks
Making a candle with a wooden wick is more complex and requires more experience than using a cotton wick. For the best results, consider factors such as the wax blend, container shape, fragrance and dye amounts, and wick length. After pouring, wait 24–48 hours for the wax to set, then trim the wick to 3–5 mm above the wax surface. If the wick doesn’t burn properly, you can try the “sandwich” method by combining two wicks. Pay attention to these details for optimal results when making wooden wick candles.
How Much Essential Oil to Add?
The amount of essential oil depends on container size and material, type and amount of wax, and desired fragrance intensity. Typically, 3–10% of essential oil is used per wax weight, which is 3–10 ml per 100 g of wax. Keep in mind that some oils are stronger or more volatile than others, so testing is recommended. Be cautious, as adding too much oil can affect candle burning. If unsure, start with a smaller amount and adjust gradually.
How Many Candles Can You Make from 1 kg of Wax?
You can calculate using this formula: container volume × 0.77 = wax weight.
Example: 100 ml × 0.77 = 77 g wax.
From 1 kg of wax, you can make approximately 13 candles of 100 ml each.
How Long Does a Soy Candle Take to Set?
The setting time depends on container size, wall thickness, room temperature, and amount of fragrance oil. On average, a DIY soy candle in a container sets in 6–12 hours. Candles with additives may take up to 24 hours. For best results, follow wax manufacturer instructions and allow the candle to set for 24–48 hours.