Using soy wax for your candles provides you with natural base options and a clean, consistent burn. Bulk Apothecary sells candle making supplies, including soy waxes. Here is more information about the process of making soy candles for a clean burn:
Selecting Your Wax and Wicks
Part of choosing your candle making supplies is deciding on the type of soy wax to use. Types of soy wax may differ in additives and pour and melt temperatures. They also differ in fragrance loads, which refers to the percentage of fragrance for the total recipe weight. Soy wax can come in flake form, making it easier to work with. It also offers a slow-burning base.
The two kinds of soy wax we offer are Golden Wax Candle Wax and Akosoy Wax. Both types of waxes are made from partially hydrogenated soybean oil. Golden Wax utilizes a soy-based additive, which enables a higher pour temperature of 115 to 120 degrees Fahrenheit and enhances glass adhesion. Akosoy Wax is Kosher Certified. Golden Wax has a 7 to 9% fragrance load, and Akosoy Wax has a 6 to 8% load.
High-quality wicks made from wood or cotton provide a consistent burn, preventing the wick from fraying or sparking. Wood wicks do not require trimming and come in soy-coated and uncoated varieties. Cotton wicks should be trimmed down after pouring the wax.
Preparing Containers
Before the wax-melting process, prepare your containers for the candles. Soy wax works well for jar candles and other types of container candles. We offer glass and ceramic jars for candles. For soy wax, heat glass containers to 100 to 125 degrees Fahrenheit before pouring the wax in. This helps prevent shrinkage. Make sure the jars are heat-safe.
Center the wick in each container. Putting the wick in the center allows for the wax to melt in an appropriate burn pool while the candle is lit. Stand over the jar as you insert the wick to see what the center of the jar would be. You can use wick tape, hot glue, or a small amount of wax to place the wick.
Measuring and Melting
The amount of soy wax you need to melt will depend on the volume of your containers and the number of candles you plan to make. Check the amounts against the wax bag and the candle recipe you are using. Measure and pour the wax into a double boiler, and melt the wax over medium heat. Stir the wax consistently to make sure it is completely melted.
Coloring and Scenting
As you stir the wax, add your chosen coloring product to the soy wax. Options at Bulk Apothecary include:
- Color blocks: These are solid blocks of colorants with a wax base. You can change the shade of the wax by adding smaller or larger amounts from the color block. Color blocks can also be mixed together to create new shades.
- Liquid dye: These are soluble colorants that are simple to pour. Fragrance and wax opacity can impact the color. Dyes are also compatible with other colors and colorants.
Starting small when adding the block or dye allows for better control over the color. This also helps prevent you from adding too much dye to the wax, which can alter the burn. Mix the dye or color block well to distribute the color evenly. Make sure not to overheat the wax and dye. This can cause wax oxidation, where the wax deteriorates.
When the wax has melted, remove the wax from the heat. Once the wax is between 135 and 165 degrees Fahrenheit, you can add all-natural fragrance oil or essential oils to scent your candles. High-quality fragrance oils are burning grade. Natural scent options include cinnamon, cloves, and rose petals. Mix fragrances to create a unique scent profile.
Pouring the Wax
Use a thermometer to check the temperature of the wax. This helps you make sure it is within the proper pouring range. Pour temperature can impact how well the wax adheres to glass containers. If using Akosoy wax, make sure it has a pouring temperature of 90 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
Pour the wax into the container until the wax is about 1/4th of an inch away from the top. Do not touch the candle, as agitating it can negatively impact the candle. Leave the candles to set overnight.
Find Quality Candle Making Supplies
Our company offers wax and wick size guides to help you select a wick size and melt soy wax. We also provide decorative candle making supplies, such as lavender flowers. Bulk Apothecary sells decorative bags and other packaging materials for your product. We invite you to browse our products on our online store to learn more about our candle, soap, and beauty supplies.
