How to Make Soy Votive Candles
Posted: Sunday, February 21, 2010
by Peter Dranitsin
Petes Original Art Inc.
There isn't a nice way to spend the afternoon than making candles. It is sheer pleasure. For those new to the craft, the procedure is quite simple. For this soy making candle project we will be using one pound of soy wax, which will make exactly eight votives.
Before we start make sure you have all the items listed on the following how to make soy candles checklist:
• Melting system- you can use either a Presto Kitchen Kettle or you can use a big pot to boil the water and an empty coffee can.
• Wicking- for the wicking you will need either a cotton core wicking or a hemp core wicking.
• Fragrance oils which must be compatible with soy wax.
• Dyes which must be compatible with soy wax.
• Candy thermometer
It is very important never to heat the wax on your stove without using a double boiler. Believe it or not, wax is highly flammable and once it hits it reaches it flash point, it will ignite into flames. The flash point is normally between 290- 380 degrees.
Begin by placing your wax in the Presto, or heating water in a pot on your stove. Heat the water on medium heat and add the coffee can with the wax broken into smaller chunks. Clip your candle thermometer on the side, but make sure it isn't touching the sides or the bottom. When melted the temperature should be between 170 - 180 degrees.
Once the wax is melted it is time to add the dye. Dye comes in either liquid or chip form. The liquid form will take about 12 drops. The chip form, you will want to break of small amounts and add it until your desired color. Use a metal spoon to stir the wax. Once you have the dye mixed it will be time for the fragrance. The temperature of the soy wax should be 175 as you add your fragrance. You will use about 1.5 ounce of fragrance oil per pound of wax. Using your spoon stir the wax for two minutes.
Now, reduce the heat so that the wax drops between 150 - 155 digress. You soy wax will now be ready to pour into the molds. The tip here is to warm your molds before pouring the wax. So, place your molds into your oven on a cookie sheet on warm. They should stay in the oven for about ten minutes. Take them out and be sure to wear a heat resistant glove when handling them. Pour the candle wax gently and slowing into the molds. Once you've poured the wax into the molds, allow a skin to form on the top of the candle and then add your wick directly in the center of the candle. Allow the candles to cool for four to five hours and then they are ready to remove.
If you have any problems removing the soy candles, than place the molds in the freezer for a bit. They should come out easy once chilled. Have fun and enjoy!
Cedric James is a soy candle making expert. For more information on soy candle making supplies, visit http://candlesmakingguides.com.
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