How to make a soy candle
Get creative with DIY candles
Ready to make your first soy candle? We got you!
In this beginner-friendly tutorial, you'll learn exactly how to make your own soy candles. We'll walk you through the whole process in this step-by-step guide and you'll come away with foundational candle making skills—plus two beautiful, handmade soy container candles.
We use natural soy wax for this project because it's:
- an easy way to get started in candle making.
- great for those trying their hand at making candles for the first time.
- a good option for candle makers of all skill levels.
We also enjoy this type of wax because it offers a long burn time and cleans up easily with hot water and soap, or rubbing alcohol.
See the list to the right for all of the supplies needed for this project. You can also use this tutorial in conjunction with one of our candle making kits!
Each kit provides the exact amount of wax and other supplies needed to make six to 12 candles in tins. No worrying about what to do with extra wicks or other materials! And all candle making kits ship free!
EO Notes: You can also use candle-approved essential oils for this project. Check the recommended usage percentage on the essential oil product page and start with low percentages. How to Make Soy Candles with Essential Oils
Making scented candles at home will require a couple of items that you likely already have around your house:
- Double boiler (using a heat-proof container placed in a pot of simmering water)
- Stirring spatula
- Paper towels
- Isopropyl alcohol
- Scissors
Step by step directions:
When making homemade candles, you'll need access to a flat surface like a counter or tabletop. It's important this space can be used for several hours while the candles set and cool.
Once you have your work space ready, gather your materials. It's time to get started!
Step 1: Melt the soy candle wax
Pour your 1 lb (16 oz or 454 g) bag of Golden Brands 464 soy wax flakes into the pouring pitcher. Heat the wax with a double boiler or hot plate.
Step 2: Prepare your jars
While your wax melts, wipe out your Straight Sided Tumbler Jars with a small amount of isopropyl alcohol and a clean paper towel. This step ensures each candle container is ready for wicking.
Using a wick sticker, center one CD 18 wick in each jar.
Step 3: Add the candle dye block and fragrance oil to your melted wax
Once your wax is fully melted, add half of a Caribbean Blue dye block to the wax and stir.
Note: The block should snap in half, but the next easiest way to cut it is to use a knife and cutting board.
Stir the dye block into the wax.
Once the dye is fully mixed in, check the wax temperature with a thermometer. When the wax has reached 185°F (85°C), add the 1 oz (28 g) bottle of High Tide fragrance oil, approximately a 7% fragrance load. Stir gently for 2 minutes to ensure that the oil is fully incorporated with the wax.
For more information about calulating the amount of fragrance oil you need, check out our FAQ.
Step 4: Pour the hot wax into the prepared candle jar
When the wax cools to 135°F (57.2°C), carefully pour the wax into the jars. Secure the wick with a wick bar.
Allow your candles to fully cool to room temperature.
Step 5: Trim the candle wick & enjoy!
Once your candles have cooled completely, remove the wick bars and trim the wicks to 1/4 in. (6 mm). Place a warning label on the bottom of each candle.
You just made two soy candles! Our candles feature the Caribbean Blue Dye Block and High Tide fragrance oil, but you can have fun customizing the scent and color pairings for your own candles – the options are soytainly endless!
This is a fun and simple DIY project that makes wonderful gifts. With a little time and effort, making candles could become a gratifying hobby for years to come, or even a home business.
Show off your first soy candle and all your handmade creations, with the CandleScience community by tagging us @CandleScience and using the #CandleScientist hashtag on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. We may feature you in our Stories or on our website!
Want to make more candles? Try these projects next!
MAKE IT: Votive candles
MAKE IT: Clamshell soy wax melts
MAKE IT: Tealight candles
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